South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association
SCLEOA is The Law Enforcement Association that supports, trains, mentors, and enhances the lives of law enforcement officers, their families, and the profession.
Created over 80 years ago, prominent law enforcement officers in South Carolina recognized the need for a statewide law enforcement association that would be open to all criminal justice professionals. Created in 1941, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association quickly became the “Voice of Law Enforcement in South Carolina.” Today, thousands of officers in every rank of federal, state, and local law enforcement enjoy valuable services and benefits provided by SCLEOA.
• SCLEOA offers financial support to members in times of crisis through the Ben Willoughby Fund. This fund was created with the realization that there are times when catastrophic injury, illness, or other occurrences may jeopardize the ability of the SCLEOA member to financially secure basic needs of food and shelter. The SCLEOA Is able to provide $600 to members in need of assistance;
• SCLEOA provides its membership with a $10,000 Line of Duty Death Benefit. The survivor will normally receive the Line of Duty Death benefit within 72 hours after the officer’s death, providing crucial financial assistance at a time when the family needs it the most;
• SCLEOA has partnered with American Income Life Insurance to provide an additional $2,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy for ALL SCLEOA members – including retired members;
• SCLEOA provides Legal Representation to eligible members facing criminal charges that occur during the performance of his or her sworn duties. In 2023, SCLEOA provided legal representation to 25 police officers in South Carolina for officer involved shootings. We also now cover off duty shootings;
• SCLEOA provides invaluable advanced professional training at affordable rates so that every member and department can take advantage of it. SCLEOA hosts training throughout South Carolina to ensure every officer has an opportunity to attend. Examples of training courses include Sovereign Citizens, Reality Based Scenario, Active Shooter, Female Officer Survival, Courtroom Combat, Combat Handgun, Forensic Science, Terrorism, Human Trafficking and Documenting Force;
• SCLEOA serves as the Voice of Law Enforcement in South Carolina through a strong legislative agenda. SCLEOA has a long and successful history of sponsoring and supporting legislation that enhances and promotes the careers of law enforcement officers in South Carolina. SCLEOA monitors all legislation that may impact the criminal justice system;
• SCLEOA offers members the opportunity to network with other law enforcement professionals through district meetings, fundraisers, and competitive and recreational events geared toward our profession. Networking allows our members to also be mentored by our other members who are law enforcement executives in state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.
JJ Jones- Executive Director Cell phone (803) 606-8014 JJ@scleoa.org web site scleoa.org
President
Chief James Allen
Timmonsville Police Department
Executive Committee
President Elect
Chief Dale Long
Conway Police Department
1st Vice President
Charles Barranco
Director of Aiken Department of Public Safety
2nd Vice President
Chief James Stewart
Anderson Police Department
Treasurer/Secretary
Major James “Jim” Miles
University of South Carolina
Division of Law
Enforcement & Safety
Immediate Past President
Chief Skip Holbrook
Columbia Police Department
Sergeant-at-Arms
Captain Eric Abdullah
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association
2024-2025 District Representatives
The District Representatives serve as the senior association official for his or her respective District. Each is expected to hold a District-wide Spring and Fall meeting to conduct District business and encourage prospective members to join the association. District Representatives present a report of the concerns of members, at each regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, in his or her District and present a report of his or her monthly activities to the President as well. District representatives represent the district in which they are employed, assigned, or reside.
District 1 - Calhoun, Dorchester, & Orangeburg
Chief Brett Camp
St. George Police Department
100 Sears Street • St. George, SC 29477 (843) 563-3643 • b.camp@stgeorgepolice.com
District 2 - Aiken, Bamberg, & Barnwell
Investigator Jessica Abdullah
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
420 Hampton Ave. • Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 642-1761 • jabdullah@aikencountysc.gov
District 3 - Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, & Williamsburg
Captain Mike Evans Sumter Police Department
107 E Hampton Ave. • Sumter SC, 29150 (803) 436-2083 • mevans@sumter-sc.com
District 4 - Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, & Marlboro
Vacant
District 5 - Kershaw & Richland
Master Officer Robert Gibbs Bureau of Protective Services RobertGibbs@scdps.gov
District 6 - Chester, Fairfield, & Lancaster
Major Matt Shaw
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office P.O. Box 908 • Lancaster, S.C. 29721 (803) 283-3388 • jshaw@lacoso.net
District 7 - Cherokee & Spartanburg
Chief Chris Carter
Spartanburg Methodist College Campus Safety (864) 587-4003 • ccarter@smcsc.edu
District 8 - Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, & Newberry
Lieutenant Jason Stuhr
Newberry Police Department
1507 Nance Street • Newberry, SC 29108 (803) 321-1010 • jstuhr@cityofnewberry.com
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association
District 9 - Berkeley & Charleston
Lieutenant Robert Forsythe Isle of Palms Police Department
30 J.C. Long Blvd. • Isle of Palms, SC 29451 rforsythe@iop.net
District 10 - Anderson & Oconee
Chief Jim Stewart
Anderson Police Department
401 South Main Street • Anderson, SC 29624 jstewart@cityofandersonsc.com
