When you think of a law enforcement officer, the image that comes to mind might not always reflect the incredible diversity of the profession today. But across the country, and right here in Lexington County, women are showing up every day to protect and serve their communities – bringing strength, compassion and resilience to a historically male-dominated field.

In honor of National Police Woman Day 2025, we are proud to spotlight three outstanding deputies at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam, Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer and Investigator Kalie Kinder. These women have followed very different paths into law enforcement, but all three share the same dedication to service and commitment to making a difference.

Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam: Finding purpose in helping the most vulnerable

For Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam, law enforcement was never a question, it was a calling. Even as a young child, Gilliam would tell anyone who asked that she was going to be a police officer. Years later, she has made that childhood dream a reality, serving in the Professional Standards Division, after years in the Special Victims Unit.

After graduating from Lander University and attending graduate school at Columbia College, Gilliam joined LCSD in 2019 as a patrol deputy. Her work ethic and dedication were quickly recognized, and within two years, she was promoted to the Major Crimes Unit, where she worked on some of the most challenging cases involving children and vulnerable victims.

“It’s tough, but I couldn’t ask for a better team to go through it with,” Gilliam said. “We get each other through it, and we still do our job and maintain a good mental state.”

For Gilliam, personal growth has been just as important as professional development. “I learned that it’s ok to get uncomfortable because in this job, you have to be uncomfortable in order to grow.”

Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer: From the emergency room to the patrol car

Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer grew up around law enforcement. Her aunt worked for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and her uncle served with SLED. But before she picked up a badge, Kniphfer wore medical scrubs, working for nearly five years in a trauma hospital emergency room.

After earning a biology degree, she found herself craving more out of her career and a new way to serve. She joined LCSD and never looked back.

“I loved the adrenaline behind it,” Kniphfer said of her time in the medical profession. “I loved helping people, being there for them on their worst days and I still get to do that.”

Kniphfer has realized one of her career goals as she has recently joined the Major Crimes Unit.

She also encourages others who might be unsure about the law enforcement profession to explore it firsthand.

“We have an internship program, we have ride-alongs… just come hang out with us for a day.”

For Kniphfer, giving back to her hometown is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

Investigator Kalie Kinder: Creating a new home and a new future

Originally from Ohio, Investigator Kalie Kinder made the bold decision at 19 years old to move to South Carolina, hoping to find a community and career to challenge and inspire her. After enlisting in the National Guard as a military police soldier, she was introduced to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and quickly found the family she had been looking for.

“We’re here more than we are home, so it’s really easy to make friends and just make your own family here,” Kinder said. “I feel more at home here than I do at my house.”

Kinder completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice while working full-time, a schedule that required plenty of discipline and drive. Those efforts helped her earn a spot on the Major Crimes Unit.

But her time on patrol delivered plenty of experience and a few unexpected challenges, like having to lasso a loose cow in the middle of the night with makeshift crime scene tape before a neighbor handed her a rope.

“You never know what each shift will bring,” Kinder said. “But every call and case teaches you something.”

Leading by Example, Serving with Strength

The stories of Gilliam, Kniphfer and Kinder are unique, but they each reflect a common truth: women in law enforcement are making a real impact. Their courage, commitment and compassion set an example – not just for other women considering this profession, but for everyone in the Lexington County community.

At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, we are proud to support women who choose to serve and protect. Their strength is an inspiration. Their presence is a necessity. And their stories are just beginning.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career in law enforcement, we invite you to learn more about our open positions, ride-along opportunities and internship programs. You never know where one day at the Sheriff’s Department could lead.

Join us in celebrating National Police Woman Day 2025 and the exceptional women who wear the badge in Lexington County.

Every day, deputies across Lexington County put on their uniform to serve and protect. And while many think of patrol cars and emergency calls, there’s another unit that plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe, before emergencies even happen.

Meet the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Division.

This specialized team focuses not just on writing tickets, but on preventing crashes, saving lives and educating drivers of all ages about how to stay safe on the road. Their mission is simple: reduce loss of life and property damage through enforcement, awareness and education.

A team driven by purpose

At full staffing, the Traffic Division includes 11 deputies. The unit is led by a sergeant; however, the responsibilities are shared across the unit: proactive enforcement of traffic laws, thorough investigation of vehicle collisions and constant visibility across high-incident areas in the county.

