Things have come a long way for the West Columbia Police Department.

Under the leadership of Police Chief Dennis Tyndall, today’s officers are highly equipped with the latest technology, and they are rigorously trained to use it.

“The evolution of technology is astounding,” said Assistant West Columbia Police Chief Scott Morrison. The WCPD has 55 personelle when fully staffed. Morrison said the department is always looking for ambitious recruits who want to join a top-quality police force.

Expect it to be the most up-to-date. Even the uniform which was once ties and dress shirts has changed.

“We have more of a BDU (battle dress uniform) said PFC Eugene Hammill of the West Columbia Police Department. He has been with the WCPD for 5 years, and Hammill said each year more equipment is added for officers. It helps him do his job.

“The technology is always getting better,” said Hammill. Hammill likely has more equipment assigned to him than the whole police department of old may have had.

He carries a service weapon, a taser, a body camera, pepper spray, handcuffs, a body mic, a baton, first aid materials, and a flashlight. That’s just on his belt. He also wears a Kevlar vest and carries an AR-15 and a shotgun in his vehicle.

“Patrol cars also have a license plate reader,” said Ham-mill. The LPR detects plates that correspond with outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles or other reported tags involving criminal activity.

The WCPD has a recruitment program to meet the growing need for qualified applicants.

The new program includes increased starting salaries for police officers and ways to remain competitive throughout an officer’s career with additional promotion opportunities and other incentives to retain trained officers.

“The applicant pool for the profession of police officer has dwindled over the years,” said Police Chief Dennis Tyndall.

“Recruiting and retaining the best qualified candidates for police officers has been a challenge for law enforcement agencies across the state.

To apply to the West Columbia Police Department team, go to https://westcolumbiasc.gov/employment .