Every June, National Safety Month gives us a chance to pause and think about something we often take for granted: getting home safely.

Led by the National Safety Council since 1996, National Safety Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about preventable injuries and deaths. It reminds us safety is not just a policy, a checklist or a training topic. Safety is personal. It is about the people we work beside, the families we return home to and the everyday decisions that can change everything in a single moment.

For employers, public safety agencies, families and communities, June is an important time to talk openly about the risks we face at work, on the road and in daily life. The focus areas for National Safety Month include important topics such as continuous improvement, employee engagement, roadway safety and wellness. Each of these areas points to the same truth: preventing harm takes awareness, commitment and care from all of us.

One of the most important safety issues we continue to face

Most people know texting and driving is dangerous, but distraction can happen in more than one way. The National Safety Council identifies three types of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive.

A visual distraction takes your eyes off the road. It might be turning around to check on a child in the back seat or looking down at a notification on your phone.

A manual distraction takes your hands off the wheel. This can include eating, adjusting something in the car, reaching for an item or using a phone.

A cognitive distraction takes your mind away from driving. Even daydreaming, stress or thinking about everything waiting for you at your destination can reduce your ability to react safely.

At least eight people are killed every day in distracted driving-related crashes. Behind that number are families, friends, coworkers and entire communities affected by a loss that might have been preventable.

Small choices can make a real difference

Before driving, take a few moments to get ready. Adjust your mirrors. Choose your music or podcast. Enter your destination into GPS before leaving. Make sure children are settled, bags are secure and anything you might need is within safe reach.

Once you are moving, let driving be the only task. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your attention on what is happening around you. If you need to make a call, respond to a message, help a child or handle something urgent, pull over somewhere safe and well-lit.

Safety is not about being perfect. It is about being present.

In Lexington County, National Safety Month is an opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting one another. Whether you are driving to work, serving the community, managing a team or heading home after a long day, your choices matter.

A safer community begins with people who care enough to slow down, pay attention, speak up and look out for each other. This June, let’s use National Safety Month as a reminder that safety is not something we think about only after something goes wrong.

It is something we practice every day, because every life is worth protecting.

In law enforcement, we are trained to look beyond a single data point and focus on patterns. Right now in Lexington County, an encouraging pattern is taking shape. Overdose deaths are trending downward. That matters. It reflects lives saved, families spared and a community beginning to turn the corner on one of the biggest public safety challenges we face.

But let me be clear: progress is not permission to ease up. It is proof that what we are doing together is working.

The data tells a story:

• 2020: 112 overdose deaths
• 2021: 106 overdose deaths
• 2022: 125 overdose deaths
• 2023: 107 overdose deaths
• 2024: 93 overdose deaths
• 2025: 75 overdose deaths

From a peak of 125 deaths in 2022 to 75 in 2025, Lexington County has seen a nearly 40 percent reduction in overdose deaths over three years. That is not accidental. That is the result of sustained, coordinated effort between a number of different organizations.

That effort is all about collaboration, particularly between law enforcement, EMS, the Lexington County Overdose Fatality Review Board and our community partners, such as LRADAC, the Courage Center and Uplift Lexington. Each brings a different capability to the table. Together, those capabilities create a more complete response.

Law enforcement works to disrupt supply and hold traffickers accountable. EMS provides immediate, life-saving intervention in overdose situations. LRADAC and the Courage Center connect individuals to treatment, recovery resources and long-term support. None of these efforts, standing alone, would produce the kind of outcomes we are now seeing.

Still, this moment calls for discipline, not complacency.

Here is what the data demands of us moving forward:

• Reducing access and availability of illicit substances must remain a priority through enforcement and prevention strategies
• Expanding access to tools such as Narcan continues to save lives and should remain widely promoted
• Sustained collaboration between agencies and organizations drives innovation and ensures we are meeting real community needs

There is no single solution to the overdose crisis. There never has been. What we are seeing now in Lexington County is the result of a layered strategy, executed consistently and collaboratively.

The takeaway is straightforward: when we work together, we make a difference.

The responsibility ahead is just as clear. Maintain the relationships. Invest in what works. Adapt where needed. And above all, remain committed to the shared goal of safer communities.

The progress is real. Now we have to keep it that way.

Sheriff Bryan “Jay” Koon was sworn in as the 39th sheriff of Lexington County in 2015. He is a graduate of Lexington High School, the University of South Carolina and the FBI’s National Academy. In 2023, Koon was named the sheriff of the year by the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. He resides in Lexington with his wife, Kim, a long-time middle school teacher.

