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.