Sullivan’s Island Police Chief talks new job

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – The Sullivan’s Island Police Department has a new chief of police.

Glenn Meadows had previously served as the Deputy Chief of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department before he was promoted to chief on Tuesday. The change in leadership came after former Chief Chris Griffin’s paid administrative leave ended with a resignation.

Chief Meadows said he is feeling exciting about taking on this new position.

“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but the team that I work with is outstanding,” the chief told News 2 on Friday.

Chief Meadows got his start in law enforcement at the Newport News Police Department in Virginia in 1981. When he retired in 2005, he went to the civilian market and later joined the State Department’s Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance program.

This work took him overseas to places like Iraq and Afghanistan until 2020.

“I didn’t want to go back to a job wearing a coat and tie, working in an office. And I knew law enforcement was my passion. It was my love so, I talked to my wife about it, and we agreed that I would reenter law enforcement,” Chief Meadows said.

As the chief, Meadows now leads the other 11 sworn officers who serve on the island.

“I want to continue to support the officers and provide them with the tools that they need to continue to improve their education and their knowledge and their skills,” Chief shared.

The department now has a mission statement and core values for the first time ever, thanks to the new leader.

“The Sullivan’s Island Police Department is committed to providing professional, transparent, and ethical policing to the community it serves. We are dedicated to ensuring the Island remains a safe place to live, work and visit, with a focus on preventing crime and engaging the community. Our members strive to build effective partnerships with all Town of Sullivan’s Island residents, businesses and visitors; and we agree to perform our duties in a courteous and fair manner. The Sullivan’s Island Police Department recognizes that ethics and honesty are the cornerstones of effective law enforcement, and it endeavors to hold its members to the highest standards.”

The values are professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence. With a big job ahead, Meadows said he couldn’t do it without the support of his family and the officers.

“I can tell you that I’ve never been more proud of this team than I am today and I know that’s just going to continue,” the chief shared.

Former Chief Griffin had been with SIPD since 1997 before his resignation was accepted on Tuesday.