NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Federal, state and local law enforcement leaders met in the Lowcountry Thursday to discuss ways to reduce violent crime, with a major focus on improving communication.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling, U.S. Sen. Darline Graham and other officials held a roundtable at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Police chiefs and sheriffs from several jurisdictions joined the discussion.
Officials talked about sharing information more efficiently to help identify and track repeat violent offenders.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said local law enforcement agencies already communicate regularly, but additional federal support could help close remaining gaps.
“Anything that the federal government can do to help us close the gaps when it comes to communicating about violent criminals and what they’re doing in our specific communities or counties is a good thing,” Lewis said.
Lewis said violent crime is down in Berkeley County, crediting proactive policing and partnerships with federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF and DEA, along with neighboring jurisdictions.
READ MORE | 2025 Charleston County annual report shows crime down, jail population up, and more
The discussion also focused on Logan’s Law, named after 22-year-old college student Logan Federico, who was killed in Columbia in May 2025.
Federico’s father, Stephen Federico, took part in the roundtable and said he believes failures within the system contributed to his daughter’s death.
“I’m not a girl dad anymore because of this,” Federico said. “And that’s not fair to me.”
Officials said Logan’s Law would work to strengthen information-sharing among law enforcement agencies. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry said the proposal could create a database that allows law enforcement to share information and helps the public know who may be living in their neighborhoods.
Local leaders also discussed areas where they need additional support, including more resources and technology such as fingerprinting equipment.
Blanche said people in South Carolina are safer than they were two years ago because of law enforcement efforts, adding that overall crime numbers in Charleston declined last year.
Officials said hearing directly from local law enforcement is critical to identifying what communities need to better prevent and solve violent crime.
Source: wpde.com
