Training Unit
As a Law Enforcement Agency, training is recognized as a critical facet of the Sheriff’s responsibility. The Training Officer insures a continual training program which is comprised of two elements: A) an ongoing in-service training cycle, and B) outside applicable training courses or seminars. Every Deputy Sheriff receives a minimum of 72 hours of in-service training each year consisting of topics which include firearms proficiency, use-of-force training, Legal Updates, CDV Updates, first aid, and other mandated training. These topics and mandated instruction are scheduled in monthly cycles where the particular subject matter is presented one day each week for four weeks until all division members have been scheduled to attend. Notices are commonly forwarded to all area local police agencies inviting them to attend any of the courses.
Certified Instructors
Several Deputy Sheriffs have been trained and certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as Police Instructors in specialized instruction and general police topics. They serve as in-service trainers and SCCJA Academy instructors, in addition to their regular assigned duties. They are often called to train officers throughout South Carolina.
Field Training Officers (FTO)
There are several Deputy Sheriffs certified as Field Training Officers, often referred to as F.T.O.s. The F.T.O. is assigned a Deputy Sheriff recruit who has graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. The F.T.O. trains and evaluates the assigned recruit on a daily basis for a period of up to eight weeks. Completion of the F.T.O. program is required for patrol assignment. Therefore, the F.T.O. is a critical component of the police officer training process.