District 11 - Edgefield, Lexington, Mccormick, & Saluda
Robby Lint
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
P.O. Box 639 • Lexington, SC 29071 (803) 785-8230 • clint@lcsd.sc.gov
District 12 - Florence & Marion
Lieutenant Alvin Powell
Florence County Sheriff’s Office (843) 665-2121 • apowell@fcso.org
District 13 - Greenville & Pickens
Lieutenant Jarrid Lowe
Fountain Inn Police Department
300 N. Main Street • Fountain Inn, SC 29644 (864) 862-4461 • jarrid.lowe@fountaininn.org
District 14 - Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, & Jasper
Chief Deputy Gean Johnson Colleton County Sheriff’s Office
394 Mable T. Willis Blvd. • Walterboro, SC 29488 (843) 549-2211 ext. 2003 • gjohnson@colletoncounty.org
District 15 - Georgetown & Horry
Lieutenant Chris Williamson
Conway Police Department 1600 9th Ave. Conway, SC 29526 (843) 488-7644 cwilliamson@cityofconway.com
District 16 - Union & York
Chief Chris Watts
Rock Hill Police Department (803) 329-7200 chris.watts@cityofrockhill.com
2024 SC Law Enforcement Conference
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Thursday November 14, 2024
09:00 AM- 1:00 PM Attendee Registration
12:00 PM- 4:00 PM
1:00 PM- 1:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
2:45 PM - 4:30 PM
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
8:30PM - 11:00 PM
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
8:30 AM –10:30 AM
Motorola Vendor Hall Set Up
Opening Ceremony- Association Presidents
-Dr. Leah Kaylor- Street Cops and the Key to Healthy Sleeping Break
-Prosecuting for Victim- 12th Circuit Asst Sol. White/ VA Tammy ErwinMarion County Sheriff’s Office -Association Meetings
Opening Reception- Motorola Vendor Hall
Dinner Served in Vendor Hall
DJ in the Motorola Networking Suite/ Game Night Sponsored by SCPPA
Friday, November 15, 2024
Breakfast in Vendor Hall
-Lindsay McCall Long-Surviving an Attack
10:30 AM- 11:00 AM Break in the Motorola Vendor Hall
11:00 AM- 12:30 PM
-Dr. Leah Kaylor- Eye Movement Desensitization and Brain-Spotting for Law Enforcement
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch in the Motorola Vendor Hall and Expo/ Door Prizes
2:00 PM -4:00 PM
2:00 PM- 4:00 PM
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Motorola Vendor Hall Break Down
-Training- Chief Eric Williams- Transferrable Leadership Association Meetings
-SCLEOA and SCPPA Joint Banquet- MC Chief James Allen Chris Jones in the Motorola Networking Suite
Saturday, November 16, 2024
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM -Closing Speaker- Officer Ashley Ferris- The Will to Survive
President’s Message
SCLEOA family,
Since my swearing-in last November, I have witnessed firsthand the immense value of our collective efforts.
Together, we unite the diverse aspects of our profession under one strong banner. Our strength lies in our unity. By presenting a united front, we effectively lobby the legislature and advocate for our interests.
Even in difficult times, when new legislation makes our jobs more challenging or dangerous, we remain committed to
fighting for the changes we need.
As we face unprecedented challenges, our Association is more important than ever. We are poised to grow and provide unwavering support for each of our members.
I am proud to lead this incredible group and look forward to our continued success together.
Save the Date: Alston Wilkes Society 62nd Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Seawell’s Restaurant
Speaker: Denise M. Robinson, the first President of the American Correctional Association representing the field of Community Corrections
Please join us for lunch
and to recognize professionals from the fields of law enforcement, corrections, veteran services, and children’s services.
For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, please visit the “Events” page located at www.alstonwilkessociety. org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Chief James Allen of the Timmonsville Police Department.
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Executive Director’s Message
SCLEOA Members and Law Enforcement Professionals,
As your Executive Director for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, I want to thank you for the opportunity to work for you and this organization.
My family and I celebrated three years with this team on May 19, 2024. I can tell you it has been a wonderful experience for me professionally and my family is “all in.”
The support that our members and boards have given to SCLEOA has made this job even more enjoyable. Your commitment to attending the meetings, fund raising events, and our yearly conference are proof that our organization is getting stronger.
Our membership numbers continue to grow, and our focus is clear, we support our law enforcement officers in South Carolina.
Our president, Chief James Allen, was out front with the legislature in 2024 and he was an important part in pushing positive legislation through to support our cops.
Chief Allen’s testimony and representation of our organization assisted in turning the tide for several pieces of legislation. For his commitment to this year’s agenda, we thank him for being the tip of the spear.
Our Office Manager, Jenny Lewis, has done a wonderful
job of growing our association. She manages to assist in organizing events, juggling an internet store, and bringing customer service to an even higher level for SCLEOA.
Jenny has been a wonderful addition to our team, and she continues to find new ways to improve your association.
One huge step for us in 2024 was the launch of our new interactive web site on January 2, 2024. Please go online and look at our sleek and more user-friendly web site.
This was her project and she hit a homerun for the SCLEOA team with this innovative technology! Having Jenny on our team continues to help our organization run smooth. We look forward to an even stronger 2024 at SCLEOA. We do need your support for the 2024 South Carolina Law Enforcement Conference (SCLEC).