The division is split into three teams with rotating schedules, giving the department maximum coverage throughout the day and week.

A day in the life

A traffic deputy’s day begins early, around 7 a.m. After a quick equipment check, the focus shifts to school zones and morning rush-hour monitoring. Deputies are strategically placed in areas with high traffic volume to watch for unsafe driving behaviors.

Once the morning commute subsides, the real detective work begins. Deputies shift their attention to high-incident areas, special events and directed patrols, all based on data that tells them where problems are likely to occur. As the afternoon wears on, it’s back to the roads for the evening rush and continued enforcement.

But don’t mistake them for static enforcers. They also respond to calls for service, assist with public education events and engage with community members on safe driving habits. Every day is different, but the mission stays the same.

Why traffic?

For one deputy, the answer is personal.

“As a child I always wanted to be two things: a soldier and a police officer,” he shared. “After my military career, I joined law enforcement. But early on, I became a victim of impaired driving. That emotional experience changed me. I knew then I wanted to dedicate my work to traffic safety and prevention. That’s where I could make the biggest impact.”

Training that goes beyond the basics

To join the LCSD Traffic Division, you first need to be a certified Class 1 law enforcement officer through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. But that’s just the beginning.

Specialized traffic deputies undergo extensive additional training in areas such as:

• Speed measurement
• DUI detection
• Standardized field sobriety testing
• Collision investigation

And the best part? If a deputy shows passion and drive for this kind of work, LCSD makes sure they get the training, free of charge.

Campaigns that save lives

Traffic deputies are also key players in annual statewide and national campaigns targeting critical times of the year for road safety. These include:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• Deadliest Days of Summer
• Operation Southern Slowdown

Each campaign zeroes in on a particular threat, such as impaired driving, speeding or distracted driving and puts deputies in high-risk areas to reduce incidents through presence, education and enforcement.

A bigger network: The 11th Circuit LEN

Lexington County is part of the South Carolina 11th Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Network, one of 16 regional networks across the state.

These networks bring together traffic enforcement officers, prosecutors and even judges to coordinate enforcement strategies, provide training and support each other with shared resources. It’s a collaborative effort that strengthens traffic safety across all 46 counties in South Carolina.

Protecting the youngest riders

Currently, two deputies on the team are certified child passenger seat technicians, a credential that requires more training than most people realize. This allows the department to offer critical support to parents, caregivers and schools in properly installing and using child safety seats. It’s another way the team goes above and beyond enforcement to truly protect the community.

Final thought from the field

Traffic deputies don’t just write tickets, they change lives. They’re teachers, enforcers, first responders and, often, the first line of defense against tragic loss on our roads.

They work to make sure everyone, from a teen driver heading to school to a family on vacation, gets home safely.

And that’s a job worth slowing down for.

Want to learn more?

Follow the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department on social media to see updates from the Traffic Division and the rest of our team. For upcoming safety campaigns, events or traffic enforcement updates, visit www.lexingtonsheriff.com.

If you’re interested in a career with LCSD or want to learn more about specialized units like Traffic, consider applying or reaching out directly.

Because the work they do isn’t just about roads and rules. It’s about people. And keeping them safe, one mile at a time.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, hundreds of community members will lace up their sneakers and team up for one of Lexington County’s most energetic and impactful traditions—the 12th Annual JailBreak Escape Urban Challenge Run. More than just a race, this unique event is a chance to rally together, challenge yourself and directly support the brave men and women of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

A challenge with a cause 

Hosted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation, the JailBreak Escape isn’t your average 5K. This crossfit style obstacle course is designed to test both your endurance and your creativity, whether you’re a competitive athlete or just out for some fun.

But beneath the sweat and high-fives lies a greater mission: raising funds to support law enforcement initiatives that aren’t covered by the county budget. Since its inception, this race has raised over $100,000, to support training, purchase safe equipment and other professional law enforcement services.

Built by the community, for the community 

The JailBreak Escape thrives on the strength of Lexington’s community. It’s a race where neighbors become teammates, families run alongside first responders and local businesses sponsor a safer future.

Every participant—whether sprinting to win or strolling with a smile—joins a movement that emphasizes unity, health and hometown pride. It’s also a rare opportunity to interact with local deputies outside of official duties and build the kind of trust and respect that safe communities are built on.