Graduation is one of those rare moments in life where everything feels wide open.

Exciting, yes. But also uncertain.

Not everyone leaves school knowing exactly what they want to do next. And that’s okay.

Because some of the best careers aren’t the ones you’ve spent years planning for. They’re the ones that build you into who you’re meant to become.

You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

There’s a common myth that you need a clear path before stepping into a career in law enforcement. You don’t.

Some of the strongest deputies didn’t start with experience. They started with curiosity, work ethic and a willingness to learn.

What matters isn’t what you know on day one. It’s whether you’re ready to grow.

Built From the Ground Up

What sets Lexington County Sheriff’s Department apart is simple: They invest in people.

If you’ve never done this kind of work before, that’s not a disadvantage here. It’s an opportunity.

From the very beginning, training isn’t rushed or surface-level. It’s intentional. Hands-on. Real.

Time is taken to make sure you:

• Understand what you’re doing
• Feel confident doing it
• Are fully prepared for the responsibility that comes with the role

You’re not just taught how to do the job.

You’re developed into someone who can handle it.

Confidence Isn’t Expected. It’s Built.

No one walks in knowing everything.

That’s why the environment here is designed to support you at every stage. Questions aren’t just welcomed, they’re expected.

You’ll be surrounded by people who remember what it felt like to start from scratch, and who are willing to take the time to guide you forward.

That kind of culture matters. Because confidence doesn’t come from guessing. It comes from preparation.

Start With a First Step

If you’re even slightly considering this path, don’t overthink it.

Start small:

• Schedule a ride-along
• Apply for an internship
• Join a Citizens Academy
• Have a conversation

You don’t need to commit to the career today. You just need to take the first step toward understanding it.

Ask Questions. Seriously.

If you see a deputy, talk to them.

Ask what their day looks like.

Ask what surprised them about the job.

Ask what they wish they knew when they started.

You’ll find something important very quickly: People here care.

They’ll make time. They’ll answer honestly. And they’ll help you decide if this is the right path for you.

More Than a Job

For many, this career becomes more than just a paycheck.

It becomes a sense of purpose.

A way to serve.

A path to grow into someone stronger, more capable, and more confident than you thought possible. And it all starts with one decision. To step forward.

National Correctional Officers Week (May 3–9) & National Police Week (May 10–16)

More than 24,000 names are etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Last year alone, 109 officers were killed in the line of duty. Nearly 1,000 of the names on that wall belong to correctional officers — a number most people would never guess, because their work happens out of sight.

Every May, two weeks pull all of it into focus.

Two weeks, one mission

National Correctional Officers Week (May 3–9) was established in 1984, when President Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 recognizing what he called the “courage, dedication and professionalism” of the people who maintain safety and order inside our nation’s jails and prisons. It was the first time the country formally set aside time to acknowledge a workforce that had, until then, gone largely unseen.

National Police Week (May 10–16) goes back further. President Kennedy signed it into existence in 1962, designating May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week surrounding that date is now marked by ceremonies across the country, including the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. on May 13 — where the names of officers lost in the line of duty are read aloud.

Different origins. Different weeks. Same purpose: to honor the people who put themselves between the public and harm.

The side of the badge you don’t see

When most people picture law enforcement, they picture a patrol car, a uniform on the street, a traffic stop. That visibility is part of the job — presence itself is a form of public safety.

But there’s another side of the system that runs 24 hours a day inside buildings the public rarely enters. That’s where Lexington County’s detention deputies work.

Lt. Paula Hare has spent 32 years in corrections. She doesn’t romanticize it.

“We are the unsung heroes. We are never seen, never heard until something bad happens, and then all of a sudden we’re in the spotlight — but we’re in the spotlight for a negative reason,” Hare said. “Nobody sees the hard work they put in.”

More than security

Ask what a detention deputy actually does on a shift and the list keeps growing. Yes, security. But also intake, de-escalation, medical triage, mental health response, and — more often than people realize — being a steady presence for someone on the worst day of their life.

“We have to wear multiple hats. Sometimes we have to be the inmate’s mother, sometimes their father, their counselor, their therapist,” Hare said. “Whatever they need, we have to be able to put those hats on — without overstepping our boundaries.”

A lot of the people who come through the booking doors are scared. Some are detoxing. Some have never been arrested before and don’t know what’s about to happen. Others arrive angry — and that anger usually lands on the deputy standing in front of them.

