When students from the University of South Carolina stepped inside the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department this fall, they got more than a glimpse of daily operations. They experienced the many paths a law enforcement career can take.
The event, part of USC’s Spurs Up job-shadowing program, connected more than 20 students with deputies, investigators and leadership across multiple LCSD divisions and units. From patrol and forensics, to drones and canine operations, the hands-on experience gave students a real-world look at the skills, teamwork, and purpose behind the badge.
A partnership built on opportunity
The collaboration began when USC reached out to LCSD about its new experiential learning program. For Sgt. Dan Rusinyak, who leads recruitment and internship coordination for the department, saying yes was an easy decision.
“USC asked if we’d be interested in hosting students, and it was a no-brainer,” Rusinyak said. “We’re always looking for ways to connect with people who are curious about law enforcement and want to see what we’re all about.”
Since launching last year, the partnership has continued to grow. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds including criminal justice, business, psychology, sociology, music, and religion. This reflects the wide range of skills represented across the department.
“It’s not just for criminal justice majors,” Rusinyak added. “We have deputies with all kinds of degrees, and this program gives students that same insight. It shows them there’s a place for many different strengths in law enforcement.”
Inside the day: From CSI to drones
Students rotated through presentations from specialized teams, including crime scene investigators, domestic violence and major crimes units, and the K-9 and drone teams. One highlight, according to Rusinyak, was a live drone demonstration from Investigator Senn, which captivated everyone in the room.
“They’d seen drones on the news, but watching one operate just a few feet away made a huge impact,” Rusinyak said. “Moments like that make it real.”
For deputy Jeramie Mackinson, a member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, the event was a chance to give students a realistic look at one of the department’s most complex units.
“A lot of people think of the bomb squad and imagine the movies, but it’s a very technical field,” Mackinson said. “We handle everything from chemical threats and fireworks to suspicious packages, and it takes constant training and teamwork.”
Mackinson said he hopes the visit helped students see how much problem-solving and precision go into every aspect of public safety. “What we do requires patience, communication, and trust,” he said. “If even one student walked away understanding that, it’s worth it.”
Hands-on learning also helped clear up common misconceptions. Many students arrived with expectations shaped by TV shows and movies, only to discover how much precision and coordination real investigations require.
“They realize how detailed and involved the work is,” Rusinyak said. “It’s an eye-opener, and that’s exactly the goal.”
Building future connections
For LCSD, the program is not just about showcasing what the department does. It is about creating a pathway for future careers. The agency offers spring, summer and fall internships that immerse students in every part of a full-service department, from patrol and investigations to court services and detention.
“The internship program gives students a front-row seat to all three pillars of the criminal justice system,” Rusinyak said. “It’s the best way to find out if this career is right for you.”
Many LCSD deputies, including members of command staff, are USC alumni. That connection between the university and the department continues to grow stronger every year.
“This is our home,” Rusinyak said. “We’re both part of the Midlands community, and we’re proud to invest in each other. It’s a model for how agencies and universities should work together.”
Continuing the partnership
As the Spurs Up partnership continues to grow, LCSD remains committed to offering students meaningful, behind-the-scenes experiences and inspiring the next generation of public safety professionals.
For students or schools interested in learning more about internship opportunities or similar partnerships, Sgt. Rusinyak encourages reaching out directly.
“Whether you’re from USC or another college in South Carolina, we welcome you to come see what we do,” he said. “If you’re curious, this is the perfect place to find your fit.”
For more information about LCSD internship opportunities, contact Sgt. Rusinyak at drusinyak@lcsd.sc.gov or call 803-904-2124.