“This race is more than overcoming obstacles–it’s about overcoming barriers in our community. The energy, the smiles, the teamwork–it’s what Lexington is all about” Sheriff Jay Koon said. 

Make your escape count, get involved

Join us: 

• Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. at 541 Gibson Road
•  3.1-mile course features urban terrain and a variety of exciting obstacles, designed for all fitness levels.
• All participants must sign up in teams of two—so grab a friend or family member and register together! Don’t have a partner? No problem—we’ll match you with one.
•  Register here early for just $25 (price increases to $35 after July 31).
  Prefer to support from the sidelines? Volunteer, donate or come out to cheer on the runners. 

Every role makes a difference. When you participate, volunteer or even just cheer from the sidelines, you’re joining a team that believes in service, connection and community-first values. 

If you’re driven to make a difference and want to join the Lexington County team that puts people first, we invite you to explore career opportunities with LCSD and apply.

When you think of law enforcement, you might picture deputies in the field, patrol cars or investigations. But what about the voices who keep the public informed, share stories from within the agency and communicate through both calm and crisis?

That is the role of public information officers, or PIOs. At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Sarah Alexander and Carlee Hatchell are the ones keeping the community informed and connected every single day.

In recognition of World Social Media Day on June 30, we are taking a moment to spotlight the people behind the posts and explore what it really means to serve as a PIO in 2025.

Every day looks different

One thing Sarah and Carlee both emphasize is there is no such thing as a typical day in their world.

“Every week can look a little different,” Sarah said. “Some of the constants are managing our social media platforms, staying in regular contact with Executive Staff, listening for stories inside the agency and communicating with local media. But in law enforcement, an emergency can happen at any moment. We are always ready to hit the ground running or shift focus to projects in the office.”

Carlee added, “You never know what to expect when you walk through the doors. You might be at your desk editing a video and suddenly get a call to respond to a scene. We could be in the office creating stories, out on a ride-along, taking pictures at an event or even out on the lake gathering video of our marine patrol team. Every day is different and that is what makes this job so exciting.”

How social media changed the game

PIOs have always worked to keep the public informed, but the tools they use now are dramatically different than they were even a decade ago.

“Social media has completely changed how people communicate,” Sarah explained. “Instead of watching the news at 6 p.m., people scroll through Facebook, X or Threads to find their information. That has helped us connect with the community directly, while still working with media outlets to reach more people.”

Carlee pointed out how that shift has expanded their responsibilities. “The community relies on social media for everything now. We share a variety of content to reach different age groups and interests. We also get real time feedback. People tag us in posts, ask questions and offer ideas. It helps us stay informed and responsive to community needs.”

Finding joy in the work

For Sarah and Carlee, this role is not just a job. It is a chance to be creative, to connect and to make an impact.

“I love the creativity and the spontaneity,” Sarah said. “We get to tell incredible stories about the people we work with at LCSD. One minute we are editing video, and the next we are jumping in a car to respond to a scene. It is a calm job and a fast paced one, sometimes within the same hour.”

Carlee shared a similar perspective. “We get to connect with every department in the agency and build strong relationships internally. I love that we are not doing the same thing every day. We are constantly pivoting and responding. That keeps it exciting.”

It’s more than just social media

Some people assume PIOs simply sit and scroll all day. Sarah and Carlee say the reality is very different.

“Yes, social media is a big part of our job,” Carlee explained. “But we also have a lot of other responsibilities. We attend training throughout the year so we are prepared to respond during emergencies. When others are running away from danger, we are often running toward the scene to collect the information the public needs.”

Sarah added, “We also produce almost all of our content in house. That is not always common in our field. But because we have a team of three, including Capt. Adam Myrick, we are able to shoot and edit our own videos and photos without bringing in outside contractors.”

Staying current in a digital world

Technology continues to evolve, and the PIO role has to evolve with it.

“In the two and a half years I have been in this field, we have already seen major shifts,” Carlee said. “When Threads launched in 2023, we had to figure out how to build an audience from the ground up. We had to decide what kind of content would work on that platform. And TikTok is another platform that has made a big impact. It appeals to all age groups, so we have had to adjust to short form video trends while still keeping our content professional and on-brand.”