“They call us everything but a child of God,” Hare said. “They say we’re worth nothing, that they pay our salary, all that kind of stuff. But we still have to remain professional, not take it personally, and say, ‘Hey, I understand you’re angry, but this is what we need to do.'”

Twelve, thirteen, fourteen-hour shifts. A constant low-grade hum of tension. As Hare puts it, the only real difference between a deputy and the people in their custody is that the deputy gets to go home at the end of the shift.

Two sides of the same system

A police officer is usually the first point of contact in a crisis. A detention deputy picks up where that ends — booking, custody, medical, release. Neither half of the system works without the other.

One happens in public view. One happens behind a secured door. Both require the same things: judgment under pressure, the ability to stay professional when no one around you is and a willingness to show up for the next shift and do it again.

Why these weeks matter

For a lot of deputies, recognition is rare enough that it barely registers as part of the job.

“A lot of times it is kind of thankless,” Hare said. “Very seldom do we get anybody to say, ‘Great job — you have such a difficult job that we don’t know about, and we appreciate that.'”

That’s the gap these two weeks exist to close. Not just the ceremonies in Washington. Not just the cake in the break room. A moment for the rest of us to look up.

Hare’s advice for anyone who wants to show support is the simplest version possible:

“Anytime you see anybody — just tell them thank you. Just tell them you appreciate what they do,” Hare said. “I promise you, it’ll go a long way.”

One community, one purpose

Public safety in Lexington County isn’t one job. It’s deputies on the road, deputies in the detention center, dispatchers, investigators, administrative staff — all of it stacked together to keep a community of more than 300,000 people safe.

Some wear the badge in plain view. Others serve behind secured doors.

All of them deserve to be seen.

Interested in joining the team behind the badge? Learn more about careers with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at joinlcsd.com.

At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, some careers begin with a calling, others with curiosity. For Deputy Torrell Jones, it started as an Explorer.

Long before he wore the badge, Jones was learning the rhythm of the profession from the outside looking in, observing the discipline and beginning to understand what service truly meant. The Explorer program gave him more than exposure. It gave him direction, turning early interest into a clear and steady commitment.

That commitment carried him through the academy and into patrol, where he built his foundation as a deputy. Along the way, another goal quietly took shape: joining the K-9 unit.

Becoming a K-9 handler is not simply a promotion. It is a responsibility that demands patience, precision and trust, along with the ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations. Jones worked toward that opportunity with consistent determination, gaining experience, proving himself on the road and demonstrating the kind of leadership the role requires. When the opportunity came, he was ready.

At the other end of Deputy Jones’ lead is K-9 Doc, a highly trained partner with a clear purpose. On the training field, Doc operates with focus, intensity and discipline. In the community, he represents professionalism and approachability. Together, Jones and Doc train relentlessly to sharpen their skills in tracking, apprehension, obedience and detection.

Beyond the certifications and capabilities, their strength lies in partnership. A K-9 team must move as one unit, built on trust and communication that often requires no words at all. That bond is developed over time through repetition, shared experience and an understanding that each depends on the other in critical moments.

Recently, Deputy Jones’ dedication was formally recognized with a nomination for Lexington County Employee of the Quarter. Recognition like this reflects more than performance. It speaks to consistency, work ethic, leadership and a commitment to excellence that others see and respect.

From his early days as an Explorer to standing alongside K-9 Doc today, Jones represents what growth within an agency can look like when opportunity meets preparation.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is built on service, protection and partnership with the community, and K-9 teams are a vital extension of that mission. They assist in locating missing persons, tracking suspects and enhancing officer safety, providing capabilities that technology alone cannot replicate.

Deputy Jones and K-9 Doc represent that mission in motion. Their work takes place in early mornings and late nights, in controlled training environments and unpredictable real-world situations, often requiring both courage and composure at the same time.

For Deputy Jones, the journey from Explorer to K-9 handler is more than a career path. It is proof that dedication creates opportunity and that service leaves a lasting impact.

And for the community, it means knowing that behind every call for help stands a team built on trust and purpose.

A deputy. A K-9. A partnership that protects.

To anyone considering a career where you can make a meaningful difference while serving your community, we would love to hear from you. Explore current opportunities at www.joinlcsd.com to learn more and apply.

Most people think child abuse prevention starts when something goes wrong. In reality, it begins much earlier, long before a crisis ever occurs. That shift in thinking is not just important, it is essential if we want to create lasting change in 2026 and beyond.

