Special Agent I/II/III - Investigative Services/Low Country

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 61,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid leave & holidays

Job summary

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking qualified candidates for law enforcement roles in the Low Country Region. The position involves conducting investigations, supporting local agencies, and producing formal reports in line with agency standards.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, current Class I LEO certification, and at least three years of experience, with the ability to travel and respond around the clock.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be a current certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer.
• Must have a minimum of three years of law enforcement experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to travel and respond 24/7.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct complete investigations and administrative cases, or portions of investigations.
• Provide manpower and technical assistance to local law enforcement agencies.
• Prepare written administrative and investigative reports and testimony as needed.
• Maintain case material and ensure Victim services are rendered.
• Support various SLED program areas and perform related duties.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Class I LEO certification

Job description

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state. At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state. We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities. Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility

As part of the Low Country Region, participate in the detection of crime and enforcement of criminal laws. Plan and conduct complete investigations and administrative cases, or conduct portions of investigations. Perform tasks supporting local law enforcement in assigned counties.

Specific Duties

• Conduct Investigations: Gather and develop material facts and obtain supporting information relating to violations or possible violations of state or federal law. Interview or interrogate, as appropriate, suspects, victims and witnesses to crimes or relevant matters; examine records, collect physical and documentary evidence and establish contacts with law enforcement personnel and the public. Make arrests, raids, searches and seizures; serve subpoenas and court orders; conduct surveillance of criminal suspects; organize and manage case load. Initiate contact with persons in a position to provide information and/or operational assistance in a matter under investigation and be responsible for controlling the assigned activities of persons who have agreed to act as an informant or confidential source. Gather and develop material facts and obtain supporting information relating to the suitability and fitness of persons being considered for high public office or for employment, license or registration with SLED.
• Support Local Law Enforcement: Provide manpower and technical assistance to various law enforcement agencies as provided within SLED’s mission statement. Participate in the evacuation of persons from areas threatened by actual or impending disaster. Perform extraditions; transport high risk prisoners; provide physical security for judges, juries and witnesses in high risk trials; assist in the sequestration of juries in high profile or capital case trials. Participate in stakeouts for fugitives or high risk targets of anticipated crimes as well as tracking, locating and apprehending fleeing suspects, as well as other duties as directed.
• Report Information: Prepare written administrative and investigative reports that are in compliance with agency standards. Provide oral communication concerning cases and matters for briefing/advising other agents, supervisors, prosecutors and other officials. Prepare various reports of investigative findings and prepare status reports for investigations. Provide written or oral testimony in state or federal court as to investigative findings.
• Perform Administrative Tasks: Perform various administrative tasks related to training, communications, special assignments and other functional areas of responsibility. Conducts various administrative investigations, and reports findings in a clear and concise report. Maintain and organize case material for reporting. Ensure that Victim services are rendered to victims of crime. Must execute duties in compliance with agency policies and procedures, as well as CALEA standards.
• Support Program Areas: Provide support to the various units within SLED (i.e. executive protection, criminal intelligence, missing person matters, regulatory services, tactical services). Perform related duties as required.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be a current certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement experience.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Position is subject to overnight travel and 24-hour emergency call.
• Must have the ability to perform all of the physical requirements of a certified Class I LEO including, but is not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of criminals, including physically resistant individuals; performing investigations, inspections, search and seizures, including searching vehicles, buildings, attics, and crawl spaces; working crowd control and security during special events, including protests, marches, concerts, political rallies, and other events; working emergency response during natural disasters and other emergent crises. Must be able to respond 24/7 as needed and able to stand post or take other law enforcement action for long periods of continuous time (12+ hours).

Preferred Qualifications

• Investigative experience at a public law enforcement agency is preferred.

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

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.

Salary Offer

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $61,000 and $77,165?

Conditional Selection

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.

Supplemental Application Statements

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.