In this magazine, you will see a line-up that is going to turn heads in the public safety community. We need you to attend the conference for it to be a success.
We had 137 attendees last year and we want to top that this year. When you see the speakers and sponsors supporting the 2024 SCLEC, you will not want to miss this opportunity!
I will see you all in Myrtle Beach November 14th-16th!
Executive Director J.J. Jones
SCLEOA Scholarships Available
Each year, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Foundation (SCLEOF) awards $7,000 in Scholarships to three graduating high school seniors. The SCLEOF is the training and educational subsidiary of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA), South Carolina’s oldest and largest professional association.
SCLEOA has been the Voice of Law Enforcement in South Carolina since 1941. Today, nearly 7,000 officers, representing every rank in municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, comprise the membership of our association.
The SCLEOF will award one $3,000 scholarship and two $2,000 scholarships to high school
seniors in the coming year. One of the $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to the child of an SCLEOA member.
The SCLEOA and SCLEOF are proud to support education in The Palmetto State and look forward to the scholarship consideration process each year!
All proceeds from the 2024 SCLEOF Golf Tournament will be used to fund the Scholarship Program which has awarded over $230,000 in South Carolina over the past 20-plus years.
Join us at Persimmon Hill Golf Club in Saluda, SC, for a day of fun!
Visit www.scleoa.com for dates and details.
Second Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Governor Henry McMaster held the second annual Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony today in Columbia, to publicly commend exceptional law enforcement professionals statewide. In total, 13 finalists were selected from the nominations of various state, county, and municipal agencies. One winner was named in each of the three categories during the ceremony and awarded $10,000 as part of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program, for which SCDPS is the program administrator.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!
2023 GOVERNOR’S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
- State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year - Lance Corporal B.A.
Frazier, South Carolina Highway Patrol Recruiting
- County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year - Corporal Lucas T. Watts, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office - SC
- City Law Enforcement Officer of the Year - Patrolman
First Class Jason Marzan, North Charleston Police Department
The following is the list of remaining finalists for each category:
2023 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
- Lance Corporal Courtney Angotti-Smith, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Special Agent Jarrett Greenway, South Carolina Department of Corrections
- Special Agent Bralion “BJ” E. Hyatt, Jr., South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - SLED 2023 County Law Enforcement
Officer of the Year finalists:
- Sergeant Kenneth W. Fitzsimmons, Richland County Sheriff’s Department
- Master Deputy Ryan Freeman, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office
- Major James M. “Matt” Shaw, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office SC
2023 Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
- Master Police Officer Omar E. Bautista, City of Charleston Police Department
- Senior Corporal Christopher Kaderly, Irmo Police Department
- Senior Patrol Officer Raymond Schoonmaker, Mount Pleasant Police Department
- Detective Aaron J. Smith, North Myrtle Beach Police
Special thanks to Dawndy Mercer Plank On Cam for being our master of ceremony for the event!
Gov. Henry McMaster with State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Lance Corporal
B.A. Frazier, South Carolina Highway Patrol Recruiting (photos courtesty of Gov. McMaster’s office)
Gov. Henry McMaster with City Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Patrolman First Class Jason Marzan, North Charleston Police Department.
Gov. Henry McMaster with Sheriff Crenshaw and Haley Watts, who received the award on behalf of Corporal Lucas T. Watts, who was injured in the line of duty in 2023.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist SCDNR Lance Corporal Angotti-Smith.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist SCDC Special Agent Jarrett Greenway.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist SLED Special Agent Bralion E. Hyatt Jr.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Richland County Sheriffs Department Sergeant Kenneth Fitzsimmons.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Greenville County Sheriffs Office Master Deputy Ryan Freeman.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Lancaster County Sheriffs Office Major James M. Shaw.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Charleston Police Department Master Police Officer Omar Bautista.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Irmo Police Department Senior Corporal Christopher Kaderly.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist Mount Pleasant Police Department Senior Patrol Officer Raymond Schoonmaker.
Gov. Henry McMaster with finalist North Myrtle Beach Police Department Detective Aaron Smith.
El Jimador Viejo 2114 N Hwy 81
825 Sunset Blvd West Columbia (803) 851-1189
Anderson (864) 328-3893 BP Sky Mart 1924 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston (843) 641-0037
47 Goethe Road Bluffton (843) 837-2800 70 Hwy 17 South (843) 273-4976
2121 Boundary Street
Beaufort (843) 322-9909
Brookgreen Pantry & Grill 2230 Mechanicsville Road
Florence (843) 407-4423
Breakers #179 2074 West Evans Street
Florence (843) 536-4849
CRUIZERS
1017 W. Darlington Street Florence (843) 669-6123
2300 Church Street
Conway (843) 365-6084
News from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Major Florence O. McCants Office (803) 896-8035 Cell 803) 414-1405 fomccants@sccja.sc.gov
South Carolina Law Enforcement Memorial:
Law enforcement officers across South Carolina gathered to honor and remember those officers who have died in the line of duty and also those officers that were still active or retired that died in 2023. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association held its annual Memorial May 1 at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located in Columbia.
