Job Details

Job Responsibilities

Enforce all vehicle laws and other criminal laws. Patrol the highways of the state of South Carolina. Investigate collisions. Serve as a witness in criminal and civil courts. Maintain reports concerning enforcement activities. Provide information to public regarding vehicle laws. Responsible and accountable for handling public funds.

Candidates must be hired into full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in one of the designated SCHP Critical Market Areas. The Sign-On Bonus will be paid over a series of five (5) payments as described below:

First Payment – The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $1,500 upon the successful completion of all basic training, Criminal Justice Academy Class 1 certification training, field training, and any applicable law enforcement training requirements established for the SCHP.

Second Payment – The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $2,000 after the successful completion of twelve (12) months of continuous service to the SCHP Critical Market Area.

Third Payment – The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $2,000 after the successful completion of twenty-four (24) months of continuous service to the SCHP Critical Market Area.

Fourth Payment – The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $2,000 after the successful completion of thirty-six (36) months of continuous service to the SCHP Critical Market Area.

Fifth Payment – The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $2,500 after the successful completion of forty-eight (48) months of continuous service to the SCHP Critical Market Area.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements - A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

Agency Minimum Requirements - Must have at least a high school diploma and the following additional requirements:

• Must be a former SCDPS Officer or Trooper who separated from the agency in good standing and meets all qualifications to be hired.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal job functions of a State Trooper.
• Must be a resident of South Carolina and have a valid South Carolina driver's license.
• If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must be a resident of South Carolina and have a valid South Carolina driver's license prior to the effective date of hire.
• All qualified applicants may be required to participate in an extensive background investigation to include a credit check, criminal history check, driving history, history of drug use, employer and reference checks, polygraph, and interview board.
• Candidates are also often required to undergo a medical screening, which consists of a TB and medical exam, drug test, and eye examination.
• Candidates must also be capable of distinguishing, without corrections, three colors: green, yellow, and red.

Additional Comments

The employment process for a rehire applicant will depend on the total time away from the agency and the SC Class 1 Certification status. Your starting salary at hire will depend on your previous rank at SCDPS and your total time as a SC Class 1 Certified Law Enforcement Officer. A rehire applicant cannot be hired above the rank of Master Trooper. County Assignments are based on critical needs areas. If you are unable to relocate to one of these critical needs areas, an offer of employment may be rescinded. In accordance with the agency's policy regarding Testing-Designated Positions, all applicants will be required to submit to a mandatory urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to employment. Starting salary for certified South Carolina Class I Law Enforcement Officers will range from $59,386 - $82,166 depending on the length of time you have been certified as a Law Enforcement Officer and actively employed in a law enforcement position prior to being hired at SCDPS. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.

Benefits

Benefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.