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Understanding the value of close cooperation when it comes to fighting crime, the three police departments in Forest City, Spindale, and Rutherfordton came together and formed the Tri-City Violent Crime Task Force in February, 2024. Two years later, Forest City Police Chief Chris Leroy, Spindale Police Chief Chad Nazelrod, and Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle say the Task Force is a resounding success.
The Task Force recently received a major federal grant, in the amount of $625,000. Congressman Tim Moore presented the check during a ceremony at Rutherfordton Town Hall, attended by members of law enforcement and Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy, Spindale Mayor Nancy Walker, and Forest City Mayor Steve Holland.
This is the first major grant the task force has received and will be used for the purchase of specialized equipment, technology, and vehicles. The task force does not receive special designated funding through the police departments.
In addition to the three police chiefs, there are about 20 officers who work directly with the Task Force.
The police chiefs acknowledge that serving in law enforcement can be dangerous, and working with this Task Force can add a another layer of risk.
"All of the Task Force officers want to do this work," Nazelrod said. "We have not had a problem recruiting officers to work on the task force."
According to the chiefs, every Task Force officer is a regular member of their police department and works on other cases as well.
While local law enforcement agencies have always engaged in some level of cooperation, the Task Force enables much more efficient cooperation especially with violent crime or other major criminal activity.
Because the borders of the three towns are contiguous, with Spindale in the middle, it is easy for criminals to move from one town to the next.
Criminals, the police chiefs say, do not observe borders. Those committing crimes may live in one town, and engage in criminal activity in one of the other towns.
Without the Task Force and various mutual aid agreements, responding to major crimes would be a slower process.
"Having the Task Force is really a manpower multiplier," said Leroy. "Cooperation is automatic. Task Force officers can easily move from one jurisdiction to another."
Overall, Ingle said, response to crime is more efficient, more effective.
The police chiefs say communication among the three departments has never been better. And, law enforcement officers across the police departments and Rutherford County Sheriff's Office have a positive working relationship. There are often major arrests involving the Task Force, and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office ACE (aggressive criminal enforcement) Team.
Since its beginning, the Task Force has investigated and made arrests relating to multiple shootings, and drug activity. Approximately 40 pounds of cocaine, as well as meth, marijuana, and other drugs have been seized, and at least 25 firearms.
Many members of the general public, the police chiefs say, would be surprised at the level of criminal activity taking place in Rutherford County. The Task Force is frequently involved in combating organized gang activity.
However, they are pleased with the support local law enforcement is receiving, and the cooperation and communication among law enforcement. This, the police chiefs agree, makes Rutherford County safer.
