Spartanburg Police Department

08/21/2026

🤧 Grab the tissues for this one…

For more than 28 years, Spartanburg 911 dispatcher Tim Watson, has been one of the voices on the other end of the radio for law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel across Spartanburg County.

Through severe weather, major incidents and countless everyday calls for service, Tim has spent his career supporting the first responders working on the other side of that radio, including many of our own officers.

Today, one of those officers had the honor of making his final radio call.

Of course, this particular officer also happens to be his wife. ❤️

MPO Jennifer Watson signed him off for the final time after 28 years of service.

To Tim and all of our partners at Spartanburg 911, thank you for being the voices behind the radio that our officers depend on every day.

Congratulations on your retirement, Tim.

08/20/2026

🚨 ONLY A FEW SPOTS REMAIN! 🚨

Ever wondered what really happens behind the badge?

The Spartanburg Police & Fire Citizen’s Academy gives community members an inside look at the people, operations, and decisions behind public safety in Spartanburg.

Beginning September 8, participants will spend Tuesday evenings getting a closer look at police operations, fire services, communications, community partnerships, and other areas of public safety.

And this isn’t just sitting in a classroom. Participants will have opportunities for hands-on experiences and police ride-alongs, giving them a firsthand look at the work our officers do every day.

📅 Begins September 8
🕕 Tuesdays | 6:00–9:00 PM
🎓 Graduation: November 10
💲 FREE to attend

We’re down to just a few remaining spots, so if you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more and apply.

08/20/2026

🔎 HELP IDENTIFY 🔍

The Spartanburg Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection with a felony theft investigation.

The incident occurred at Westgate Mall, 205 W. Blackstock Road, and involved the theft of a large quantity of jewelry.

Anyone who recognizes this individual or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Sgt. Garrett at (864) 591-4379. Please leave a message.

Case #: C26080131

Please share to help us identify this individual.

08/10/2026

Congratulations to Chief-designate Art Littlejohn on his selection as the next Chief of Police for the Spartanburg Police Department!

Chief-designate Littlejohn has dedicated more than three decades to serving the Spartanburg community and our department, and we’re proud to see him step into this new role.

We look forward to his leadership and to the next chapter for SPD.

Congratulations, Chief-designate Littlejohn! 👏💙

The City has named Major Art D. Littlejohn as the next Chief of the Spartanburg Police Department, elevating a 38-year veteran of the agency who has commanded its patrol operations for the past decade.

Littlejohn currently serves as Major over the Patrol Services Bureau, the department's largest bureau, and has led its tactical team for more than twenty years. He was selected following a national search conducted by Developmental Associates, LLC. A selection committee composed of 10 public sector leaders, including seven active police chiefs, evaluated candidates through a rigorous process of multiple interviews, screenings, and skill evaluations before final recommendations were made to the City Manager.

Littlejohn joined the Spartanburg Police Department in 1988 as a patrol officer. He has since served as a D.A.R.E. instructor, a community relations and crime prevention officer, an officer in the Housing Authority Division, Crime Prevention Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Community Oriented Policing Coordinator, and Lieutenant over the Office of Professional Standards. He was promoted to Captain in 2009 and to Major in 2015.

Details: https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/109

08/06/2026

Today is the day!! 📚As students head back to school, give the road your full attention, especially in school zones. Texts, emails, and social media can wait. The safety of our children can’t.

South Carolina’s new Hands-Free Driving law is now in effect, making it illegal to hold or use your phone while driving. There’s no better time to put the phone away and focus on the road.

📵 Put the phone down.
🚸 Slow down.
👀 Stay alert.

Let’s work together to make this a safe school year for every student.

08/05/2026

School is back in session tomorrow, so here’s a refresher on one of the most common questions we get this time of year:

When is it legal to pass a stopped school bus?

The answer depends on the type of road you’re traveling on. Take a minute to watch this quick video and make sure you know the law before you’re behind the wheel.

