Brief History

For over 150 years, the Sumter Police Department has been serving the citizens of Sumter, South Carolina on the solid foundation of public trust and safety. Sumter PD officers serve a 40,000-strong town and are committed to treating all in our vibrant community fairly and with respect. We are a CALEA accredited agency and maintain their gold standard of serving and protecting our communities.

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Executive Staff

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Testimonials

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The Sumter Community

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SPD Latest

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Sumter Police Department
19 hours ago
Sumter Police Department
SHRINE DAY PARADE ALERT: Officers will begin closing off streets and other traffic control measures at 9 a.m. Saturday along the route of the annual Shrine Day (Iris Festival) Parade.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sumter County Civic Center on Liberty Street and will travel west to Alice Drive. From Alice Drive, the parade will turn right onto Miller Road before turning left on University Drive where it will end.
Please pay attention to officer instructions and stay alert for pedestrians and other drivers throughout the weekend as residents and visitors enjoy the Iris Festival. ... See MoreSee Less
SHRINE DAY PARADE ALERT: Officers will begin closing off streets and other traffic control measures at 9 a.m. Saturday along the route of the annual Shrine Day (Iris Festival) Parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sumter County Civic Center on Liberty Street and will travel west to Alice Drive. From Alice Drive, the parade will turn right onto Miller Road before turning left on University Drive where it will end. Please pay attention to officer instructions and stay alert for pedestrians and other drivers throughout the weekend as residents and visitors enjoy the Iris Festival.
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Sumter Police Department
23 hours ago
Sumter Police Department
UPDATE: Since this post, wanted suspect Damien Morgan turned himself in late today without incident.

1 person in custody, another sought in fatal shooting investigation

SUMTER, SC (May 27, 2022) – One person is in custody and another is wanted after a man was shot and killed Thursday morning.

The body of Laquinton Donell Laster, 36, formerly of Lawson Street, was found before 8:30 a.m. Thursday outside of a vacant house on South Sumter Street.

Ladonna Cortise Green, 33, of Lawson Street, who had a previous relationship with Laster, was placed in custody Thursday and a warrant was issued for Damien Jeremiah Morgan, 24, of Carnoustie Drive

Both are charged with voluntary manslaughter. Green is being held at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

An initial investigation indicates there was an exchange of gunfire following a confrontation between Laster and the two suspects near the intersection of South Sumter and West Fulton streets.

Laster ran from the scene as Morgan and Green drove away.

Laster’s body was found hours later.

An investigation is continuing.

Anyone with additional details about the case or Morgan’s location is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700.

An up to $2,500 reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Tips can be given anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at www.P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.

-END-

Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, III ... See MoreSee Less
UPDATE: Since this post, wanted suspect Damien Morgan turned himself in late today without incident. 1 person in custody, another sought in fatal shooting investigation SUMTER, SC (May 27, 2022) – One person is in custody and another is wanted after a man was shot and killed Thursday morning. The body of Laquinton Donell Laster, 36, formerly of Lawson Street, was found before 8:30 a.m. Thursday outside of a vacant house on South Sumter Street. Ladonna Cortise Green, 33, of Lawson Street, who had a previous relationship with Laster, was placed in custody Thursday and a warrant was issued for Damien Jeremiah Morgan, 24, of Carnoustie Drive Both are charged with voluntary manslaughter. Green is being held at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. An initial investigation indicates there was an exchange of gunfire following a confrontation between Laster and the two suspects near the intersection of South Sumter and West Fulton streets. Laster ran from the scene as Morgan and Green drove away. Laster’s body was found hours later. An investigation is continuing. Anyone with additional details about the case or Morgan’s location is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700. An up to $2,500 reward may be available for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be given anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at www.P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices. -END- Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, IIIImage attachmentImage attachment
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UPDATE: Suspect Damien Morgan has turned himself in to police late today without incident. He is being booked at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.

Hopefully they find him quick for killing my brother. Now the kids are left with no parents 😢😥😢

When will all this craziness stop. Come on people please stop with all this violence

Y'all Did My Twin Like That 👿👿🔱

Walter Thompson Sr.

Ain't no fuckin way what

Wow!!!!

Allison Shannon

Shouldnt it be a murder charge?

