You’re driving down Sunset Boulevard, maybe heading toward Lake Murray or grabbing a bite at one of the spots in the Icehouse Amphitheater district, and you see that familiar patrol car. It’s the blue and white. It says Lexington Police.
Most people only think about the Lexington South Carolina Police Department when they’re getting a speeding ticket or if there’s a fender bender near the Target on 378. That’s a mistake. Honestly, the department is a lot more complex than just traffic enforcement, and if you live in the Town of Lexington, their specific jurisdiction and how they operate actually affects your daily life more than the county sheriff ever will.
Lexington is growing. Fast.
It’s not the sleepy town it was twenty years ago, and the police force has had to scramble to keep up with the influx of people moving into neighborhoods like Saluda River Club or the spots near River Bluff High.
The Confusion Between Town and County
One thing that trips everyone up? The difference between the Lexington South Carolina Police Department and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. They aren't the same. Not even close.
Basically, if you are within the "Town" limits—think the historic downtown area, the main commercial corridors of Highway 378 and Highway 1—you are under the wing of the LPD. Chief Terrence Green has been at the helm for a long time now. He took over back in 2006, which is an eternity in police years. Most chiefs last maybe five.
If you live out in the unincorporated areas, toward Gilbert or Pelion, you’re looking at a Sheriff’s deputy. Why does this matter? Response times and specialized services. The Lexington South Carolina Police Department focuses heavily on municipal issues: retail theft at the big box stores, local traffic congestion, and neighborhood patrol within the specific town grid.
They operate out of the station on Maiden Lane. It’s right there in the heart of everything.
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How the LPD Actually Spends Its Time
Traffic. It’s the elephant in the room.
Lexington is famous for its gridlock. Because of that, the Lexington South Carolina Police Department spends a massive amount of its resources on traffic management. You’ll see them out there during the morning rush, trying to keep the flow moving where Highway 6 meets the bypass.
But it’s not all radar guns and blue lights.
They have a dedicated Community Services Division. This is where the "human" part of the job comes in. They do the "Coffee with a Cop" events and the "National Night Out" stuff, which some people think is just PR, but in a town this size, it actually builds a weirdly high level of trust. You can actually talk to these guys without a window between you.
Technology and the Modern Patrol
They’ve gone high-tech recently. You might have noticed the cameras.
The department utilizes a network of license plate readers (LPRs). Some folks find this a bit "Big Brother," but the department argues it’s the only way to catch stolen vehicles or suspects entering town limits before they can disappear into the suburban sprawl. They also use body-worn cameras. That’s standard now, but LPD was relatively early on the adoption curve compared to some smaller rural departments in the state.
Dealing with Crime in a "Safe" Town
Lexington is generally considered safe. However, "safe" is relative.
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Property crime is the big one here. We’re talking about car break-ins in subdivisions where people forget to lock their doors because they feel "safe." The Lexington South Carolina Police Department spends a lot of time telling people to lock their cars. It sounds simple, but it’s their biggest headache.
Theft from the shopping centers along US-378 is also constant. Shoplifting calls keep a good chunk of the patrol shifts busy.
Drugs? Yeah, it’s everywhere, and Lexington isn't immune. While the town doesn't have the "open-air market" feel of some big cities, the opioid crisis hit the Midlands hard. The LPD officers carry Narcan. They use it more often than they’d like to admit.
Specialized Units You Might Not Know About
It’s not just guys in cruisers.
The LPD has a K9 unit. These dogs aren't just for show; they are used for tracking suspects who bolt into the woods near the Saluda River and for drug detection. There’s also an Emergency Response Team (ERT). This is basically their version of SWAT. They don't use them every day, but when there’s a barricaded suspect in an apartment complex off Sunset, they are the ones who roll out the heavy gear.
They also have School Resource Officers (SROs). With the Lexington County School District One being a massive draw for the area, the relationship between the police and the schools is incredibly tight. They are there for security, sure, but they also act as mentors. Sorta.
The Transparency Issue
No police department is perfect.
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If you look at public records or follow local news, you’ll see the occasional internal struggle or controversial arrest. That’s part of the job. But the Lexington South Carolina Police Department maintains a fairly active social media presence. They post their "Weekly Arrest Report" and "Wanted" posters on Facebook.
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s transparent. On the other, it can feel like a digital pillory.
Whether you love it or hate it, it’s how they communicate with the 25,000+ residents who live within the town.
What to do if You Need Them
If you have an emergency, call 911. Obvious, right?
But for non-emergencies, like reporting a cold theft or a noise complaint, you call their dispatch at 803-359-6260. Don't tie up the 911 lines for a barky dog.
You can also submit anonymous tips through their website or via Midlands Crimestoppers. They actually use those tips. A lot of the drug busts in the local motels start with a tip from a neighbor who noticed too much foot traffic at 3:00 AM.
Actionable Steps for Lexington Residents
The Lexington South Carolina Police Department is more effective when the community actually participates. Don't just be a passive observer of your own neighborhood's safety.
- Secure your perimeter: 90% of the vehicle break-ins reported to the LPD involve unlocked doors. Lock your car every single night. Take your key fob inside. It’s the single easiest way to stay off their police blotter.
- Use the "Property Check" service: If you're going on vacation, you can actually notify the LPD. They have a program where officers will periodically check on your home while you’re gone. It’s free. Use it.
- Get the "MyPD" App: The department uses this app to push out alerts about road closures, accidents, or active police scenes. In a town where one wreck on the bridge can ruin your hour, this is essential for your commute.
- Join a Neighborhood Watch: If your HOA doesn't have a direct line to a community liaison officer, ask for one. The LPD is usually happy to send someone out to a meeting to talk about specific crime trends in your specific zip code.
- Keep your records: If you have high-value items, record the serial numbers. The LPD recovers a lot of stolen property that they can never return because the owners have no way to prove it’s theirs.
The relationship between a town and its police is a two-way street. Knowing how the Lexington South Carolina Police Department operates—and what they handle versus what the Sheriff handles—makes you a more informed neighbor and a harder target for crime.