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Copyright © 2003 South Carolina State Constables Alliance
South Carolina State Constables Alliance
Grand Strand District
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
P.O.
Box 1745
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578-1745
By Tom Reed - Past Executive Director
Serving the State of South Carolina
Constables
have a long distinguished themselves as law enforcement officers. They were
among the first officers in their communities, often chosen because they were
the biggest and the strongest. More often than not they were chosen because they
were the only ones that would serve as a protector of the community. These
constables would most likely serve their communities without pay and
compensation.
The
modern day State Constable would have the same attributes but is a commissioned
law enforcement officer. This commission is presented through the South Carolina
Governors Office and is administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement
Division (SLED). Like his past counterparts, the South Carolina State Constable
serves his community without pay or compensation. His desire to serve his
community and commitment to law enforcement is his only reward. The modern State
Constable is a highly trained and skilled professional that stands ready for
service with professional law enforcement agencies when needed.
Unlike
his predecessor, the modern State Constable must attain mandated training and
undergo an extensive background investigation prior to commissioning. This
training is directed by SLED as are the investigations. The training consist of
an extensive basic Constable training class as well as annual re-certification
requirements. The state constables in our association also receive
additional training from local law enforcement agencies in our home community
when “in service” is provided to local law enforcement professionals. He is
trained to be a volunteer who can quickly respond to whatever law enforcement
needs his community and state have of him. This training is at the Constables'
own expense as well as the purchase of clothing, equipment, and authorized
weapons.
The
State Constable of today is required to be accountable for his actions to the
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. He is required to submit quarterly
reports of his activities and to justify any actions that he has taken within
the quarter. The Constable must always be ready and able to justify his
commission worthiness, to SLED in order to retain his commission.
Service as a South Carolina State Constable is a challenging, training is intensive and rewarding commitment to the state and community. The State Constable is a needed additional resource to full time law enforcement agencies within the state. Assistance to these departments provides the law enforcement community in South Carolina with a flexible force that can fill gaps caused by unexpected events such as environmental disasters or other statewide emergencies. Local law enforcement agencies benefit by using State Constables during special events and times that require a larger than available law enforcement staff for short periods. Service by State Constables is completely voluntary and no compensation is allowed. The State Constable cannot be used to provide services that should be provided by a salaried officer.
If you find links on this page that don't work
or you have any other problems with this page, please notify:
The PageMaster
Copyright © 2003 South Carolina State Constables Alliance