Camden, SC – December 2, 2025: The City of Camden is proud to announce that the Camden Police Department has earned the Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, a statewide honor awarded to agencies that demonstrate exceptional standards of care, trauma-informed response, and coordinated support for sexual assault survivors. The designation was formally presented during the Camden City Council meeting on December 2, 2025, at Camden City Hall.
This recognition reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening victim services, enhancing evidence-preservation practices, and ensuring that every survivor is met with the highest level of professionalism, compassion, and respect. Camden PD is also one of only 10 police departments in South Carolina to currently hold this designation.
The statewide SAFE initiative is led by the Forensic Nurse Examiner Task Force, directed by the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), in partnership with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Hospital Association, and multiple EMS and advocacy partners.
As part of the accreditation process, agencies must demonstrate exceptional training, preparedness, and interagency collaboration. SAFE-designated agencies are required to have at least 75% of field personnel complete specialized training in trauma-informed response, evidence handling, and coordinated care. Continuing education credits are issued upon completion, ensuring responders remain aligned with statewide best practices.
Launched in April 2022, South Carolina’s SAFE accreditation system continues to elevate the standard of care for survivors across the state, with an increasing number of hospitals and public safety agencies earning recognition for their commitment to survivor-centered services.
The City of Camden commends the Camden Police Department for its dedication to community safety and for upholding a standard of excellence in serving survivors with dignity, partnership, and professionalism.