Those whose lives were celebrated include:
Lieutenant Michael Wood of the Newberry Police Department. Lt. Wood was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a call. Lt. Wood served with the Newberry Police Department for 20 years. Lt. Wood’s end of watch is July 26, 2023.
Police Officer Matthew Hare of the Easly Police Department. Officer Hare was struck and killed by an Amtrack train while attempting to pull a suicidal subject from the railroad tracks. Officer Hare had graduated from the SC Criminal Justice Academy only five months earlier. Officer Hare’s end of watch is August 02, 2023.
K9 Special Agent Rico of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. K9 Rico was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect. K9 Rico was shot moments after he entered the home. K9 Rico served with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for one year. K9 Rico’s end of watch is September 28, 2023.
Deputy Jacob Salrin of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Salrin was killed in a vehicle crash. Deputy Salrin served with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for one year. Deputy Salrin’s end of watch is September 29, 2023.
As a nation and as a state, we witnessed far too many deaths and heartbreaks. Law enforcement was not excluded from such sadness. “Public safety is a partnership and, too often, the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement professionals are taken for granted,” said Director Jackie Swindler of the SC Criminal Justice Academy. “This is why this celebration of life is so important to not just the families of these fallen heroes, but for the law enforcement community as well.”
The memorial ceremony, steeped in police tradition, pays a special tribute to those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Prayer, bagpipes and a memorial message are just a few things that take place during the ceremony.
SCLEOA Line of Duty Death Memorial
South Carolina Mourns Loss of Beloved K-9 Officers
Article originally published by AP News June 20, 2024. (Photos courtesy of Tracy Glantz/The State via AP)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the second time this month, a police dog has been killed while trying to help arrest a suspect in South Carolina.
A Richland County Sheriff’s Department dog named Wick was struck and killed by a car on Interstate 77 early Thursday when his leash broke and he chased a suspect who ran across the highway, Sheriff Leon Lott said.
Deputies had been chasing the suspect after discovering him driving a stolen car. He ran after officers flattened his tires using stop sticks, Lott said.
Wick’s leash broke apart after he jumped over a barrier, something Lott said Thursday afternoon he has never heard happen to a police dog. Investigators are still looking for the suspect, the sheriff said.
Wick was a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois and had worked with the sheriff’s department for over a year.
Wick’s body was draped in an American flag and dozens of officers, many with police dogs sitting by their sides, saluted as he was taken from an emergency vet to a funeral home in a procession Thursday morning.
At least six states, including South Carolina, had bills in their legislatures this year with stiffer penalties for hurting or killing police dogs, although critics of the proposals point out a long history of harassment involving police dogs in marginalized communities and serious dog-bite injuries during arrests.
Wick’s death came just nine days after investigators said a State Law Enforcement Division police dog, Coba, was shot and killed as officers tried to arrest a suspect wanted for
burglary in a Newberry County home.
The suspect in the shooting was then wounded by officers, authorities said.
State agents held a memorial service for Coba on Wednesday.
Last September, another dog, Rico, was shot and killed on Johns Island by a hiding suspect wanted for randomly shooting at people at responding police officers the day
before, investigators said.
Police dogs become part of their handlers’ families and the law enforcement family. Their willingness to risk their lives so human officers can avoid threats deserves high commendation, said State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, whose voice broke with emotion several times as he spoke about Coba on Wednesday.
“These K-9s are fearless. And we
Richland County Deputy Zaid Abdullah and his police dog Wick in an undated photo.
North Cashua Drive
(843) 676-9420 1610 4th Avenue
Conway (843) 438-8301
in law enforcement introduce them and we deploy them into very dangerous situations. We deploy them into dark rooms and homes where we know people are hiding,” Keel said.
Bagpipes played as the memorial service began. Gov. Henry McMaster was there to pay his respects, as he did at a service for Rico last October.
Photos of Coba were shown on a screen as soft music played — the dog in a shopping cart, selfies with his handler agent Cole Powell, training shots as he attacked a heavily padded suspect, and a final snapshot of Powell on a knee, head bowed and his arm gently resting on Coba’s body, draped with an American flag.
Powell said he was thankful for Coba’s sacrifice and that his memories of the dog will last forever.
Police dogs become part of the fabric of a law enforcement team, Lt. Keith Thrower, who oversees the
state agency’s dog tracking team, said Wednesday.
“When he entered that house, Coba put himself between us and evil,” Thrower said. ”Evil didn’t win that day because Coba was there to
protect his teammates.”
Gov. Henry McMaster presents SLED Senior Agent Richard “Cole” Powell with an American Flag during a memorial service for his K-9 partner, Coba.
SLED Senior Agent Richard “Cole” Powell is embraced by a fellow officer during Coba’s memorial.
Suspect Killed SLED K-9 Before Being Fatally Shot During Manhunt
Article originally published on msn.com by Marissa Lute, Steven Ardary,
Patrick Phillips
The man who led multiple law enforcement agencies on a 26hour manhunt on Johns Island was fatally shot shortly after he killed a K-9 officer Thursday afternoon, the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.
Ernest Robert Burbage III, 38, died at the scene of an officer-involved shooting at approximately 2 p.m., SLED Chief Mark Keel said.
