Tea and Talk at Grandma’s with BPD Chief Sammy Crosland

BENNETTSVILLE — A variety of current social trends and community safety topics were discussed during Grandma’s Treasures inaugural Tea and Talk inside their Cozy Tea Room with Bennettsville Police (BPD) Chief Sammy Crosland. Tea and Talk is a new monthly feature of the business that will focus on connecting the community with its different leaders and officials to discuss relevant information and subjects pertaining to Bennettsville residents’ everyday lives.

During May’s Tea and Talk, Chief Crosland discussed many of the dangers he sees during the course of his profession that he feels residents should remain vigilant about, particularly women.

“It’s hard to talk to women right now because, to be honest, y’all are the victim of a lot of crime,” Crosland said, pointing out females are more likely to be robbed or taken against their will.

Crosland counselled staying wary of your surroundings when dating; if you leave the table and your drink is left unattended behind, when you return always replace your drink. The chief added it is best to limit after dark travel in unfamiliar areas and cautioned attendees it is always advisable to have a full tank of gas. Crosland said carrying mace on a key ring and having your keys in your hand as you walk to your car are good options for deterring any would be parking lot attackers. Parking near the front of stores and leaving when you get a bad feeling about a location or person are other ways Crosland said residents can stay safe.

He also encouraged victims of crime to report it.

“You never know who you might save from being the next victim by reporting it,” Crosland pointed out.

Chief Crosland said a big concern for his department right now is shootings.

“People hear gunshots and they don’t call 911, I don’t understand that,” he said, adding, “Anytime you hear gunshots call and let us know, even if it is on the anonymous line, call us and report it.”

Answering one resident’s question regarding current BPD staffing, Crosland said his department has 26 employees working within city limits.

“But we need night shift officers so we can make sure businesses and homes stay safe,” he added.

One attendee suggested offering a citizen police academy, an idea Crosland said he is excited about undertaking in the future. Of paramount concern to the chief is resident safety when operating the firearm they own.

“The worst thing you can do is draw a firearm you aren’t prepared to shoot. Someone gets that gun away from you and you’re dead,” Crosland said, pointing out that anyone in the room could at any time be a victim. He added, “If you own a gun you need to know how to use it and how to protect it.”

Among the lessons that would be taught in a citizen police academy, is learning to operate a firearm properly, DUI enforcement, citizen arrests, and traffic stops. In the meantime, Chief Crosland encourages anyone with questions about how to use their firearm to stop by the station for pointers.

When one resident recommended a return to neighborhood crime watches, Chief Crosland said the idea was a great one.

“Neighborhood crime watch had a lot of success in the 2000’s and I think it is something that could be beneficial for the community and law enforcement to have that same partnership again,” Crosland said, adding he did not want to see a situation where neighbors were profiling each other.

Additionally, Crosland mentioned having a RING camera in the home as well as bright lighting around the exterior of the home, as viable ways to deter criminals.

“You should never sit with your back to the door of restaurants and movie theaters are death traps, I won’t go. In every situation you need to always be thinking and asking yourself, do I have an escape plan. Always pay attention to who is around you,” Crosland said.

For those living alone, Crosland cautioned leaving lights on and keeping window blinds drawn.

“It’s never a bad idea to change how you go home, change how you enter your home—you never know when someone who means you harm is watching you, so change your routine once in a while,” Crosland said.

Following the talk, owner of Grandma’s Treasures Sarah Hyers said she is looking to follow up the inaugural Tea and Talk with interesting guests like local politicians, teachers, quilters, ect.—anything interesting to the community.

“I am so happy with today’s turnout. The conversation was fascinating and the audience interaction was really nice to see,” Hyers said.