Charleston Reporter

More than 100 law enforcement members from South Carolina and nearby states are set to gather in North Charleston on November 21 for a day-long conference. The event will focus on hate crimes, domestic extremism, security practices, and law enforcement relationships.

The agenda includes presentations on securing faith communities during crises, workshops on hate crimes and extremism, discussions with children of Holocaust survivors, a session on law enforcement and antisemitism, a case study about the 2023 Dollar General mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, and a panel discussion on using ordinances as tools against hate.

This conference was initiated last year under the guidance of the late Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. He was committed to combating hate and extremism and believed in professional development for public safety personnel.

Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker stated: “The Charleston Police Department remains committed to combating hate and extremism, following the path Chief Reynolds laid before us. Through collaboration and continuous training like this, we strengthen our ability to protect our communities.”

The conference is supported by Anita Zucker and her family. It brings together experts from ADL’s Center on Extremism, the Charleston Jewish Federation, the Secure Community Network (SCN), among others. Lt. Adam Blinn of Duval County will discuss the Jacksonville shooting incident.

Eytan Davidson from ADL remarked: “In the fight against hate in any community, a partnership with law enforcement is enormously critical.” Judi Corsaro from Charleston Jewish Federation added that supporting local law enforcement with resources to address antisemitism is essential.

Michael Masters from SCN emphasized: “This conference represents a critical opportunity to share knowledge and best-practice training... By working together, we can create safer... communities.”

ADL continues its mission since 1913 to combat antisemitism globally. The Charleston Jewish Federation fosters an inclusive Jewish community locally. SCN focuses on ensuring safety within North America's Jewish community.

Media interested in interviews with organizers can contact Sgt. C. Stinson at cpdpublicinformationteam@charleston-sc.gov.