K-9 Rico was shot and killed by Burbage, Keel said, as SLED agents deployed the dog into a home where Burbage was believed to be hiding. SLED agents used a robot to clear as much of the home as possible, then sent Rico inside the home.
“Very shortly after he was inserted, there was a gunshot and he was killed,” Keel said. Burbage then exited the home through a window, presented a firearm at SLED agents, SWAT team members and Dorchester County Deputies and was fatally shot. Keel said Burbage died at the scene.
Rico was a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois mix who had been with the agency just over a year, he said.
“K-9 Rico participated in too many apprehensions to name,” Keel said. “He was out almost every single day, working with our folks and working with sheriffs and city police departments across our state.”
“This is a tough day. It’s a tough day for law enforcement, but if it wasn’t for Rico this could
have been much, much worse,” Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano said. She thanked Keel for allowing them to use Rico in the search, saying the dog “definitely saved lives.”
Graziano said Burbage was armed with a high-powered rifle at the time he was shot.
Deputies confirmed earlier on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the threat to the public was over.
“Suspect is deceased,” the post stated.
Deputies had been searching for Burbage, 38, since Wednesday afternoon. He was wanted
in connection with two shootings that took place on Mary Ann Point Road on Johns Island. Deputies said Burbage now has an active warrant for attempted murder.
Deputies said members of the public need to continue to keep their distance from the area of Mary Ann Point Road, which deputies said was still “an active crime scene.”
“We told you at 12:30 p.m. that we were going to stop this threat, we’re going to remove this threat, and we did that,” Graziano said. “It’s, you know, never a good day when someone makes bad
choices in your community that force us to respond in a way that somebody else gets killed. So it’s a tough day for everybody. It’s a tough day for this community. It’s not something to be proud of. Nevertheless, it happened and we will move forward.”
The post stated deputies intended to provide additional details later Thursday afternoon.
The search for Burbage began Wednesday afternoon following a shooting that sent one person to the hospital. The shooting was reported in the area of Mary Ann Point and Chisolm Roads around 12 p.m.
Deputies said one person was shot and is at an area hospital. A vehicle was also damaged by gunfire.
A large law enforcement presence was reported outside of a home on Mary Ann Point Road around 6 p.m. Officials confirmed it was a standoff involving Burbage. Maj. Christina MoyerSmith said it was an active scene and the public should avoid the area.
Ernest Burbage III, 38, died Thursday afternoon, a day after a search for him began on Johns Island as Charleston County deputies investigated a shooting. Ernest Burbage III, 38, died Thursday afternoon, a day after a search for him began on Johns Island as Charleston County deputies investigated a shooting.
The search for Burbage prompted several schools in the area to close on Thursday. The Charleston County School District announced St. John’s High School, Haut Gap Middle School, Angel Oak Elementary School, Edith L. Frierson Elementary
School and Mount Zion Elementary would all be closed Thursday.
“The proximity of the search for a suspect near St. John’s and Angel Oak, coupled with the impact to the bus lot located at St. John’s that serves Johns and Wadmalaw Islands, led to this decision to exercise extreme caution. Surrounding areas may have impacted bus service today. First Student will be sending a specific message through its app.
K-9 Deaths (continued)
information that led to his capture. She said she believed Burbage was still in the same general area.
“School principals will be in touch later this morning to confirm whether there will be plans for learning throughout the day. However, please know our staff understands the difficulty this situation creates for our families and staff, and schools will work to accommodate students.
“We ask that you continue to monitor police and media reports regarding this situation, and most of all, stay safe. We are thankful for your partnership always, but especially in these times,” the district said in a statement.
SWAT Teams with Charleston and North Charleston Police Departments and SLED assisted the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in the search, Allen said.
Earlier on Thursday, Graziano announced a $10,000 reward for
“I think he’s tired. He’s hungry. He’s desperate. We have no information that he’s injured. There’s nothing that would indicate that he is,” Graziano said. “But he’s a human, he’s subhuman. He is somebody that is tired. He’s desperate. He has got to eat. He’s got to sleep and we’re going to find him. So it was just a matter of time before somebody sees does something somebody sees that and we’re able to, you know, get to him and take him into custody.”
Graziano urged people in the area to stay vigilant while the search went on.
Town of Irmo Unveils First Responder Memorial
The Town of Irmo unveiled their First Responder Memorial on May 28, 2024, at the Irmo Park next to the Irmo Police Dept. Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale and Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld assisted in the unveiling. The Town of Irmo lost Firefighter J. Michael Muller on May 26, 2023, in the line of duty. Michael’s name is the first and hopefully, the only name engraved on the Memorial.
Lexington County Honors Fallen Officers at Service
Thank You For Your Service
On May 16, we paused to remember and honor fallen law enforcement officers in Lexington County. Following are a few photos from the event.
Lexington Police Department (@lexingtonpdsc) • Instagram photos and videos
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Lexington County Memorial (continued)
Lexington Police Department
Lexington Police Department (@lexingtonpdsc) • Instagram photos and videos
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Lexington Police Department (@lexingtonpdsc) • Instagram photos and videos
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Lexington County Memorial (continued)
Taking Flight: Meet the Team Controlling Drones at LCSD
To dive deeper into the role of drones in law enforcement and their impact on the Lexington County community, we asked Inv. Senn a bit more about being a core member of the Drone Unit.
