Citizen Complaints

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to receiving complaints about the actions and performance of all agency personnel. As an organization, SLED strives to provide the highest level of quality law enforcement service to all South Carolina citizens. 

SLED employees are aware of the important responsibilities and duties they have as public servants. SLED operates under the constitutional guarantees afforded to everyone and under the laws that govern us. Therefore, the courteous receipt of complaints, thorough and impartial investigation, and just disposition are important in maintaining the confidence of citizens.

The complaint process consists of the following:

Understanding the process

Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

After a complaint is made

Length of the process

What happens after the investigation?

What if a member is in violation of agency rules?

Your rights after the investigation

Mission statement / Principles

Understanding the Process

This complaint process is for complaints against SLED or SLED agents ONLY.

A complaint may be made with SLED in the following ways:

• Completing the provided Citizen's Complaint Form and emailing it to OPR@sled.sc.gov. (See form below.)
• Mailing in a Citizen's Complaint Form to P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221 attention SLED Office of Professional Responsibility.
• You may also request to speak with a member of the SLED Office of Professional Responsibility at 803-737-9000.

Making a citizen complaint with SLED does not prevent you from making a complaint with other government authorities.

Please Note: If you wish to file a complaint against an employee of another agency or entity, you must file your complaint with officials of that agency or entity. 

Email the completed form to OPR@sled.sc.gov.

Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Please report all fraud, waste, and abuse in state agencies to the Office of the State Inspector General. The Office of the State Inspector General may be contacted as follows:

1-855-SC-FRAUD
1-855-723-7283

Email: OIG@OIG.SC.GOV
Website: http://OIG.SC.GOV

After a complaint is made

A record of your complaint will be forwarded to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of SLED for evaluation and assignment. They will decide whether the complaint should be handled by the involved member’s supervisor or whether to initiate an internal affairs investigation. If the complaint is of a serious nature, you may be asked to talk to members assigned to conduct the internal affairs investigation. Depending on the facts, the complaint could be referred to another agency to investigate.

Length of the process

The agency requires that investigations of complaints be completed within 180 days from the time they are received. This may be longer due to any circumstances that prevent the completion of the investigation and make an extension necessary.

What happens after the investigation?

The results of each investigation/review will be discussed with the Chief of SLED and appropriate staff. If evidence supports a violation of agency rules only, it will be handled internally. If the matter is criminal in nature, it will be referred to an appropriate jurisdiction.

What if a member is in violation of agency rules?

In severe cases, this may result in termination of employment, reduction in rank, or suspension without pay. Other less severe sanctions include training and counseling by supervisory or command staff. The Chief is the final agency authority for discipline.

Your rights after the investigation

You will be notified in writing of the conclusion of the investigation of your complaint. It will not contain the description of any disciplinary action.

Mission Statement / Ethical Principles

Mission Statement 

The primary mission of the State Law Enforcement Division is to provide quality manpower and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and to conduct investigations on behalf of the state as directed by the Governor and Attorney General.

Ethical Principles 

• INTEGRITY

State employees should adhere to a personal code of conduct that supports the moral values necessary for good government and advances the purpose and mission of the state, their profession and agency.

• HONESTY

State employees should be truthful and sincere in all their interactions with the public and with each other. They should avoid the appearance of wrongdoing and should confront and challenge any unethical behavior.

• RESPECT FOR OTHERS

State employees should discharge their duties with care, compassion, and concern for the well-being of all those they serve. They should recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or social or economic status.

• FAIRNESS

State employees should make decisions in a fair, objective, and impartial manner.

• LOYALTY

State employees should remain loyal to the State and the citizens they serve and should not engage in any conduct that calls into question this loyalty.

• ACCOUNTABILITY

State employees should take responsibility for their own actions and personal decisions and protect the public trust by upholding the constitution and laws of the United States of America and the State of South Carolina.

Anyone who makes a complaint against a member of SLED shall be treated with courtesy and respect. Notwithstanding the fact that a complaint was made, NO MEMBER OF THE AGENCY SHALL FAIL TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AT ALL TIMES TO THAT INDIVIDUAL.