Why April matters

April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for communities to come together and reaffirm a shared responsibility to protect children and strengthen families. While awareness is a key part of this month, it cannot stop there. The real purpose is to inspire action. That action takes many forms. It means supporting parents when they are overwhelmed, educating caregivers so they feel confident and prepared, and creating environments in which children feel safe, stable and supported. When we focus on prevention, we begin to shift the conversation away from reacting to harm and toward building a culture where children feel secure, valued and heard every single day.

We’ve been focused on the wrong stage

For too long, our systems have been designed to respond after something has already gone wrong. We step in during moments of crisis, working hard to repair damage and support recovery. While that work is critical, it is not enough on its own. True prevention happens earlier. It is about creating the conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm in the first place. This means paying attention to families before they reach a breaking point and ensuring they have the support they need to navigate everyday challenges.

What prevention actually means

Prevention is often misunderstood as something complex or specialized, but at its core, it is quite simple. It is about making sure families are supported in practical, meaningful ways. This can look like a parent having someone they trust to call when things feel overwhelming, or a family having reliable access to food, housing and childcare. It can be a neighbor offering help without judgment, or a community creating spaces where children feel seen and safe. When families are supported, children are safer. That is the foundation of prevention.

The three levels of prevention

Prevention happens across three levels, each serving a different purpose but working together to support families.

Primary prevention focuses on everyone, before any problems arise. It includes education, access to resources and building strong, connected communities. This is where the greatest long-term impact can be made because it reduces risk before it develops.

Secondary prevention focuses on families that might be at higher risk. It involves stepping in early with additional support to prevent challenges from escalating into more serious situations.

Tertiary prevention takes place after harm has already occurred. It focuses on recovery and ensuring the same harm does not happen again.

While all three levels are important, most systems currently spend the majority of their time and resources on tertiary prevention. If we want to see meaningful change, we need to invest much more heavily in primary prevention, where we can have the greatest impact.

The data is clear

In South Carolina, 62% of adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, often referred to as an ACE. These experiences can include trauma, instability or loss, and they can have lasting effects on a child’s development. ACEs can influence how a child’s brain develops, how they respond to stress and their long-term physical and mental health. However, this is only part of the story. Research also shows positive experiences can significantly reduce these effects. A single supportive adult, a safe environment or a consistent and caring relationship can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. These protective factors help build resilience and create better outcomes over time.

Strong families = safer children

Children are safest when families are strong, and families are strongest when they are supported by the communities around them. This is why prevention must focus not just on individuals, but on the broader systems that shape daily life. Instead of asking how we fix problems after they occur, we need to shift our thinking. The better question is how we can support families early enough that those problems are less likely to happen at all.

Prevention is the smartest investment

Prevention is not only the most compassionate approach, it is also the most practical. It is more cost-effective than responding after harm occurs, easier to scale across communities and more effective at creating long-term stability for families. Despite this, prevention is often overlooked. One of the reasons is when prevention works, it is quiet. It does not draw attention because it looks as though nothing happened. In reality, that “nothing” represents families staying stable, children feeling safe and crises being avoided entirely.

What needs to change in 2026

If we want to create real change, we believe we should treat family support as essential infrastructure. It should not be difficult to find or access help. It should be built into communities in a way that is consistent, visible and easy to use. This means connecting families to resources more quickly, making support systems easier to navigate and building stronger networks so that no parent feels alone. Efforts like SC Parents are already moving in this direction by bringing together tools, guidance and support in one accessible place.

What you can do

Prevention is not limited to professionals or organizations. Everyone has a role to play, and small actions can have a significant impact when they are repeated across a community. Checking in on a parent who might be struggling, offering help without being asked, supporting organizations that focus on prevention and simply talking more openly about these issues all contribute to stronger, safer communities.

Why the pinwheel matters

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, you will see pinwheels displayed in communities, including in front of our headquarters in Lexington. While they might seem simple, they carry an important meaning. They represent the kind of childhood every child deserves: one that is safe, stable and supported. They serve as a reminder of what prevention is ultimately about.

Every year, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation recognizes Lexington County Sheriff’s Department employees who go above and beyond in their roles.These awards highlight the people whose dedication, leadership and professionalism make a real difference across the agency.

The 2025 recipients represent different parts of the department, but they share a common purpose: serving the people of Lexington County with integrity and commitment.