What is a Certified Part 107 Operator?
A Certified Part 107 Operator is more than just a drone enthusiast; it’s a professional designation granted by the Federal Aviation Administration. Senn, having successfully navigated the challenging certification process, stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise required for this role.
To obtain this certification, aspiring operators undergo a rigorous testing process that dives deep into aircraft knowledge, terminology and safety procedures. Senn describes the exam as one of the most de -
manding he’s faced, requiring a deep understanding of runway directions, weather codes and aviation language.
As a small unmanned aircraft systems, often referred to by the acronym SUAS, operator, Senn emphasizes the importance of this knowledge in ensuring the safety of both drone operators and traditional pilots. The FAA recognizes drones as aircrafts, highlighting the pivotal role SUAS operators play in the world of aviation.
Why Did Senn Choose This Career Path?
Senn’s love for technology and a keen interest in the evolving field of law enforcement inspired him to become a drone operator.
Bryan states joining this unit at LCSD “was a way to contribute and be on the cutting
edge of technology and law enforcement” and would allow him to be part of “the next wave of the future” since there are many benefits to drone operations.
Being a drone operator offers a multi-faceted opportunity to enhance law enforcement efforts.
Senn says he “tells people all the time [that they] aren’t replacing boots on the ground, [rather they are] helping them do their jobs better”.
With this said, Senn stresses the role is complementary, not a replacement for traditional law enforcement methods.
Drone operators act as an extra set of eyes in the sky, providing valuable assistance in various scenarios, from searching for missing persons to supporting the K-9 unit in high-risk situations.
How has the Drone Unit at
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department evolved?
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Drone Unit officially took flight in late 2021, with roots in the SWAT Unit’s use of smaller drones.
Senn explains their journey began with four certified pilots and has since expanded to eight collateral positions, showcasing the unit’s growth and adaptability.
Senn shares “flying an SUAS or SUAV is a perishable skill. If you set down the controller for long enough, it’s like trying to learn it all over again”.
Continuous learning is a cornerstone of the Drone Unit’s success. In-house training, collaboration with other agencies, and leveraging FAA educational resources keep the unit aware of the latest technologies and best practices.
What Technologies Does the Drone Unit Work With?
The LCSD Drone Unit operates a diverse fleet, from indoor drones assigned to the SWAT Unit to large search and rescue drones. Equipped with zoom lenses and thermal capabilities, these drones empower the unit to swiftly and efficiently gather crucial data.
Live-streaming services and tracking programs further enhance the unit’s capabilities, providing real-time insights during operations. The integration of technology allows for
Taking Flight (continued)
overwatch K-9 on tracks. A lot of the time, we are using thermal cameras, so we see a heat source and give the K-9 Unit a heads up”.
As the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Drone Unit continues to evolve and demonstrate its capabilities, Senn is excited about the untapped potential within the career and community as a whole.
precise geographic location pinpointing, saving valuable time and energy.
What Does Success Look Like as a Certified Operator?
Reflecting on the successes of the Drone Unit, Senn highlights his role in assisting the K-9 Unit during tracks, specifically the use of thermal cameras and how they offer unique perspectives, ultimately contributing to successful mission outcomes.
“There’s been a lot of success as a Certified Part 107 Operator,” says Senn. “My role is more of an assisting collateral duty assignment, so a lot of it has been helping
The implementation of drone technology continues to grow and redefine what’s possible in law enforcement to ensure a safer community for all.
Inv. Senn is a member of the Lexington County Drone Unit, which was formed in 2021.
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2024 SCLEOA Bass Tournament Another Success
The 2024 SCLEOA Bass Tournament was held at Billy Dreher Island in Newberry County on May 5th.
An impressive 33 teams from across the state met at the island to support law enforcement in South Carolina.
All teams had a great day of fishing and all attendees
enjoyed lunch and door prizes at the end of the tournament.
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Chris Mixon oversaw the event and put on yet another great tournament. Volunteers from SCLEOA’s team worked hard to ensure a great event again! All funds from the event
were donated to the nonprofit organization, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Foundation.
2024 Bass Tournament
2024 Bass Tournament (continued)
The second-place team of Ray and Selle finished with a total weight of 22.12 pounds.
The first-place team of Cannon and Crosland finished with a combined weight of 24.75 pounds.
2024 Bass Tournament (continued)
The third-place team of McCaslin and Watts finished with a total weight of 21.07 pounds.
Biggest fish went to David Jordan and Alan Pundt and 6.54 pounds.
Subject:
Polygraph Law Enforcement Accreditation (PLEA) Program
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Introduction by the President, PLEA Board of Directors
The PLEA program is a national polygraph accreditation body developed by senior polygraph examiners representing federal, state, and local law enforcement (LE) agencies. The PLEA is an independent accrediting body managed by the supervisors of polygraph units from primarily local and state polygraph programs. The standardized polygraph policies and procedures adopted by the PLEA program have been found to ensure a standard of service that is ethical, and professional and provides reliable results for the jurisdictions served.
