What does it take to be a South Carolina State Constable?

A commitment to public service is an essential element in the road to becoming a South Carolina State Constable.  You must not have an attitude of convenient service.  You cannot just serve when the notion strikes.  You must have an attitude for service when you are needed.  You may be needed to assist within your community at night, on weekends, holidays, when it is raining or cold, or when you might rather be watching a ball game.  The point being “commitment” to being useful when you are needed by a department or agency.

Basic steps must first be taken in order to set the process into motion.  First you must make application to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to become a constable.  The applications and filing fees vary for the type of constable commission you require.  The commissions and fees are as follows:  

These non-refundable fees are made by certified funds to SLED and are presented with a completed application.  Finger-printing by a local police department on provided cards must accompany the completed application.  Current photographs and certified copies of your driving records must be provided.  At least three letters of recommendation must accompany your application.  A complete physical examination or statement of good health from your physician must be presented, in writing, with your application.  It takes approximately six to eight weeks for an application to be processed and approved.  Once the application is approved you will be issued a letter of “approval for training” from SLED.  This “letter of approval” is presented at the next available training class for the type of Constable for which you have applied.

Group I Constables must attend the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy to receive training.  Group II Constables require no additional training and Group III Constables must meet the required “Basic Constable” training under approved courses of the S. C. Law Enforcement Training Council.  The Group III training consist of 36 hours of classroom study that culminates with a written test followed by twelve hours of firearms training and shooting qualifications.  The shooting qualifications are an interesting and challenging test of your weapons ability and skills.

Training is required annually after certification of all Constables.  This training is attained at a local SC Technical College or other approved facility.  Certificates issued for these in-service classes shall be copied and sent to SLED to be part of your permanent file.

Group type governs the equipment utilized by the Constables.  Group I Constable equipment shall be authorized by the employing agency.  Group II and Group III may use a navy blue raid jacket with white lettering that identifies you as a SC State Constable for field operations.  In summer a Constable may use a black nylon vest with gold lettering that identifies you as a SC State Constable.  A SC State Constable certification card will be supplied by SLED. Authorized handguns are restricted to .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9 mm., 40 S&W or .45 cal. and should be worn concealed.

Any further information may be obtained by calling or writing to this chapter of the South Carolina State Constables Alliance at the above listed address.  We thank you for your interest in the South Carolina State Constable program.  We hope it is for you and that we may be of assistance

What a South Carolina Constable is and is not