Downtown crime decreases after King St. safety initiative implemented [Video]

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Months after Charleston launched a King Street Safety Initiative, data shows crime is down and officials say the changes made are working in an effort to make downtown Charleston safer.

The City of Charleston, Mayor William Cogswell and the City of Charleston Police and Fire Departments announced in March an effort to elevate safety, security and overall livability of the Central Business District. The effort is also in collaboration with local businesses.

Including King Street, the Central Business District consists of King Street, the Market area, sections of Broad Street, East Bay Street and Meeting Street.

The five pillars of the initiative include alcohol enforcement, coordinated patrol initiatives, fire marshal inspections, access to exterior cameras and ride-share designated pickup areas.

“I would say, by large, a lot of the initiatives that we’ve started have been successful; still room for tweaking on them, but I think it’s been pretty …