SLED Budget Cuts Force State, Local Authorities To Work Together

A major announcement in Columbia on Thursday will change the way law enforcement works across South Carolina.

The goal is to move away from old jurisdictional areas including county lines, which state police called "archaic." That way police can work together more closely to fight crime.

"There are some positive things," said York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant about the plan unveiled to promote cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Members of the State Law Enforcement Division stood with sheriffs to say that they will begin training deputies to be state constables. That training will enable them to take over some of the jobs that SLED agents once did, such as enforcing state liquor regulations for bars and stores that sell alcohol.

In tough budget times, state police want to pool limited resources and share responsibilities with city and county officers. They said that will help everyone fight gangs, catch fugitives and work drug cases across county lines.

SLED officials said they lost $6 million to the budget ax, and the agency is having to rethink many of its duties.

Bryant said any cooperation that helps him enforce the law is a good idea. However, he is concerned that his deputies need to be able to do their jobs first before they take on some of the work of state agents.

"We certainly hope the state is able to fund the state departments so county deputies don't have to step up and do their work for them," he said.

Jason Starkey owns a liquor store in Rock Hill. He said it would be good to see more deputies around, but he's concerned that they could be overwhelmed having to do their jobs and monitor alcohol-related businesses as well.

"To put something else on them, that's not their job. It's going to take away from their time," Starkey said. "It's a lot for them to handle."

Bryant said he looks forward to talking with state police about their plans. In these lean times, he said it's important for law enforcement agencies to work together.