Hardeeville Police Department

08/31/2026

Thank You for Stopping By!

The Hardeeville Police Department would like to thank the South Carolina Welcome Center for stopping by to visit us last week and dropping off some awesome goodie bags for our officers!

We truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. It’s always great connecting with our community partners who help make Hardeeville such a welcoming place!

Thank you for thinking of us!

08/29/2026

On behalf of Chief Woodward and the men and women of the Hardeeville Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the Columbia Police Department and the family and loved ones of Officer DeLong, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

We stand with his family, fellow officers, and the entire Columbia community during this heartbreaking time. Officer DeLong’s courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, fellow officers, and all those who knew and loved him.

08/28/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 27, 2026

Hardeeville Police Department Partners with MADD South Carolina for “Saturation Saturday” on August 29 to Prevent Impaired Driving

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (August 27, 2026) — On Saturday, August 29, the Hardeeville Police Department will join forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) South Carolina for “Saturation Saturday,” a statewide and nationwide initiative aimed at combating impaired driving ahead of Labor Day weekend.

This coordinated effort is designed to save lives by increasing impaired-driving enforcement during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. The initiative is being conducted in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The Hardeeville Police Department will increase traffic-safety enforcement efforts throughout the city on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to prevent impaired-driving crashes, injuries and fatalities. HPD is one of many law enforcement agencies across South Carolina participating in this effort to protect motorists and keep our roadways safe.

The Hardeeville Police Department reminds everyone to plan ahead before consuming alcohol. Designate a sober driver, arrange for a rideshare service or find another safe way home. Never drive impaired.

About MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit organization leading the movement to end impaired driving. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk-driving deaths in America by more than 51%, saved nearly 500,000 lives and served nearly one million victims and survivors.

MADD supports prevention efforts involving young adults, collaborates with law enforcement to remove impaired drivers from roadways and advocates for stronger impaired-driving laws and penalties. The organization also provides free support services to victims and survivors through trained victim advocates and its 24-hour Victim Help Line at 1-877-MADD-HELP.

For additional information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/

08/27/2026

🚲 A heartfelt thank-you to the Kraus family for generously donating bicycles to the Hardeeville Police Department!

We were thrilled to give one of the bikes directly back to our community by presenting it to a special student at Royal Live Oaks Academy. Your generosity helped bring a big smile to a deserving student’s face!

Thank you!

08/27/2026

The Hardeeville Police Department and Hardeeville Fire Department invite you to join us for a special commemoration marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Friday, September 11, 2026

Please gather by 9:30 a.m.

Service begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Hardeeville Memorial Park - 20 Martin St, Hardeeville, SC 29927

The service will offer a time for reflection as we remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who answered the call, renew our commitment to unity and share music that inspires.

We hope you will join us as our community gathers to remember.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

08/27/2026

🚗 Traffic Tip Thursday: Be That Driver!

Every trip is an opportunity to make our roads safer. Buckle up, slow down and stay focused—whether you’re traveling on a busy city street or a quiet rural road.

Safe roads don’t happen by accident. They happen when each of us makes responsible choices behind the wheel.

Photo courtesy of South Carolina Department of Public Safety

08/26/2026

In honor of National Dog Day, we’d like to give a special shoutout to the beloved four-legged members of the HPD family—our hardworking K9 officers! 🐾

Our K9s train tirelessly, serve fearlessly, and stand alongside their handlers during some of the toughest calls. Their dedication and commitment play an important role in helping keep our officers and community safe.

We couldn’t ask for better partners. Thank you to our K9s for your extraordinary service—we couldn’t do it without you!

08/25/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2026

Hardeeville Man Arrested on Drug-Related Charges

During August 2026, detectives with the Hardeeville Police Department continued an investigation into a suspected drug overdose and the distribution of illegal drugs and narcotics at 701 Main Street in Hardeeville.

On August 25, 2026, detectives located and arrested Kevin Maurice Chaplin, also known as “Jabo,” on an active arrest warrant from Chatham County, Georgia, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at an uninhabitable structure where Chaplin was suspected of residing. Chaplin was transported to the Jasper County Detention Center without incident.

Kevin Maurice Chaplin, 53, of Hardeeville, South Carolina, was charged with:
• Fugitive from Justice
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/25/2026

LAF AID: A new program helping first responders better serve individuals with autism!

We are proud to partner with the Lowcountry Autism Foundation for the LAF AID Rollout on September 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jasper County Farmers Market, 9935 South Jacob Smart Blvd. in Ridgeland.

LAF AID is a FREE program that provides law enforcement and first responders with training to better recognize and respond to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Families can also register for a personalized ID that can help first responders quickly identify and assist their loved ones if they become lost or experience an emergency in the community.

Come out, meet local law enforcement and first responders, learn more about the program, and get registered! 👮‍♂️💙

We hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

Thank you to the City of Hardeeville, SC Media Team for capturing these amazing photos from yesterday’s golf tournament! Click the link below to see more!