The Manning Police Department and Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office have partnered to form a joint gang task force aimed at addressing increasing gang-related activity and recent shooting incidents across the city and county.
The unit will include two deputies from the sheriff’s office and one Manning police officer, combining resources and intelligence from both agencies to proactively identify and investigate gang activity.
Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley said the partnership expands on an existing working relationship between the two departments.
“[Our departments] have worked together since 2017, when I was first elected as sheriff,” Baxley said, noting the agencies already operate a joint narcotics unit that allows officers from both departments to work cases throughout the county, often leading to federal charges and convictions.
Baxley said recent shooting incidents, including drive-by shootings and gunfire reported at apartment complexes, prompted discussions about strengthening gang enforcement efforts.
“We believe that most of the recent shooting incidents have been gang related,” Baxley said. “Creating this combined unit will allow more manpower to focus and investigate these types of activities.”
Manning Police Chief Sean Briley said the task force is designed to target gang-related crime across both jurisdictions while improving efficiency between agencies.
“It saves taxpayers money by working together instead of both agencies chasing the same people separately,” Briley said.
The task force will focus on identifying and monitoring gang-related activity throughout the city and county, with assigned officers bringing prior knowledge of local gangs, suspected members and related crimes. The unit is expected to focus heavily on intelligence gathering, documentation and early intervention efforts rather than responding only after crimes occur.
Briley said law enforcement has observed an increase in gang involvement among younger individuals over the last year, prompting agencies to take early action.
“We want to stay ahead of the problem,” Briley said. “This is about protecting our community and making it clear gang activity will not be tolerated here.”
In addition to enforcement efforts, Briley said the initiative also emphasizes prevention and outreach, particularly to younger residents and their families.
“It’s not the life it’s portrayed to be,” Briley said. “There is no good ending. It’s either death or jail.”
Briley encouraged parents who are concerned about their children’s associations or behavior to reach out for help.
“If parents or kids are worried they may be headed down that path, they are welcome to come talk with us,” Briley said. “We’re here to help, not just make arrests.”
Baxley said both agencies remain committed to working together to protect residents.
“Chief Briley and I vow to continue to work together to protect our citizens,” Baxley said, adding that both agencies maintain zero tolerance for gang-related activity.
Anyone with information related to gang activity or related crimes is encouraged to contact the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office at 803-435-4414 or the Manning Police Department through its anonymous tip line at 803-433-8025.
