City of Fountain Inn Named One of the Safest Cities in South Carolina

 
Fountain Inn, SC — July 30, 2025 — The City of Fountain Inn has been recognized as one of the top 20 Safest Cities in South Carolina, according to a recent report by SafeWise. Among 64 cities evaluated, Fountain Inn stands out as one of only six that achieved reductions in both property crime and violent crime in the past year — reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and strong community partnerships.
 
Crime statistics for the year underscore this achievement:
Property crime incidents dropped from 110 to 47 year-to-date, a reduction of 63 cases.
Larceny reports decreased by 33 cases (from 60 to 27).
Burglaries fell by 10 incidents, and auto-breaking dropped by 12.
Total crimes are down by 61 incidents overall.
 
Additionally, violent crime remains low, with only 1 violent crime reported in June 2025, consistent with the same period last year.
 
“I am immensely proud of our department’s efforts in making Fountain Inn one of the 15 safest cities in South Carolina,” said Fountain Inn Police Chief Patrick Fortenberry. “The dedication and hard work of our staff have truly made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our community. Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment to excellence and ensuring the security of our residents.”
 
The Fountain Inn Police Department (FIPD) plays a pivotal role in the City’s success. Under the leadership of Chief Fortenberry, FIPD comprises 37 sworn officers, 9 communication specialists, and 3 administrative staff members — all dedicated to protecting life, property, and the constitutional rights of residents and visitors. The department emphasizes a community policing philosophy, fostering partnerships, trust, and visibility throughout Fountain Inn.
 
FIPD also manages the City’s emergency communications system, responding to an increasing volume of calls — including a 65% increase in 911 inbound calls this June compared to last year — demonstrating strong public trust and engagement.
 
Fountain Inn joins other leading communities such as Hanahan, Hardeeville, Goose Creek, Surfside Beach, and Abbeville as one of the six cities recognized for reducing both violent and property crime.
 
For more details on how Fountain Inn compares to other cities, visit: SafeWise Safest Cities in South Carolina.