Frequently Asked Questions

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Patrol

Q:   If I am arrested, how much will my bond be?
A:   Bonds are set solely at the discretion of a Municipal Judge, Magistrate or Circuit Judge.

Q:   How do I file a Report?
A:   To file an incident report you can contact Central Dispatch at 843.747.5711. The dispatcher will take basic information then send an Officer to you. If you don't want an Officer to come to your location, you can come to the Police Department at 1255 Yeamans Hall Road and file your report. If it's an emergency, always dial 911.

Q:   If an officer pulls up behind me and instructs me to pull over, should I stop immediately?
A:   Only if it is safe to do so. Never slam on your brakes, never stop in the travel lane. Calmly put your right directional on and cautiously move over to the breakdown lane or shoulder of the road. Do not exit your car - wait for the officer to approach you. This is done for your safety and the safety of the officer.

Q:   Do I have to stop for an unmarked cruiser?
A:   Yes. State law requires that you pull over for an emergency vehicle which displays proper lights - including unmarked police vehicles.

Q:   What information is helpful in reporting a theft?
A:   A serial number, for this is required in order to place the stolen information in the National Database.

Q:   How do I schedule a ride-along with a police officer?
A:   The Hanahan Police Department allows citizens to accompany uniform patrol officers during the course of their assigned duties. This perspective provides the citizens with an opportunity to see police officer work first hand. Just select "Ride-Along Program" in the Popular Links section to the left for more information.

Q:   My neighborhood seems like a speed trap, with police officers working radar a lot. Don't they have more important calls to take care of?
A:   With the number of pedestrians walking and riding bicycles, and entering and exiting private driveways and parking lots, the possibility of traffic crashes are a serious concern. We strive to work a balance between all our responsibilities, including traffic enforcement. Our aim at using radar is to reduce the speed of the vehicles traveling the roadways, and bring the average speed of motor vehicles using the roads to a safe level.

Q:   Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
A:   Because of the potential for damage to vehicles the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the Fire Department will send a rescue unit to remove the child from the vehicle, possibly by breaking a window.

Q:   Do I have to come to the Police Station to file a report?
A:   No. In fact we prefer that you call from the scene of the crime (if it is safe), your residence, or your business. Check Fraud, Transaction Card Fraud, and other bank-related cases are often best reported during business hours at the bank itself. A Police Officer will be dispatched as soon as possible to respond directly to your location and speak to you in person. Response times vary based on call priority, traffic, and other factors, but it is the Department's goal to respond as quickly as possible. It is our policy to take reports in person. Only in rare instances are reports filed over the phone.