South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
From its fledgling beginnings of approximately fifteen employees, SLED grew into a state-of-the-art agency with sworn and civilian employees.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the principal state agency for criminal investigation and law enforcement, with roots dating to the second quarter of the 20th century. The agency is the successor to the South Carolina State Constabulary, a loosely organized arm of governors. It was criticized as political. A transition from the Constabulary to SLED began in the mid-20th century with widespread interest in modernizing police operations.
Multiple governors offered ideas for reform that included a state police and a state bureau of investigation. Strom Thurmond, campaigning for governor in 1946, and the influential Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sol Blatt, favored a state bureau of investigation. A blended concept emerged when efforts reached a pivotal point in 1947, marking the transformation of the old constabulary into a modern law enforcement agency. A concurrent resolution of the General Assembly made the change possible, by transferring the identification unit of the Highway Patrol to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Using that name as an alternative name for the State Constabulary coincided with early discussions about changes to the constabulary.
Initial uncertainty followed as the officer who supervised the identification bureau, Joel Townsend, commented, “I am a lieutenant of the highway patrol and chief of the constabulary.” Thurmond soon set this straight and began hiring, training, and supervision reforms. Thurmond appointed Townsend as the first chief of the reorganized South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Later, although no attesting records exist, the acronym “SLED” reportedly was coined by a police reporter for a Columbia newspaper. A notable enhancement in training under Gov. James Byrnes was an attempt to have all officers, later known as agents, receive instruction at the FBI training school in Washington, DC. While the FBI could not commit to training all officers, many received training at what became the FBI National Academy. A commitment to training continues. From its fledgling beginnings of approximately fifteen employees, SLED grew into a state-of-the-art agency with sworn and civilian employees.
Townsend was succeeded as chief by O. L. Brady in 1949. In 1954, a one-time constable, J. P. “Pete” Strom, began serving as interim chief until 1956, when his appointment became permanent. Strom continued serving at the governor’s pleasure until 1974, when Act 1240 required the advice and consent of the State Senate for appointment as chief and made SLED an independent state agency. Considered a national law enforcement pioneer, Strom served as SLED chief until his death in December 1987. Appointed by the late Gov. Carroll Campbell, Robert Stewart took over as SLED chief in 1988 and served until 2008. Reggie Loyd followed as the chief after his appointment by Gov. Mark Sanford, and in 2011, former Gov. Nikki Haley appointed Mark Keel chief. Since his first appointment, Gov. Henry McMaster reappointed Keel, and he remains in the post as of 2023.
SLED’s overall mission is to conduct investigations at the direction of the governor or attorney general and assist sheriffs and police departments statewide through general and specialized inquiries. This is accomplished through investigations addressing crimes such as those involving violence, public corruption, cybercrime, alcohol, narcotics, and vice. Other support provides a data communications network, a centralized criminal history repository, an intelligence center, forensic services, homeland security, and various licensing and permitting responsibilities for security and concealed weapons. Since 9/11, countering terrorism has also been an agency responsibility. SLED is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the American Society of Crime Lab Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). The agency maintains a rapid response SWAT team, aviation capabilities, and other specialized resources and capabilities.
