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SC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS UNITED AGAINST LITTER

For Immediate Release                                                                   Media Contact:

April 13, 2010                                                                                    Sarah Robinson, 803-758-6034

SC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS UNITED AGAINST LITTER

Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign Commenced Today on State House Grounds

Columbia, SC -- Law enforcement officers from across the state gathered today at the State House to kick off the 2010 Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign, a three-day event to draw attention to the importance of litter control.  Littering is against the law in South Carolina, and it is also a major factor affecting our quality of life. 

Joining the South Carolina Litter Control Association (SCLCA) in today's event were the members of PalmettoPride's Statewide Enforcement Committee, SC Department of Natural Resources, SC State Transport Police, SC Department of Public Safety, SC Forestry Commission, PalmettoPride and other leaders in South Carolina's law enforcement community.

Law enforcement officers on all levels – from city police to state agencies - participate in Zero Tolerance.  Our state litter laws are in effect every day.  The benefit of having this weekend campaign is to unite all officers together in a common dual purpose: the enforcement and education of our litter laws.  Officers are encouraged to address litter violations, educate citizens on the importance of following ordinances and ultimately make everyone aware of the damaging effects of litter in our communities and wildlife environments. 

“There is strength in numbers,” said Linda Shadel, Director of Operations for PalmettoPride.  “This weekend brings much-needed media attention to help us educate everyone on how damaging litter is to our quality of life.”

SCLCA president Lt. James Nelson, Assistant Director of Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement shared with the audience the importance of continuing efforts of litter control. 

“We need to come together as officers of the law and focus on litter as a criminal act – not as a nuisance.  Litter affects our daily lives from making our neighborhoods vulnerable to higher crimes to detracting from economic development,” said Lt. Nelson. 

Captain Chris Cowan with Richland County Sheriff's Department and member of PalmettoPride's Statewide Enforcement Committee stressed the importance of litter education not only to our state residents but to all law enforcement agencies.  Cowan is a nationally recognized speaker on the Broken Windows and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. 

"Litter, graffiti and vandalism are just some examples of violations that can lead to the destruction of our neighborhoods,” said Captain Cowan.  “All law enforcement officers need to be aware that these crimes lead to much bigger issues.” 

Corporal Robert Williams, SC State Transport Police and member of PalmettoPride's Statewide Enforcement Committee, recognized the importance of enforcing the laws on unsecured loads on our state highways and roads. 

“All vehicles need to properly secure their loads, but businesses especially need to be held to higher standards,” said Williams. 

According to an AAA Foundation study, more than 25,000 accidents are year are directly caused by roadside debris.  That number is likely higher as it does not reflect accidents where drivers swerved to avoid trash and hit other vehicles. 

PalmettoPride, the state anti-litter and beautification organization, coordinates the Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign with their law enforcement partners every year.  PalmettoPride assembled the Statewide Law Enforcement Committee years ago not only to help the organization with the enforcement part of their program but to also help advance the level of litter control enforcement across the state.  The non-profit organization also provides grants and training for officers annually.

For more information on Zero Tolerance for Litter or PalmettoPride, please visit www.palmettopride.org or contact PalmettoPride at 877-725-7733.

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