Why graduates choose LCSD
A real salary from day one. New deputies start earning up to $59,008 a year, depending on qualifications, and you're paid from day one of the academy.
A $5,000 sign-on incentive for new patrol and detention deputies, paid over your first two years.
Your degree and your languages count. Education incentives include 2% for an associate's degree, 4% for a bachelor's degree or 6% for a master's degree. Our Spanish fluency incentive is 2%.
Benefits you can build a life on: health, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement, paid holidays and vacation, and health insurance premiums that haven't gone up in more than a decade.
Where can you go from here?
Most deputies start in patrol or detention. From there, the path is yours to shape: Patrol to Field Training Officer, Traffic and K-9. Detention to Sergeant and leadership. School Resource Officer. Investigations, Court Services, Special Operations and Community Service.
Deputy Torrell Jones joined in 2015 and worked his way from patrol deputy to his dream role in the K-9 Unit. Sgt. Ormica Thomas rose from line officer to sergeant in detention. The same path is open to you.
Why 3 USC grads chose LCSD
Three University of South Carolina graduates share why they started their careers with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, and what their first months have been like.
Read their story
The hiring process
Start early: it takes 6–8 weeks
Graduate FAQ
New patrol, detention and court services deputies start at up to $59,008 a year, depending on qualifications. School Resource Officers start at up to $63,122. New patrol and detention deputies are also eligible for a $5,000 sign-on incentive.
Detention deputy: at least 18 years old, a high school diploma or GED, and U.S. citizenship. Patrol deputy: at least 21 years old, an associate’s degree (or law enforcement certification or qualifying military service), U.S. citizenship and South Carolina residency.
Both require a valid driver’s license. Patrol deputies must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
No. Spanish is not required, but fluent Spanish speakers might qualify for a 2% pay incentive.
Usually six to eight weeks or longer, depending on your availability. Apply before graduation so you can start soon after.
Patrol deputy recruits complete 12 weeks of Basic Law Enforcement training at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Detention deputy recruits complete three weeks of Basic Detention training. Either way, you must reside at the academy and you’re paid while you train.