SHELBY — The Shelby Police Department is continuing to target drugs in the community.
In 2024, Shelby police investigated numerous drug and alcohol-related offenses, resulting in 158 arrests, according to the department’s recently released 2024 annual report.
“These investigations led to the seizure of illegal narcotics, stolen property and illegally possessing firearms,” Shelby Police Chief Lance Combs said in the report.
Misdemeanor criminal charges from these offenses were filed through the Shelby Municipal Court. Felony charges were filed through the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office and resulted in the prosecution and conviction of numerous suspects.
Shelby officers received a number of drug complaints from citizens which were documented, investigated and ultimately forwarded to the METRICH Enforcement Unit.
“With the help of our citizens, Shelby Police Department was able to forward 13 Drug Intelligence forms to MEU,” the chief said.
“These complaints from members of our community are what provide this department with knowledge of illegal activity that may have otherwise gone unknown. We continue to encourage individuals to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.”
Officers also responded to 14 drug-related overdoses in 2024 — one being a fatality.
Shelby police and Shelby fire/EMS were able to quickly administer Naloxone on six occasions, ultimately aiding in the revival of the subject, according to the report.
Shelby police Opiate Response Team
Chaplain Dan Gates and Sgt. Aaron Bushey lead the department’s Opiate Response Team.
The ORT’s purpose is to intervene within a few days following an opiate overdose to offer immediate services to any person willing to take advantage of the opportunity.
“These teams are separate from any investigation and enforcement action,” Combs said. “They respond to provide an avenue for those addicted to drugs that are willing to seek help.”
The ORT is made up of an officer, an advocate and a treatment provider. All overdose reports within the county are funneled to a single collection point where data is pulled and notifications are made to each team, the report said.
“In addition, and at his request, Chaplain Gates is immediately notified of all active overdoses and responds immediately to either the scene or the hospital,” the chief said. “He believes that family are often involved immediately following an overdose and that is the best opportunity for treatment.”
In conjunction with all providers, Shelby’s ORT responded to seven events post-overdose in 2024 to attempt to steer people toward treatment and recovery.
Since 2017, the ORT has conducted 61 callouts, with 33 contacts (54 percent) and 25 of those (76 percent) entered drug treatment, according to the annual report.
(Below is a PDF copy of the complete Shelby Police Department 2024 annual report.)
Community involvement
Through cooperation with METRICH and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Shelby police participated in two drug take-back events — which resulted in hundreds of pounds of medications being properly disposed.
The department also organized two blood drives with help from the American Red Cross.
“As always, our goal is to be integral partners with our community; to be open, transparent and honest with our actions,” Combs said. “Our entire team is tasked daily with being positively engaged.”
The department maintains a presence on social media, primarily via Facebook. Shelby police also use Richland County’s WENS system for text notifications.
At least 12 individuals in 2024 participated in the department’s ride-along program.
The annual Christmas toy drive served 14 families this year, including 35 children, and provided many excess items to Shelby Helpline, according to the report.
“We will continue to look for ways and opportunities to partner with our community and make it a better community for all,” Combs said.
