About a dozen members of the law enforcement community met Tuesday in Barnwell to discuss ways to reduce crime significantly in the South Carolina Lowcountry Promise Zone. Participants included local and state law enforcement representatives and crime victim advocates.

The group is focusing on major projects that can have a lasting impact on crime in the six-county area that spans two judicial circuits. Members worked to identify various barriers for reducing crime as well as identifying projects that could make lasting crime reductions over five to 10 years. The group also discussed how to improve community relations to influence youths in a positive manner to discourage crime.

Over the next few weeks, the Promise Zone, through lead organization Southern Carolina Alliance, will continue meeting with various strategic partners and supporters to explore ideas that can transform and reshape Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. Photo by Morgan Reius.