Q & A with Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson

is a longtime local law enforcement officer that was named Coordinator of Safety and Emergency Management for Darlington County School District this past January. Kim easily transitioned the experience she gained over the years to this new and exciting position. Vip met with Kim to discover more about her day-to-day routine.

Kimberly Nelson is married to James Nelson Sr. They have two sons, James Jr. and Nicholas. They also have two granddaughters, Kemoni and Jersey. Kim grew up in Dillon, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Frances Roberts and the late Joseph Lee Roberts. Kim also serves as the youth pastor at Nazareth Apostolic Church in Hartsville, South Carolina.

q & a with Kim Nelson

VIP: Tell us about yourself.

KIM: “I have spent more than 21 years in law enforcement, all at Darlington Police Department (DPD). I have had the pleasure of wearing many hats at the DPD. I still serve as a part-time victim’s advocate and community relations contact. “I hold an Associate of Arts in criminal justice from Florence-Darlington Technical College, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Coker College, a Master of Arts in management and leadership from Webster University, and a Criminal Justice Post-Master’s Certificate from Northcentral University. I am also pursuing my Doctorate in Criminal Justice.”

VIP: What are your day-to-day duties?

KIM: "I am currently the Coordinator of Safety and Emergency Management for the Darlington County School District (DCSD). My primary responsibilities are to coordinate safety and security measures throughout the school district. I also get the opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the school district, law enforcement, and the community by serving and protecting.”

VIP: What do you enjoy most about your position? KIM: “What I enjoy most about this job is that I get the opportunity to interact with some amazing young people and that I have the opportunity to share my experiences with them as they develop into world changers. I also enjoy the fact that I get to tap into a wealth of knowledge that is held by so many that work for the DCSD.” VIP: Your personality is magnetic; I’m sure many of the students you interact with gravitate to you and possibly your profession as a career choice because of your positive outreach. Do you see yourself as a role model to these students? KIM: “Over the years as a law enforcement officer, I have worked with many parents in finding resources for their children. I feel confident that my new role at the district will allow me to have more resources to help more children and parents. DCSD embraces me as an added tool to help protect, nurture and grow the best students around.”

VIP: Can you share a memorable moment with DCSD?

KIM: “Our district recently launched a district and community-wide initiative called, ‘The Orange Frog.’ This program gives us the tools and instructions for ‘Choosing Happiness' and coming together as one big team. Anyone can take a bad situation and make it worse but it takes guts to be the person who steps in and makes things a little better. I was challenged by the program to be that person.”

VIP: How do you keep calm in potentially highenergy situations? KIM: "My experiences have impressed upon me that someone has to remain calm in unpredictable situations. Most times a little calmness and discussion can solve an issue. I have learned to get the facts first, take a breath and then make the move forward."