Sheriffs serve as the law enforcement leaders responsible for running county-level law enforcement organizations in South Carolina's 46 counties.
October 30, 2025
high
structural
Describes the organizational role of sheriffs within South Carolina's county structure.
South Carolina sheriffs are elected by county voters to four-year terms and face limited formal oversight beyond those elections.
October 30, 2025
high
structural
Summarizes the election cycle and oversight mechanisms applicable to county sheriffs in South Carolina.
South Carolina state law grants elected sheriffs broad discretion over how their agency's funds are spent, which crimes the agency prioritizes, and who the agency hires and fires.
October 30, 2025
high
structural
Describes legal authorities and administrative discretion afforded to elected sheriffs in South Carolina.
Between 2010 and 2025, at least 12 elected sheriffs in South Carolina were convicted of or pleaded guilty to on-duty crimes.
October 30, 2025
high
statistical
Aggregate count of convictions or guilty pleas by elected county sheriffs in South Carolina over a 15-year period.
Sheriffs and jail officials have warned that policies requiring sheriffs to honor ICE detainers can create substantial administrative burdens for jailers and court staff.
high
operational
Stakeholder concerns about the practical effects of holding detainees on ICE detainer requests.