Adrian Evangelista recently became Isle of Palms Police Department’s newest patrol officer, responsible of course for patrolling the island and ensuring all forms of safety from motorist driving and parking to speed laws and answering calls for assistance. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I grew up on Isle of Palms,” said Evangelista, who started with the force in late January. “I know the people and the officers and everyone here is almost like a second family.”
Evangelista’s interest was also fueled by his previous position. He began with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in 2024. His work there confirmed his desire to become a police officer. “And when I found out IOPPD had an opening, I applied because I’ve wanted to work here for a long time.”
In addition to helping keep residents and property safe in his regular duties, Evangelista has a special focus: community engagement. “I like to walk around and talk to people, from kids to adults, and take an interest in them whenever possible,” he said. “Doing so shows that policemen are human and have emotions beyond the badge, and it lets people know we’re here to protect them in a personal way.”
“Officer Evangelista brings a tremendous interest in community-oriented policing,” said IOP Police Chief Kevin Cornett. “He has a desire to work with the residents, and that is going New IOP Patrol Officer Adrian Evangelista takes police oath. to enhance the department’s goal of building stronger community-police relationships.”
To this end, Evangelista makes it a point to watch for DUIs “because there’s no acceptable answer to getting behind the wheel of a car if you’ve been drinking.”
IOPPD logged almost 100 DUI charges during 2024, plus another 100 in 2023 and 125 in 2022 – numbers that Evangelista would like to eventually see decrease in years to come, especially since the island continues to grow as a resort spot with more visitors now coming from all parts of the country. “With all the tourism, DUI is a problem I never want to see get out of hand.”
Evangelista’s hiring brings the current IOPPD total to 19 officers, with one more expected to be hired in March and another in April. His long-term goal is to eventually become a police detective, but until then expect to see him routinely patrolling your area.
“I like working where I live,” Evangelista said. “And if I feel safe, it lets me know the community is safe too.”
By L. C. Leach III
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