First Responder Friday: Greer Police Department

GREER, S.C. (WSPA) – Mike Ferrell took a step back in his career, which he believes is paying off for the Greer Police Department.

Ferrell grew up in the Charleston area and graduated from Stratford High School. That’s where he got into law enforcement by starting with the Charleston County Detention Center.

“There’s people in this world who want to cause problems and somebody has to do something about it,” according to Ferrell.

Ferrell moved to the Upstate and joined the Greer Police Department in 2010. He moved up to the role of patrol sergeant but believed the department was lacking something.

“I saw this glaring problem with policing, in general,” Ferrell told 7NEWS. “We’re responding to all types of calls where there’s mental health involved and there’s people who are suicidal. (Some) of these people need some type of treatment, but they’re not compliant with treatment.”

Ferrell gave up the rank of sergeant to become the Crisis Intervention Officer for Greer Police. City Council approved funding the position in November and he took over the post.

‘When I show up, I try to – as much as possible on my end – to treat them was as much dignity about what they’re going through. They are legitimate things.”

Officer Ferrell said his work often starts with a conversation.

“Sometimes it just takes that conversation for us to be able to deescalate somebody to the point where they can listen to reason. (Then) we can start working towards a solution.”

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