Skip to main content

Voices. Knowledge. Solutions.

In May 2022, the South Carolina General Assembly passed Act 218, also known as the Law Enforcement Betterment Bill.

This legislation codified many law enforcement standards statewide and has become part of an ongoing effort in recent years to improve upon best practices and address the risk management needs of police departments.

Minimum standards and policies

Act 218 updated and mandates a set of minimum standards for law enforcement agencies. The new standards take effect January 1, 2023. These minimum standards deal with policies regarding the following areas that were identified by the General Assembly,

  • Use of force and response to resistance.
  • Uniform vehicle pursuit standards.
  • An officer's duty to intervene in the actions of other observed officers.
  • Hiring and terminating practices.
  • Mandatory and uniform post-basic academy field training.
  • The use of body-worn cameras.
  • Use of "no-knock" warrants.
  • Systems and processes for filing and investigating complaints.
  • An early-warning system for at-risk officer behavior.
Police departments may establish additional standards that are more restrictive, however they may not use standards that are less restrictive. Each policy must include the required elements ("standards") established by the Law Enforcement Training Council.

Although there are nine standards, there are 12 policies needed to be compliant in all areas. Each policy includes green text identifying the appropriate language required to be compliant.

The following policies are not intended to be adopted in their entirety without being reviewed by the municipal attorney or outside counsel.