Columbia, SC Police Department

The History of the Columbia Police Department Motorcycle Unit

Thursday, November 13, 1952, Columbia, S.C.

Three ‘E’s’ of Traffic Safety Key to Efficient City Program

Columbia, Holder of National Awards in Field, Uses Firm, Yet Flexible Plan the Year Around

By Mason Brunson

The city of Columbia has won national recognition for its work on traffic safety, but it is not resting on its laurels.

On the contrary, says Capt. B. F. Pruitt, head of the Police Department’s Traffic Division, the city is constantly working on a program built around the “three E’s” of education, engineering and enforcement.

It’s a year-around. 24-hour-a-day program designed to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It’s a plan that’s firm, yet flexible enough to be modified from time to time to meet changing conditions.

Despite the many problems involved, the Traffic Division appears to be coping capably with a traffic volume which is extremely heavy for a city the size of Columbia.

This is attested by the honors which Columbia has received recently in the field of traffic safety and enforcement.

The city tied with Jackson, Mich., for third place in its population group in the National Pedestrian Protection Contest sponsored by the American Automobile Association.

Police Chief L. J. Campbell was appointed to serve on the Traffic Law Enforcement Committee of the National Police Chiefs Association and received a citation for Columbia.

Captain Pruitt was appointed to the advisory committee on laventary of traffic safety activities, national Safety Council.

1922
1952
Motor Officer Charles R. Clarke on a ’59 H-D FLH
June 6, 1986 Officer Glen Sawyer
1988 Sgt. Shawen
1989 Sgt. Shawen
1984 Harley-Davidson Model FLHP Veteran’s Day Paraide 11/10/

Information and Photos provided by the Charleston, SC Police Department