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Sumter Police Department
1 day ago
Sumter Police Department
EVENT ROAD CLOSURE: Main Street from Hampton Avenue to Liberty Street will close at 2 p.m. today for the Fourth Friday concert and will remain closed until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Access to Hyatt Place and Prisma Health Tuomey will remain open.
The free concert featuring Too Much Sylvia begins at 6:30 p.m. ... See MoreSee Less
EVENT ROAD CLOSURE: Main Street from Hampton Avenue to Liberty Street will close at 2 p.m. today for the Fourth Friday concert and will remain closed until 6 a.m. Saturday. Access to Hyatt Place and Prisma Health Tuomey will remain open. The free concert featuring Too Much Sylvia begins at 6:30 p.m.
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Awesome‼️

Sumter Police Department
2 days ago
Sumter Police Department
Police investigating after body found

SUMTER, SC (May 26, 2022) – Officers are continuing to investigate after a body was found shot near a vacant house.

Officers were called before 8:30 this morning after an unconscious person was found in the West Fulton/South Sumter Street area.

Officers soon found the body of Laquinton Donell Laster, 36, formerly of Lawson Street, outside of a vacant house on South Sumter Street.

The shooting is considered isolated and resulted from some type of dispute among acquaintances.

One person is in custody and faces charges. Warrants are expected to be issued for another person also involved in the incident. Information regarding those individuals will be released at a later time.

Meanwhile officers are continuing to develop information that can help determine the circumstances and if others were involved.

Notification of Laster’s family members was made by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for next week.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700.

Tips can be given anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at www.P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.

-END-

Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, III ... See MoreSee Less
Police investigating after body found SUMTER, SC (May 26, 2022) – Officers are continuing to investigate after a body was found shot near a vacant house. Officers were called before 8:30 this morning after an unconscious person was found in the West Fulton/South Sumter Street area. Officers soon found the body of Laquinton Donell Laster, 36, formerly of Lawson Street, outside of a vacant house on South Sumter Street. The shooting is considered isolated and resulted from some type of dispute among acquaintances. One person is in custody and faces charges. Warrants are expected to be issued for another person also involved in the incident. Information regarding those individuals will be released at a later time. Meanwhile officers are continuing to develop information that can help determine the circumstances and if others were involved. Notification of Laster’s family members was made by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for next week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700. Tips can be given anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at www.P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices. -END- Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, III
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  • Likes: 13
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  • Comments: 5

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I glad they caught at least one of the person and looking for the other person who are responsible for this senseless . murder

RIP classmate prayers out to his family and children

Wow wow

Wow

Tamara Wactor Dang another one

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Sumter Police Department
2 days ago
Sumter Police Department
UPDATE: Ms. Smith made contact with law enforcement and is being returned to her family.
Thanks for everyone’s help and concerns.

MISSING/RUNAWAY: Family members and police are concerned for the safety of Arlonna Rebecca Smith, 17.
Smith was reported missing this morning from her Carolina Avenue home. She was last seen at about 10 p.m. Wednesday.
She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 200 lbs. and has brown eyes and burgundy/black hair. It is unclear what she was wearing.
Anyone who sees her or knows where she could be is asked to call the Sumter Police Department immediately at 803-436-2700. Always dial 911 in an emergency.
#missing ... See MoreSee Less
UPDATE: Ms. Smith made contact with law enforcement and is being returned to her family. Thanks for everyone’s help and concerns. MISSING/RUNAWAY: Family members and police are concerned for the safety of Arlonna Rebecca Smith, 17. Smith was reported missing this morning from her Carolina Avenue home. She was last seen at about 10 p.m. Wednesday. She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 200 lbs. and has brown eyes and burgundy/black hair. It is unclear what she was wearing. Anyone who sees her or knows where she could be is asked to call the Sumter Police Department immediately at 803-436-2700. Always dial 911 in an emergency. #missing
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UPDATE: Ms. Smith made contact with law enforcement and is being returned to her family. Thanks for everyone’s help and concerns.

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

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CALEA Accredited

Being a Police Officer in a CALEA Accredited Department means you belong to an agency that is committed to following best practice standards developed by federal, state, and local law enforcement executives through comprehensive research. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations:

  • International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
  • National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
  • National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA)
  • Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

SPECIFICALLY, CALEA’S GOALS ARE TO:

  • Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities
  • Formalize essential management procedures
  • Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices
  • Improve service delivery
  • Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination
  • Increase community and staff confidence in the agency

Annual Reports

2021 Report
2020 Report
2019 Report
2018 Report

2017 Report
2016 Report
2015 Report
2014 Report