Rock Hill Police, Sheriff launch new crime-fighting initiative with area hotels

A new high-tech effort to help prevent and fight crime in York County’s hotels and motels is now underway.

Law enforcement, hotel owners and the city’s convention and visitors bureau Friday morning unveiled a new online database allowing those parties to share information about crime across the city, with the goal of keeping hotel and motel operators abreast of trends or problem guests.

Rock Hill Police Major Steve Parker said this type of system could have been useful in crimes as recent as Thursday night.

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York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant said he multi-jurisdictional approach will go a long way towards protecting citizens, visitors and their valuables.

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Parker said access is limited to hotel operators, and as those employees come across information that may be useful to their colleagues, they will be encouraged to add that to the system.

Law enforcement, in turn, will work to verify that information so the county’s tourism partners are aware of issues or trends that may be impacting their guests.

Ryan Tilden, general manager of the Town Place Suites by Mariott on Tabor Drive in Rock Hill, said he’s thrilled by the concept.

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The site, while password protected, is available at www.rockhillyorkcountyconnect.com.