Investigator Arcadeus DuBard never pictured himself working in law enforcement, but he credits the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department for his career advancement.

His parents were truck drivers, so his childhood was spent playing with trucks and pondering whether he wanted to have a career like his mom and dad. It wasn’t until DuBard went to college that he thought about a law enforcement career, as he had to decide how to use his criminal justice degree. 

DuBard began gaining experience in college as an intern with a local sheriff’s department. He then went on to work in security helping school resource officers and eventually landed a position in the South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s Public Safety Division. Those experiences helped him understand law enforcement was where he wanted to be.

DuBard now finds himself thriving at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. He started his career as a road deputy, which was originally his career goal, but his co-workers saw more potential.

He then served as a field training officer and worked his way up to a first-line supervisor as a master deputy, before doing some time as a detective in the major crimes unit. Now, he serves in the narcotics unit.

“I moved up very quickly here at the Sheriff’s Department,” DuBard said. “Everybody’s always trying to find the next step in their career, and the agency is actually assisting these people to get there, which makes that movement happen a lot quicker.”

As the Sheriff’s Department assisted in his career advancement, DuBard consistently noticed how different the atmosphere was compared to the other places he has worked. 

“It seems like you’re coming into a family atmosphere…like Sunday dinner at mom’s house,” DuBard said. “The atmosphere here is more conducive to the type of person I am, which is a family-oriented person.” 

While DuBard values working at the Sheriff’s Department, he also cherishes the community he serves to protect. 

“The community atmosphere in Lexington County makes it a great home,” DuBard said. “You can’t go three days without one of the citizens here coming up to you and thanking you for your service…Some agencies around the country will tell you they don’t have that.”

To read more stories about our team at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, click here.

Chances are if you’ve made it this far, you’ve already gone through most of the department’s application process. The final interview with Sheriff Koon can be the make it or break it point – so here are some tips to help you nail it.

At this point we’ve already tested your physical ability, your cognitive skills and checked your references. What Sheriff Koon wants to see and hear from you is why you want to work for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and what makes you the best candidate for the position.

Tip #1: When Sheriff Koon asks for more information about you, use this as an opportunity to explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the position you are seeking. Talk about your strengths and how they would help you succeed in the role if given the opportunity.

Tip #2: Chances are Sheriff Koon will ask you why you want to represent him as a member of the Sheriff’s Department. This is your chance to prove you did your research on the department and you know exactly what you are getting into if the position is offered. Acknowledge how this position aligns with your long-term goals and why you feel this is a natural next step in your career. Come prepared and make sure you know the role and department inside and out!

Tip #3: As much as we hate to admit, every little thing you do and say during the interview matters. Use your final interview as a way to exemplify your communications skills. Make sure you have a positive attitude and that your eagerness to join the team is felt. Show your disciplined nature and display confident body language.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that as a law enforcement professional it’s about way more than just your physical abilities. When looking for people to join the Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Koon wants people who are honest, dependable, calm under pressure and have a deep passion for serving others. 

If you want to learn more about joining our team, check out our full application process. For more information about careers in law enforcement, check out what we stand for at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Some people grow up dreaming of working in law enforcement, others find themselves being called later in life, but one thing is certain – there are signs that can point you in the right direction and indicate if it is the right field for you. 

The first sign you might be a great fit for the job is if you’re looking to be a part of something bigger and give back to your community. Caring for your community and those around you is the core of everything you do in a law enforcement career and can be one of the biggest rewards of the job. If you are fulfilled by helping your community out and seeing the positive effects your actions can have on others, it could be a great job for you.

The second sign is if you would like working in an environment where you’ll never get bored and there’s always room for growth. A position in law enforcement is a rewarding career with many opportunities, and with this comes an ever-changing environment that allows for each day to be different. Within departments, there is often a lot of opportunity for advancement and getting lots of different experiences under your belt.

The last sign is if you already have a criminal justice degree (or are working towards it). If you already have a degree in criminal justice, you’re ahead of the game because you’ve already learned a lot. All that’s left is to take the leap and give yourself room to grow and soar within your profession. 

If you’ve found that any or all of these are relevant to you, consider taking the next steps necessary to make your way into law enforcement. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and inquire about what exactly you would need to do, and don’t set limitations on yourself – because this is a career field where the sky’s the limit. 

If you’re ready to jumpstart your career in law enforcement in a well-respected department and wonderful community, check out our current openings at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.