BPS Certified Law Enforcement Officer

July 16, 2026
$66600

Job Description

Lead patrol and investigative operations as a BPS Certified Officer in Richland County.

Bureau of Protective Services Officer

PLEASE BE ADVISED THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR CERTIFIED CLASS I LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ONLY

Patrols assigned areas to deter and/or detect violations; maintains order and enforces state statutes and regulations. Exercises arrests powers and testifies in court. Investigates disturbances and determines causes and participants. Provides administrative duties to include proper use of radio and telephone collection and dissemination of information. Completing necessary reports and documents. Has a working knowledge and understanding of the requirements of state statutes and policies and procedures of the Department of Public Safety. Maintains security for all properties promulgated by statutes and regulations. Provides protective services and eliminates safety hazards for all persons including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, their families and other persons in designated locations patrolled by the Bureau of Protective Services. Assists with order and proper discipline at the Chambers of the Legislature, Governor's Mansion, and other state buildings or facilities. Observes all visitors and makes determinations of their needs and requirements, then directs them to individual(s) most capable of assisting them. Assists supervisors in basic training of new officers to include scenario-based incidents, applicable state laws with DPS policies and procedures.

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 be a US Citizen and at least 21 years of age.
  • Must have at least a high school diploma.
  • Must be a resident of South Carolina and have a valid South Carolina driver's license prior to effective date of hire.
  • Minimum years of active Certified law enforcement experience with a law enforcement agency.

Additional Requirements – Selected applicants will be required to submit to an extensive background investigation to include:

  • Credit check
  • Criminal History
  • Driver's Record
  • History of drug use
  • Polygraph examination
  • All applicants will be required to submit to a mandatory urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
  • Contacting ALL former employers, and your current employer.

Salary Breakdown by years of Certified Law Enforcement Experience:

Certified with less than eighteen (18) months of active law enforcement experience [$58,222]. – Certified with eighteen (18) months, but less than 3 years of law enforcement experience[$59,082]

Certified with a minimum of three (3) years of active law enforcement experience[$60,523] – Certified with a minimum of five (5) years of active law enforcement experience [$64,760]

Certified with a minimum of eight (8) years of active law enforcement experience [$67,349] – Certified with a minimum of ten (10) years of active law enforcement experience [$70,044]

Certified with a minimum of thirteen (13) years of active law enforcement experience [$73,546] – Certified with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of active law enforcement experience [$77,222]

Patrols assigned areas to deter and/or detect violations; maintains order and enforces state statutes and regulations., Exercises arrests powers and testifies in court., Investigates disturbances and determines causes and participants., Provides administrative duties to include proper use of radio and telephone collection and dissemination of information.