Crime Prevention Program 

To help stem the rising tide of crime, The National Exchange Club established a powerful program to heighten public awareness of the many ways average citizens can help prevent illegal activity. Since its inception, Exchange's Crime Prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every President of the United States as well as leading law enforcement officials. The Club holds a program honoring its Policeman of the Year with an award.

The Exchange Club of Charleston held its Crime Prevention Program on February 16, 2006, by honoring Officers from the City of North Charleston, Charleston County Sheriffs Department, the S.C. Highway Patrol, and the Charleston Police Department. The club hosted a large group of law enforcement officers, both men and women, for the presentation of our annual Crime Prevention Officers of the Year Award. Chairman Ed Hoskins, along with Club President Dennis Lott, did the honors in presenting plaques and checks to the following officers: Detective James Rowan, N. Charleston Police Department; Master Deputy William Collins, Charleston County Sheriff's Office; L/CPL David C. Martin, SC Highway Patrol; and Pvt. Michael Barry, City of Charleston Police Department.

Det. Lames Rowan was instrumental in helping the Jacksonville, FL police track down someone using a stolen credit card belonging to a missing couple.. He tracked the card's use to a rental car company, and then to a North Charleston home. The follow-up investigation helped police make four arrests in the Lowcountry and Florida. It was later learned that the 61 year old couple had died after being buried alive. They had moved recently to Florida from Ladson SC.
L/CPL David Martin was credited with some quick thinking during a hostage situation. While responding with Dorchester County deputies, the 12-year Highway Patrol veteran peeked into a window and saw a man pointing a shotgun at the front door. A woman was also inside. After a standoff, police arrested the man. He told them that he would have shot had they entered the door. Other officers credited Martin with preventing a deadly situation.
Master Deputy William Collins was recognizied for disarming a felon of a handgun while working an off-duty assignment on Folly Beach. Collins has also volunteered with the Buck-A-Cup campaign for the last three years to benefit children with disabilities.