Every stop a school bus makes means children are getting on or off. A few extra seconds of patience can help ensure they make it home safely.

🚌 Slow down. Stay alert. Know when to stop.

08/04/2026

School is almost back in session, and that means it’s time to slow down.

Ten miles per hour may not seem like much, but in a school zone, it can make all the difference. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to the unexpected—whether it’s a child stepping into a crosswalk, a school bus stopping, or a crossing guard directing traffic.

This school year, help us keep every student safe by slowing down, staying alert, and putting distractions away.

🚸 Slow down. Stay alert. Help every child get to school safely.

08/04/2026

🚨 PLANNED TRAINING EXERCISE 🚨

You may notice an increased presence of police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency vehicles at Spartanburg Community College from Tuesday, August 4, through Thursday, August 6, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Residents in the area may also hear emergency sirens or simulated gunfire during the exercise.

There is NO emergency. The sounds and activity are part of a planned training exercise designed to prepare first responders for critical incidents.

This annual training brings together the Spartanburg Police Department, Spartanburg Fire Department, Spartanburg EMS, Spartanburg Community College, and numerous community volunteers to strengthen our ability to respond as one team during a high-risk event.

Throughout the three-day exercise, participants will train on:
• Coordinated response to an active shooter incident.
• Rescue, treatment, and evacuation of injured victims.
• Unified Incident Command System (ICS) operations.
• Building and room-clearing tactics.
• Effective communication and coordination among responding agencies.
• Understanding each agency’s roles and responsibilities during a critical incident.

We hope we never have to respond to an event like this, but preparing together before a crisis occurs is one of the most important things we can do to protect our community.

We would also like to thank Spartanburg Community College for once again partnering with us and allowing us to use their campus for this important training.

While the exercise is not open to the public, members of the media are welcome to cover designated portions of the training, provided it does not interfere with operations. As always, we’ll also share photos and video from the exercise on our social media channels after the training concludes.

08/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
📚School Zone Safety Week📚

Spartanburg, S.C. (August 3, 2026) – As students return to the classroom, the Spartanburg Police Department is reminding motorists to slow down and use extra caution in and around school zones. Increased traffic, school buses, crossing guards, bicyclists, and young pedestrians make it especially important for drivers to remain alert during the first weeks of the school year.

Beginning Thursday, August 6, 2026, officers assigned to the Traffic Division will conduct increased enforcement in school zones, with a particular emphasis on speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic violations that place children at risk.

Motorists are reminded that the posted school zone speed limit is 25 miles per hour when school zone lights are flashing or as otherwise posted. Drivers should proceed cautiously, remain alert for children crossing the street, obey crossing guards, and be prepared for frequent stops caused by school buses loading and unloading students.

Parents are also encouraged to review pedestrian and bicycle safety with their children before the school year begins. Students should use designated crosswalks whenever possible, obey crossing guards, remain attentive to traffic, and avoid distractions such as mobile devices while walking near roadways.

"The safety of our children is a shared responsibility," said Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department. "A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy. We ask every driver to slow down, eliminate distractions, and help us ensure every student arrives at school and returns home safely."

The Spartanburg Police Department appreciates the cooperation of our community in making school zones safe for students, parents, teachers, and school staff throughout the school year.

08/01/2026

🍋 Stop by and support a great cause! 🐾

Meet Piper, a young member of our community with a big heart! This is her 4th annual lemonade stand, and every dollar she raises goes to help the animals at the Spartanburg Animal Shelter.

If you’re out and about, swing by Woodland Street for a refreshing glass of lemonade and help support a cause that’s making a difference for our four-legged friends.

📍 Location: Woodland Street (off S Pine St in Converse Heights)
🕓 Today: Until 4:00 PM
🕙 Tomorrow: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

And trust us… don’t leave without trying Piper’s homemade Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. We’ve heard it’s absolutely delicious! 🍦🍪

Way to go, Piper! Thank you for showing what community spirit is all about. We hope to see lots of people stop by and support her!