Outstanding civilian – Amber Alley

Administrative Assistant Amber Alley joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in July 2025 and quickly became an important part of the South Region team.

After completing her training, Amber began improving how the office organizes and tracks key information. She created new digital calendars to help deputies keep track of schedules and important dates. She also developed systems to track case assignments and closures, giving supervisors a clearer view of investigative progress.  

Amber helped digitize older case files, freeing up valuable storage space and created a process to collect case files from deputies and upload them into the records management system.

Her attention to detail and willingness to improve systems have made daily operations smoother for deputies and staff.

Detention deputy of the year – Twannia Price

Detention Deputy Twannia Price has earned a reputation for strong leadership and dependability inside the detention center.

She manages her unit with confidence and maintains order while clearly communicating expectations to the inmates under her supervision. 

Supervisors say she consistently supports other deputies and often steps in to help without being asked.

Her professionalism and teamwork have made her a role model for newer deputies entering the detention center.

For her commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment, Twannia Price has been named the 2025 Detention Deputy of the Year.

Brian S. Mills Rookie of the Year – Ian Cox

Detention Deputy Ian Cox joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in February 2025 and quickly stood out. He completed field training with an exceptional evaluation and a perfect test score.  

During his first year, Cox responded to a critical incident inside the detention center and received a Special Achievement Award for his actions.

Later, he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Detention Course with the highest GPA in his class, earning the Bert Friday Award.

Supervisors frequently assign him to housing areas normally handled by more experienced deputies due to his calm demeanor and attention to detail.

For his outstanding first year of service, Ian Cox has been named the Brian S. Mills Rookie of the Year.

Patrol deputy of the year – Reggie Ward

Reggie Ward has served the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department since 1982.

Today he works as the Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) Deputy, often becoming the first deputy citizens interact with when they come to the department for help. 

In 2025 alone, Ward handled an impressive workload:

• 1,407 calls for service
• 715 reports completed
• 46 arrests
• 55 arrest warrants served
• 756 lobby calls for assistance 

His experience allows him to resolve many situations independently, helping reduce the workload on patrol deputies.

His dedication and professionalism have made him a trusted and respected member of the department.

Recognizing service

These award recipients, along with the other honorees recognized at this year’s banquet, represent the commitment and professionalism found throughout the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

From patrol deputies to detention staff to civilian support roles, each person plays an important part in keeping the community safe. Their work reflects the values of the department and the mission of serving Lexington County with integrity and dedication.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact, you can find out more and apply today to join LCSD. We would love to hear from you.

When many people think of law enforcement, they picture patrol cars and flashing lights. What they might not see is the leadership inside the walls of the detention center. The steady voice during conflict. The mentor guiding a new detention deputy. The administrator ensuring fairness behind the scenes.

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight three leaders whose work inside the Lexington County Detention Center reflects professionalism, compassion and resilience in action.

Together, they represent a powerful truth: corrections is not defined by physical strength. It is defined by character, communication and commitment.

Leadership rooted in growth and communication

Lt. Monsurat Lawal-Agoro’s journey into corrections began with practicality. As a young mother seeking job security, benefits and stability, she entered the field with responsibility in mind. What she discovered was purpose.

Now a lieutenant with eight years at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and 17 years in detention overall, she oversees the safety, custody and care of inmates while developing and training the deputies under her command.

“It’s not about physical strength,” she explains. “It’s about communication. Be professional. Be consistent. Be fair.”

Her leadership philosophy centers on growth. She emphasizes training, mentorship and remaining open to learning, regardless of rank.

“I might be a lieutenant, but I still learn from the newer ones,” she says. “Never stop learning. Be open to criticism.”

Through her years of service, she has seen the realities many individuals face, from mental health challenges to economic hardship. Rather than harden her perspective, the experience deepened her empathy.

“Corrections shaped me as a mother, a wife and a person,” she says. “You see what society is going through every day.”

Her advice to women considering law enforcement is simple: leadership already lives within you. The ability to guide, communicate and develop others is an advantage in this profession.

Professionalism inspired by legacy

For Sgt. Ormica Thomas, corrections is both professional and personal.

Inspired by her mother’s 12 years as a jailer, Thomas grew up seeing the meaningful impact detention deputies can have. That example shaped her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.

She began as a front-line detention deputy and quickly developed a reputation for steady leadership and professionalism. Her dedication led her to become a field training officer, mentoring new detention deputies as they entered the profession. In 2018, she earned the distinction of master detention deputy. Three years later, she was promoted to sergeant.

