South Carolina Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services Agency

The South Carolina Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services agency is a state agency in the state of South Carolina in the United States of America. The agency was formed in 1941 as the South Carolina Probation and Parole Board. At that time, the Board simply made recommendations to the Governor regarding parole matters.

South Carolina Department of Probation Parole and Pardon Services, it is a cabinet level law enforcement agency of the state of South Carolina; its Director is appointed by the Governor.

Probation and Parole Agents are full state police officers with state wide arrest powers, they provide in addition to their normal probation and parole supervision duties, law enforcement assistance to support local agencies, major events, and natural disasters. [http://www.dppps.sc.gov/]

Training

Agents go through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Police Certification course as well as an Agent Basic Academy. They are armed with the .40 Glock model 22 pistol and must qualify twice a year. Agents have been involved in shooting incidences, recently where a felon was shot and killed, when he attacked an Agent.

Field Operations

Field Operations Division is the largest division in SCDPPPS, it supervises offenders under the Department's jurisdiction through it’s approximately 475 Probation/Parole Agents located in the 46 county offices. Agents supervise offenders, conduct investigations, and provide law enforcement resorces to assist local agencies.

Special Operations

Recently the Special Operations unit has provided law enforcement/protection to the US Presidential Debates held for both the Republican and Democratic candidates, for Myrtle Beach Bike Week, and hurricane evacuations and storm shelters. Agents are tasked with the responsibility of assisting in lane reverse on the interstate highways during evacuations and well as policing in the aftermath of the storm.

Authority

The authority Agents have is found in the SC Code of Laws; SECTION 24-21-280. Duties and powers of probation agents; authority to enforce criminal laws.“A probation agent has, in the execution of his duties, the power to issue an arrest warrant or a citation charging a violation of conditions of supervision, the powers of arrest, and, to the extent necessary, the same right to execute process given by law to sheriffs. A probation agent has the power and authority to enforce the criminal laws of the State. In the performance of his duties of probation, parole, community supervision, and investigation, he is regarded as the official representative of the court, the department, and the board.” [http://www.scstatehouse.net/code/t24c021.htm]

Mission Statement

Mission Statement of SCDPPSTo prepare offenders under our supervision toward becoming productive members of the community; To provide assistance to the victims of crimes, the courts and the Parole Board; andTo protect public trust and safety

Problems

Recent budget cuts, staggering case loads, and the lowest pay but highest requirements for South Carolina Police, has caused serious personnel and operating problems within SCDPPPS. A call for a new funding and reorganization is underway at this time. [http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/sep/06/lawmakers_urge_justice_reforms53308/]

Related Articles

Probation

Sources

[http://www.dppps.sc.gov/] [http://www.scstatehouse.net/code/t24c021.htm] [http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/sep/06/lawmakers_urge_justice_reforms53308/]