A group of concerned citizens led by Ms. Juanita Harvey under the banner of PERL which stands for Provide Empowerment, Richness, and Love, held a forum at the Colleton County Memorial Library to address the problem of juvenile crime in Walterboro and Colleton County. A panel of experts were present including Colleton County Sheriff Buddy Hill, Walterboro Police Department Chief Wade Marvin, Walterboro Police Department Deputy Chief Kevin Martin, Colleton County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Tavara Edwards, Colleton County Sheriff’s Deputy James Brown, and Ms. Torsha Anderson, County Director of the SC Department of Juvenile Justice. County Councilman Phillip Taylor served as Moderator and delivered the invocation.
Attendees present wrote questions and they were presented to the moderator to be read to the panel. The questions ranged from what specifically puts a child in front of judge, to what would help law enforcement perform their jobs better, to addressing gun violence issues, to questions regarding nuisance (“vacant”) homes, and how to keep juveniles out of criminal activity period.
Director Anderson spoke on what she would like to see regarding youth already in the Juvenile Justice system. Regarding status offenses (noncriminal acts that are considered a law violation only because of status as minor), Anderson would like to see these types of offenses funneled more through mental health and social services agencies rather than violent offense channels. The CCSO and WPD representatives informed the attendees what they can legally do and not do regarding specific circumstances. The issue of “nuisance housing” came up several times. Regarding vacant homes being scenes of criminal activity, it is a long arduous process to evict an owner from their property. Many of these properties are owned by people who no longer live in the area making the effort to address the issue even more difficult. Chief Marvin encouraged people to continue to report suspicious or criminal activities on these properties to further the case for legal action. Moderator Taylor commented at one point he sensed a recurring theme that people wanted to feel safe, secure, and responded to if calling law enforcement is necessary. Deputy Police Chief Martin and Deputy Brown encouraged people to keep calling. Somethings may take longer than others to address, but they are trying.
When given the opportunity to wrap up the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Walterboro Police Department heavily emphasized communication between them and the community as being the key. Talking with one another and finding solutions and if that solution does not work then coming up with another one. Ms. Anderson reminded everyone that it takes a village to raise the children, and we are all the village. She also commented it was not just professional for them on the panel, it is personal as well, because they too live in the village.
Moderator Taylor turned the tables at one point and requested all attendees take a card and answer the question, “What can we do to make our community a safe and peaceful neighborhood?” Despite the seriousness and heaviness of the topic, the answers were hopeful and helpful while others were more practical.
Strive to show love and be a light to others
Give peace to get peace
Live by the Golden Rule; treat others how you would like to be treated
Communicate, get involved, volunteer
Listen and communicate
Love thy neighbor
Know your neighbor in a good way
Turn the old DJJ building into a building for services related to these issues
Hold parents/guardians responsible for their children’s actions in some way
Start a petition to repeal open carry law.
The group name PERL is in honor of Ms. Harvey’s mother Pearl Bowman who gave her everything to everyone. Ms. Harvey also wished to express that the program was dedicated to the memory of Debi Price who loved children and the community.