Sarah emphasized the need to stay alert and adaptable. “The digital landscape is always changing. If we do not stay current with trends and tools, we lose our ability to communicate effectively.”

The role of AI

While many industries are exploring artificial intelligence, Sarah and Carlee say their use is very limited.

“We do not use AI much,” Sarah explains. “Sometimes we use it for inspiration when writing a social media caption, but that is about it. We work with too much confidential information to rely on it in any deeper way.”

Carlee agreed. “It can be helpful occasionally, but we keep it at a distance.”

A longstanding role with a unique achievement

Public information officers are not a new concept. Their roots go back to the early 1900s as a branch of public relations. Today, there are more than 100 PIOs in South Carolina alone.

What sets Lexington County’s team apart is a prestigious credential.

They are the only PIO team in the nation where every member holds the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Public Information Officer credential. Fewer than 70 PIOs across the entire United States have earned this designation, with three of them at LCSD.

Behind the badge and posts

On World Social Media Day, we are not just celebrating likes and shares. We are honoring the professionals who use these platforms to inform, engage and empower the Lexington County community.

Sarah Alexander and Carlee Hatchell are more than just communicators. They are crisis responders, creative storytellers and trusted voices who represent the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department with professionalism, passion and purpose.

So the next time you see a post from LCSD, remember the work, care and quick thinking that goes into each message. And join us in thanking Sarah and Carlee for being the steady hands behind the screen.

Mikey Buchanan is not your typical 18-year-old. While many of his peers are working in fast food or trying to figure out their next step, Buchanan has already secured a career with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Straight out of high school, he found himself on a path of public service, one that has provided stability, personal growth and a sense of purpose.

“I graduated last year in May, and then that September right after graduating, I’ve got a career straight out of high school,” Buchanan said. “Most people I know, they’re working fast food.”

Buchanan is part of LCSD’s team at the Lexington County Detention Center. The experience has given him more than just a paycheck, it’s provided invaluable life lessons and a strong support system among his fellow officers.

“Definitely the people, the officers, they’ve helped me kind of get through the jail,” Buchanan said. “You can’t go into the jail with a cocky attitude…but the seasoned officers have given me confidence and given me skills.”

Buchanan’s journey to LCSD wasn’t by chance. His involvement with the Explorers program, a youth initiative that exposes young people to careers in law enforcement, played a pivotal role in his decision to apply. He also participated in the Underage Compliance Initiative, a program that enforces alcohol and tobacco laws.

“I think when I started getting more integrated into the Explorer post… I just found a passion for it,” Buchanan said. “I don’t want to sound corny, but it sort of feels like a calling.”

His early start in law enforcement was made possible by recent legislative changes. In 2022, the minimum age to join a detention center was lowered from 21 to 18, opening doors for committed and ambitious young adults like Buchanan who are ready to serve their communities without having to wait three extra years.

For Buchanan, the job is both rewarding and surprising. Working in the detention center has challenged some of his preconceived assumptions about the environment.

“Most people don’t exactly know what happens behind the jail doors,” he said. “The first thing I noticed was that it’s a lot nicer than I thought.”

A typical day for Buchanan involves performing security checks, overseeing inmate activity and working alongside seasoned officers. His responsibilities require focus and discipline, but he enjoys the challenge.

“The most common thing that would probably be the most surprising to me was probably when you go to the mental health floor for the first time, experience those guys,” Buchanan said. “How intense it is.”

Despite the demanding nature of his job, Buchanan appreciates the financial stability it provides. At just 18 years old, he has already secured his own apartment, car and even a pet cat, all thanks to the opportunities available at LCSD.

“You make $20 an hour straight out of high school,” Buchanan said. “I mean, I don’t know where else that’s gonna pay you that much for being 18.”

Looking ahead, Buchanan encourages other young people to consider a career in law enforcement. For those nearing high school graduation and unsure about their next steps, he offers this advice:

“I would definitely tell them to check it out,” Buchanan said. “You can come here, talk to somebody about applying… get a tour, because I feel like that’s a big thing.”

Buchanan is proof that a career with LCSD isn’t just a job, it’s a meaningful opportunity to serve the community, build lifelong connections and lay the foundation for a stable future.

“Like I said earlier, the people. You make friends that you never thought you’d make.”

Interested in starting your career with LCSD? Visit our website to learn more about open positions and how you can make a difference.