It is the goal of the PLEA program to standardize polygraph practices to the extent possible within the law enforcement polygraph community. To achieve this goal the PLEA has dedicated itself to adopting a set of standards that both fully serve the polygraph missions of each department and are credible to the practitioner, our customer, and the research community. To accomplish this, standards have been adopted by the PLEA program that are based upon credible research, and the curriculum as taught at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), that are similar to standards in use by the federal government, have been used in a variety of research projects, and are proven to be robust in resolving applicant screening and criminal issue examinations. These standards have been used for over the last fourteen years by accredited polygraph units all over the United States, as well as by law enforcement agencies of the federal government with great success.
For the PLEA program to be successful, the PLEA Board of Directors believes the program must be available to all law enforcement agencies that wish to implement these standards, free of cost We want to not only make the PLEA application process as simple as possible but also to provide an agency with assistance in implementing these standards while maintaining the credibility of the inspection process. To this end, we can provide documentation that will not only assist an agency in applying for accreditation but also explain many of the components that comprise the PLEA program that are available to the law enforcement community. These concepts focus on quality control, validated formats, and training, most of which are available free of charge. As you are aware most crime laboratories in the LE community are accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD/LAB). NCCA is one of the participants in this partnership of federal, state, and local LE agencies. PLEA inspection procedures are also based on the ASCLD/LAB and federal polygraph oversight models.
If I, or anyone associated with PLEA can assist you in the application and inspection process please don’t hesitate to contact us. I can be reached at william.petoskey@columbiasc.gov or 803545-3545.
Thank you,
Trevor Petoskey, President PLEA - Board of Directors
Persimmon Hill Hosts 2024 SCLEOA Golf Tourney
The SCLEOA hosted the 2024 Golf Tournament at Persimmon Hill Golf Course in Saluda, S.C. The teams were sold out thanks to the hard work from our volunteers and sponsors. Deputies and officers volunteered to make it happen for our golfers.
A special thanks to our sponsors for their support: Dominion Energy, Saluda Law, Persimmon Hill, Serve & Connect, L3 Harris, Cromer Trucking, Absolute Glass, Nichols Business Systems, Dixon Golf, Peter Boulware Toyota, Moore Bradley Myers (we love you Stanley!), Johnson, Jonson, Whittle, Lancer and Stagg, Cavanaugh & Thickens, Bernstein Law Firm, and Virtual Academy.
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2024 Sporting Clay Shoot A Hit With Members
The 2024 SCLEOA Sporting Clay Shoot was a huge success! Thank you to NWTF and Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Jody Rowland, for hosting 100+ shooters to support your law enforcement officers in SC. All proceeds were presented to the S.C. Law Enforcement Officer’s Foundation. Proceeds from the shoot support the Ben Willoughby Fund and the Line of Duty Death for SCLEOA members.
SCLEOA Hosts Mission BBQ Fundraiser
Debunking Myths of Police Staffing Benchmarks
[Note: This article previously appeared in Michigan Police Chiefs, Summer 2024]
by Jeremy M. Wilson, Ph.D. Director, Police Staffing Observatory; Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
Clifford A. Grammich, Ph.D. Director, Birdhill Research and Communications
Police agencies face myriad staffing challenges. Among these are changing preferences for police work, training officers for increasingly complex environments, diversifying police workforces to reflect the communities they serve, and ensuring officer wellness. Perhaps the most pressing of these challenges, as reported by agencies themselves, is the need to maintain force levels by balancing recruitment and retention.
Citing decreasing numbers of applicants and increasing numbers of retirements or other departures from the field, many police agencies report being understaffed.
This, in turn, raises the questions of how we know an agency is understaffed and what, ideally, its staffing levels should be. Answering these questions can be more complex than it appears.
Understandably, agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders seek indicators
and rules-of-thumb to serve as benchmarks for their target staffing level.
Benchmarks such as staffing ratios, peer-agency comparisons, and allocation levels are frequently used because of their ease of identification, historical and widespread use, and ease of understanding. Yet their use can lead to myths about their appropriateness that hinder agencies as they seek to provide police services as efficiently as they can. In this article, we discuss these common benchmarks, perils of their use, and an alternative way forward.
Staffing Ratios
Staffing ratios determine an ideal number of officers based
on a simple formula, such as ensuring a specified number of officers per unit of population. This or that ratio of officers per capita is often put forth as a standard, but there appears to be no reason for this aside from ease of calculation and access to data—for example, the FBI’s yearly data on staffing levels and rates for communities, broken out both individually and in various categories such as city size, county, state, and region.
While the per capita method is easy to calculate and apply, it does not account for how officers spend their time nor for community conditions and expectations. It also cannot guide decision makers on how to deploy their officers, such as
by time, geography, or function.
Some of the shortcomings of the per capita method are evident when comparing communities with similar number of officers. In 2022, municipalities nationwide reported 1.09 officers per 1,000 population, while those in Michigan reported 1.66.
The Michigan municipalities with the highest numbers of officers per 1,000 population in 2022 were Mackinac Island (10.22 per 1,000) and Mackinaw City (8.18), both popular tourist destinations with seasonal peaks. Grosse Pointe (4.18), Detroit (3.80), and Kalamazoo (3.28) have roughly similar ratios, but Grosse Pointe and Kalamazoo have public safety officers providing both police and fire services, boosting their staffing
Debunking Staffing Myths (continued)
numbers but also expanding their responsibilities.
