City of Orangeburg Addresses Youth Firearm Trends Through Mentorship, Prevention

The City of Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (DPS) in South Carolina is taking a proactive approach to youth violence prevention by addressing recent firearm-related incident trends through mentorship, education and community engagement.

According to data reviewed by DPS, there were 44 total incidents involving the use, display or possession of a firearm reported from Jan. 1, 2026, until June 5, 2026. Of those incidents, three involved domestic violence situations in which a firearm was used or displayed. Additionally, 10 incidents involved individuals between the ages of 15 and 21, representing approximately 23 percent of all firearm-related incidents reported.

Of those 10 incidents:

• Six involved individuals who were found to be illegally possessing a firearm during a traffic stop or field interview conducted by Public Safety officers.

• Four involved individuals who reportedly used or displayed a firearm during the incident being investigated.

In response, the Department of Public Safety is continuing its commitment to youth intervention and positive engagement through the DPS Mentoring Matters Camp, a free summer program designed to provide young people with educational opportunities, mentorship, and constructive activities.

The camp will operate Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 8 through July 24, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., at the City of Orangeburg Don Younge Canteen Building, located at 1619 Middleton Street.

Participants will engage in:

• Educational and social field experiences

• Guest speaker presentations

• Educational projects

• Leadership development activities

• Mentorship opportunities with public safety professionals and community leaders.

The Mentoring Matters Camp is offered at no cost to participants. DPS is currently seeking both financial contributions and in-kind donations from businesses, organizations, and community members to help support camp activities and programming throughout the summer.

The camp is coordinated by Sergeant Deloris Edmonds. For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or enrollment details, Edmonds can be reached at (803) 533-9361.

Chief Charles P. Austin, Sr., director of the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, emphasized the importance of investing in young people before they become involved in criminal activity.

“While the vast majority of our young people are marking positive choices, these statistics remind us that we must remain intentional about providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for success. Public safety is about more than enforcement – it is about prevention,” said Austin.

Austin added, “Through programs like Mentoring Matters, we are building relationships with our youth, exposing them to positive experiences, and helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to make good decisions. We are committed to working alongside families, schools, faith leaders, and community partners to create a safer and brighter future for Orangeburg.”