The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In South Carolina, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve the public. Their primary responsibilities include enforcing state and local laws, investigating crimes, and apprehending individuals suspected of committing offenses. Police departments are structured to provide these services to the community, and their actions are governed by state statutes, federal law, and departmental policies. South Carolina law enforcement officers are required to complete training and certification through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. They must also adhere to the standards and procedures set forth by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which oversees statewide policing practices.