Neighborhood Improvement Program

The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) was conceived in 2004 in response to a review of reported incidents, citizen complaints, and an increase in the number of reported incidents related to firearm discharges in the city of Spartanburg. The department also received a number of complaints relating to large groups congregating in certain neighborhoods while engaging in suspected illegal activity. At a minimum, these crowds created discord for the residents of the areas in which they congregated by making loud noises, blocking the flow of vehicular traffic and creating a sense of fear or uneasiness for residents.

NIP was created to provide concentrated law enforcement efforts in specific neighborhoods. The group’s focus is to respond to quality of life issues that impact neighborhoods. The group addresses street level criminal activity and supports the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Narcotics Unit and Uniform Patrol Division. The group has made numerous arrests and seized a number of weapons that were in the possession of individuals involved in criminal activity.