Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. On PAGE 12 of the application in the top left corner, there will be a spot to fill what position you are applying for.  Please enter either Detention or Uniform Patrol.

This answer can differ from person to person depending on their level of experience, background and the timeliness (scheduling and completing necessary forms) in which a candidate can complete the next step.  In most cases a fair timeline is 2-3 months to complete everything.

A simple overview of the requirements for a candidate with NO prior law enforcement experience includes:

• Passing the POST (Police Officer Selection Test)
• Oral Board Interview
• Polygraph
• Background Investigation
• Psychiatric Evaluation
• Passing the SCCJA POPAT (agility test) in under the required 2:06.  
• Passing a medical physical and drug screen

1. The use of Heroin or Opiates
2. Any intravenous drug application
3. Any felony conviction
4. Any applicant found to have been involved in the sale of illegal drugs.
5. The use of PCP, LSD, Mescaline or the like
6. All candidates must have a 2-year abstinence of any illegal drug use prior to applying.
   • *The above is provided as a basic guide and is not an all-inclusive list.  Should there be any questions about any of the above mentioned or any other possible disqualifiers, please contact us as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

No you do not!  We strive to hire applicants who are eager to seek a career in law enforcement and serve their community.  We seek receptive candidates with integrity, good character, and an eagerness to learn.  

In order to be a Uniform Patrol Deputy, you must possess a Class 1 Certification with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia, South Carolina.  Once you are hired, you will then begin the certification program which is a 4x8 program.  This means 4 weeks “in-house” training where you will learn and test on what is referred to as “legals”.  After these 4 weeks you will then report to the Academy for a cumulative test and take the POPAT at the Academy.  Upon passing both, you will then be given an Academy start date.  Once enrolled at the Academy you will report every Sunday to the Academy in Columbia South Carolina and return home every Friday.  You will do this for 8 weeks (provided no failures) after which you will graduate from the Academy with a Class 1 Certification. Upon returning to our agency, you will then complete a 12-week FTO (Field Training Officer) program where you will ride tandem with a different Deputy every other week.  At the completion of this training, you will complete an evaluation board after which you will be assigned to a platoon within the uniform patrol division.