| Q: |
Do Sheriff's deputies
have authority within the municipalities? |
| A: |
The Sheriff has
jurisdiction throughout Charleston County, but deputies normally do not respond to
routine, non-emergency calls for service within the jurisdictions of municipal law
enforcement agencies. Sheriff's Office deputies will assist other law enforcement agencies
upon request and will respond to situations within the County when deemed necessary to
ensure public safety. The Sheriff's Office does engage in certain routine activities such
as civil process, detention and warrants on a countywide basis. The Sheriff has the
authority to enforce state law throughout the County, including incorporated areas.
Deputies do not have the authority to enforce a city ordinance within the limits of the
municipality unless that ordinance has been adopted as a County ordinance. |
| |
| Q: |
I'm confused about
jurisdiction. How do I know who to call when I have an emergency? |
| A: |
When you call 9-1-1
during an emergency, your call is automatically directed to the appropriate law
enforcement agency for your area. |
| |
| Q: |
Have all of the
inmates at the Detention Center been convicted of a crime? |
| A: |
No, the center
accommodates a variety of inmate classifications, including pre-trail detainees. |
| |
| Q: |
Why have I seen
inmates moving about freely in County buildings? |
| A: |
Inmates at the
Charleston County Detention Center are classified by various categories. Those who meet
certain criteria are allowed to work on County-sanctioned work projects under the
supervision of Sheriff's Office personnel. Work project inmates are under incarceration
for nonviolent crimes and usually have specialized skills useful for County work projects.
Inmates wear a variety of uniform items to designate their status and the type of work to
be performed, but all are clearly identified as Detention Center inmates. |