Nearby communities with similar populations and agencies can vary in their ratios. For example, Warren and Sterling Heights are adjacent communities north of Detroit, each with about 135,000 population, but Warren in 2022 had 224 officers (1.63 per 1,000 population) and Sterling Heights had 156 (1.18).
Simply knowing the size of a community reveals little about its preferences for service style, need for service in form or quantity, geographical constraints, or other related work factors.
The disadvantages in using per capita ratios have led the International Association of Chiefs of Police, among others, to advise against using them in determining police
staffing.
Peer Agencies
Another method police agencies may use to determine their appropriate staffing levels is by comparing themselves to a peer agency. Yet this method, too, has problems.
The first of these is identifying what truly is a peer agency. Warren and Sterling Heights, for example, may appear to be peer communities, but they differ on some characteristics.
Sterling Heights has a larger foreign-born population and more non–English speakers, while Warren has several large employers (e.g., the General Motors Technical Center).
Differing community compositions and levels of economic activity can lead to needs for different types and levels of police services.
Even if an agency could identify a truly peer agency and community, there is no guarantee that the peer agency has identified the ideal number of police officers for its community or that it’s effectively maintaining its target amount.
For example, Livonia and Clinton Township are both suburban Detroit communities with more than 90,000 population and other similar demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
Both communities in 2022 had Part I crime rates of a little less than 20 per 1,000 population, both below the rate of 24
per 1,000 population across all Michigan municipalities. Livonia accomplished this with 1.44 sworn officers per 1,000 residents while Clinton Township had 0.94. Given what appears to be s imilarly successful efforts at controlling crime, it is difficult to say which should be the “peer” standard for the other.
Similarly, Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Woods, adjacent suburban Detroit communities, have similar demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, though Grosse Pointe Woods has about 5,000 more residents. Part I crime rates in both were a little more than 10 per 1,000 population in 2022. Both have consolidated public safety departments, but Grosse Pointe Farms reported 3.34 sworn officers per 1,000 residents while Grosse Pointe Woods reported 1.67.
Again, communities need to consider for themselves what level of policing they need and why, and need to consider their own unique characteristics more than what seemingly similar communities do.
Allocation Levels
Perhaps the most common method for determining staffing need is comparisons with the authorized allocation level. This is the number of staff for which an agency is budgeted. While this authorized level may be determined through a
Debunking Staffing Myths (continued)
formal staffing assessment, it is often driven by staff ratios and comparisons with what are thought to be peer agencies, and can be the result of resource availability, politics, history, and incremental change.
It typically does not reflect any identifiable criteria such as demand for service, community expectations, or efficiency analysis. It can also be difficult to determine what exactly is the authorized level, particularly in large departments which at any given time may have substantial numbers of officers unavailable because of leave or other limited capacity.
Because the authorized level is often derived independently of workload considerations, an agency may be able to meet workforce demand and even other performance objectives with fewer officers than authorized, especially if ways to improve efficiency exist.
The authorized level can become an artificial benchmark for need, creating the perception that the agency is understaffed and overworked if the actual number of officers does not meet the authorized level. It can become a false ruler for gauging staffing needs and deficiencies.
This, in turn, can adversely affect morale, strategic planning, and other organizational issues. Furthermore, unless an agency staffs above the authorized level, fluctuations in re -
cruitment, selection, training, and attrition may lead to actual staffing levels falling below authorized levels.
The Way Forward
A more accepted and comprehensive method for determining police staffing need is to consider the actual workload of an agency. Workload-based analyses derive staffing indicators from demand for service.
A workload-based analysis is the only approach to systematically analyze and determine staffing needs based on demand (e.g., calls for service), service style or performance (e.g., how much discretionary time an agency wishes officers to have), and other agency characteristics.
The workload approach estimates staffing needs by modeling levels of police activity. While there is no universally accepted method for conducting workload-based assessments, such approaches typically incorporate work schedules, backup personnel needed, benefit time for officers, and training time to estimate allocation and deployment across shifts and districts.
Workload-based assessments are generally applied to allocating patrol officers, the “backbone” of the force, but they can be applied at every level of an agency for all key functions. Workload-based assessments can be modeled to
facilitate a discussion between what a community wants or desires and what it can afford.
The importance of the workload-based approach to staffing is demonstrated by it being codified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The workload-based approach does have some limitations. It relies on average rather than extreme demand in producing estimates. Response times can vary by community and can be lengthy in large jurisdictions, which can affect workload calculations.
Finally, workload-based estimates generally work best for communities with at least 15,000 resident calls for ser-
Debunking Staffing Myths
vice per year.
Even with these shortcomings, staffing models and decisions based on actual workload and performance objectives are preferable to other methods that are more mythologized than reflective of environmental and agency-specific characteristics.
No single metric or benchmark should be used as a sole basis for determining an agency’s staffing level. A workload-based approach, combined with consideration of other metrics an agency and community agree reflect actual demand and desires for policing services, can help place the discussion of police staffing in an appropriate practical con -
text.
It can help each community determine what policing services it needs, what additional services it may want, and how best to achieve these levels through staffing or other means.
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