Thomas says the most rewarding part of her job is the opportunity to connect with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether supervising staff or interacting with inmates, she approaches each day with accountability, respect and service at the forefront.

She credits the department’s supportive, family-oriented culture for helping her grow as a leader and professional, fostering resilience and teamwork along the way.

Ensuring fairness and clarity behind the scenes

Lt. Paula Hare has served with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department since 2004, building a career defined by dedication and precision.

As the department’s inmate records manager, she ensures critical information remains accurate and up to date, from classification details to court documentation. In her role as inmate grievance coordinator, she helps individuals who feel overwhelmed by the legal process navigate it with clarity and understanding.

“I’m not here to judge them, nor am I here to be their jury,” Hare explains. “I’m here to assist them with getting to court and understanding their charges.”

Her career began as a detention deputy before advancing to administrative sergeant and eventually administrative lieutenant. As a certified corrections supervisor, she blends operational experience with strong administrative leadership that benefits the entire team.

Her commitment to service extends beyond formal responsibilities. Whether helping a colleague through a personal challenge or encouraging collaboration across the department, Hare believes in leading by example. She describes the department’s culture as family-like, a place where support and professionalism go hand in hand.

A celebration of leadership

Inside the detention center, leadership takes many forms. It is mentorship. It is accountability. It is compassion balanced with structure.

These three women demonstrate the detention profession is not about labels. It is about service.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Lt. Lawal-Agoro, Sgt. Thomas and Lt. Hare for the impact they make each day. Their leadership strengthens the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the community it serves. To women considering a career that allows you to make a difference as you serve your community, your leadership has a place here. Explore our current opportunities and discover how you can make a meaningful difference.

Staying safe online: How LCSD supports cybersecurity in Lexington County

In recognition of Safer Internet Day, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is helping raise awareness about what it means to stay safe in today’s digital world.

As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, online safety is no longer optional—it’s essential. From online banking and social media to remote work and digital classrooms, cyber threats affect individuals, families and businesses alike. That’s why the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department plays a critical role in protecting the community not just on the streets, but online as well.

LCSD’s role in cybersecurity

Cybercrime continues to evolve, ranging from identity theft and financial fraud to cyberstalking and online exploitation. LCSD actively works to prevent, investigate and respond to these threats to keep Lexington County residents safe.

LCSD’s cybersecurity efforts focus on three key areas to help keep our community safe:

Investigating cybercrime:

LCSD investigates a wide range of online offenses that impact local residents. Because cybercrime often crosses city, state and even national boundaries, these investigations frequently involve coordination with state and federal partners to identify and hold offenders accountable.

Training for emerging threats:

As criminals adopt more advanced digital tools, law enforcement must stay ahead of the curve. LCSD officers receive ongoing training in cybersecurity and digital investigations, ensuring they have the skills needed to track cybercriminals and protect the community.  

Prosecuting offenders:

Successful prosecution is essential to reducing cybercrime. LCSD works closely with the judicial system to ensure individuals responsible for cyber offenses are held accountable, helping deter future crimes and protect victims.

How the community can help stay cyber safe

While LCSD is on the front lines of fighting cybercrime, community involvement is just as important. Education and awareness are powerful tools in preventing online victimization.

LCSD encourages residents to take simple but effective steps to protect themselves:

• Use strong, unique passwords that combine letters, numbers and symbols
• Enable multifactor authentication to add an extra layer of security
• Be cautious of phishing attempts, especially unsolicited messages requesting personal information
• Keep software and devices updated to protect against known vulnerabilities  

Partnering with national safety efforts

In addition to local initiatives, LCSD supports national efforts that promote online safety and digital responsibility. Organizations such as ConnectSafely provide trusted resources for parents, educators and young people to learn how to navigate the internet safely, responsibly and confidently.

Through programs that focus on digital citizenship, privacy and online behavior, ConnectSafely empowers communities to be proactive—not reactive—when it comes to online safety. Residents can get involved by exploring educational materials, participating in safety campaigns, and sharing resources within their schools, homes and workplaces.

Learn more or get involved at https://safer.connectsafely.org/get-involved/

A shared responsibility

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. While LCSD remains committed to investigating cybercrime and protecting Lexington County residents, prevention starts with awareness and education at home.

By working together—law enforcement, families, schools and community partners—we can reduce cyber risks and create a safer digital environment for everyone. For more information about LCSD’s cybersecurity efforts and resources available to the community, visit the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department website.