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Job description
Salary: $54,366.00 - $67,932.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Residency Requirement: Yes
Class Code:: JC20
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Permanent Shifts
Pay Grade: LAW04
Hiring Range - Max.: $58,508.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: ****THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY WILL NOT SPONSOR EMPLOYMENT VISAS FOR THIS POSITION. ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE. ALL CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES WILL BE THROUGH ELECTRONIC MAIL.**** The testing and selection process can take several months and applicants are required to travel to Columbia, SC a minimum of five times at their own expense. When completing your Work History on the state application, you MUST provide an accurate and specific answer to your "Reason for Leaving" (Resigned, Terminated, Laid-off, etc.). Failure to be completely truthful may be grounds for disqualification. Do not attach any formal training documents to this application. This information will be requested at a later time.
Residency Requirement (specifics):: If offered employment as a Bureau of Protective Services Officer, the officer shall establish residence at a location that will allow them to respond to the Richland County line within 45 minutes.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Patrol assigned areas to deter and/or detect violations. Maintain order and enforce state statutes and regulations. Exercise arrest powers and testify in court. Investigate disturbances. Complete reports and documents. Disseminate information in a timely manner. Maintain security of all properties as promulgated by statutes and regulations. Assist with order and proper discipline at the Chambers of the Legislature, Governor's mansion, State Capitol Complex and other state buildings and facilities. Provide protective services for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, their families and other state officials.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements:
A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.
Agency Minimum Requirements:
A high school diploma.
Must be a US citizen and at least 21 years of age.
Must be a resident of South Carolina and have a valid South Carolina driver's license prior to the effective date of hire.
Must be able to perform all essential and marginal job functions of a BPS Officer.
Additional Requirements - Selected applicants will be required to submit to an extensive background investigation to include; Credit check
Criminal History
Driver's Record
History of drug use
Polygraph examination
Urinalysis test to screen for illegal substances prior to appointment.
Contacting ALL former employers, and your current employer.
Please note that if you answer "NO" on the state application to the question asking "May we contact this employer?" this will not allow DPS to conduct a thorough background investigation and you will not move forward in the process.
Candidates must meet 20/20 vision standards OR no more than 20/200 corrected to 20/100 or below. Candidates must also be capable of distinguishing, without corrections, three colors: green, yellow and red.
NOTE :If any Additional Requirements are listed above applicants must also meet those Additional Requirements to be considered for the position.
Additional Comments
All BPS assignments are located in Richland County, SC. Applicants will adhere to the residency requirement on this posting.
The next step after submitting this application will be an administrative review (Credit/Criminal/Driving Checks). If you successfully pass the administrative review, you will be invited to attend a Physical Agilities test (PAT). Start physically preparing NOW.
For the PAT appointment, you will need to bring with you the following documents: A copy of your high school diploma,
A copy of your DD-214 (member 4) military discharge (if applicable),
A copy of your birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) and
A copy of your South Carolina driver's license (you will also need the official original copies of any out of state driver's license records you have held in any other state within the past five (5) years).
Start gathering these documents NOW, and have them ready so you can attend the PAT appointment. Without these documents you will not be allowed to participate in PAT.
Starting salary for new hires with no certification is $58,508.00.
Sign-On Bonus: New employees may be awarded a sign-on bonus with BPS. Only FTE Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer positions in the state job classification series (JC20 and JC30) are eligible to receive a sign-on bonus.
Rehires who have been separated from employment with the department for a period of two (2) years or longer are eligible for the sign-on bonus once they have completed the established training requirements or have met all regulations and protocols to begin performing duties, unless they have previously received a sign-on bonus.
The sign-on bonus for BPS shall be paid over a series of two (2) payments in the total amount of no more than $5,000 as described below:
First Payment: The employee will be paid $2,500 upon successful completion of all basic training, Criminal Justice Academy Class 1 certification training, field training, and any applicable law enforcement training requirements. Pre-certified officers will receive their first payment once they have completed the established training requirements or met all regulations and protocols to begin performing duties individually.
Second Payment: The employee will be paid $2,500 after successful completion of eighteen (18) months of continuous service with the department.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Do you authorize the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to obtain your consumer credit report and understand that it is part of the employment process. Yes
No
02
Are you willing to participate in the pre-employment physical fitness test? Yes
No
03
Have you read the SCDPS' automatic disqualifiers regarding tattoos at Yes
No
04
Do you understand that the annual salary for a BPS Officer listed in this vacancy announcement is NOT negotiable? Yes
No
05
Have you been employed with SCDPS in the past 6 months? Yes
No
06
Have you ever been employed with SCDPS? Yes
No
07
If you answered yes, please list the Agency/Division, your title, and dates of employment. If you answered no, please write N/A.
08
Are you currently 21 years of age or will you be 21 years of age within 12 months from the date of this application? Yes
No
09
For criminal purposes, please list the city and state you were born.
10
Have you ever applied to any of the three SCDPS Divisions: SC Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, and/or Bureau of Protective Services? Yes
No
11
If you answered yes, please list the DPS division(s) that you have applied to and date(s) applied. If you answered no, please write N/A.
12
Have you ever used any name(s) other than what is listed on the application, such as a maiden name, nicknames, or name changes? Yes
No
13
If you answered yes, please list the name(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
14
Are you currently or have you ever been certified by any South Carolina Law Enforcement agency as a Certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer? (Police Officer/Sheriff's Deputy) Yes
No
15
If you answered yes, please list the date of your Criminal Justice Academy graduation. If you answered no, please write N/A.
16
Have you ever worked for any law enforcement agency outside of South Carolina? Yes
No
17
If you answered yes, please list agency and date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
18
Did you ever receive or solicit anything for overlooking a violation? Yes
No
N/A
19
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no or N/A, please write N/A.
20
Did you ever use your official position for your own personal gain? Yes
No
N/A
21
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no or N/A, please write N/A.
22
Did you ever perjure yourself in court? Yes
No
23
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
24
Have you ever engaged in any sexual activity with an inmate or prisoner? Yes
No
N/A
25
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no or N/A, please write N/A.
26
Have you ever applied to any other city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency ANYWHERE? Yes
No
27
If you answered yes, list ALL to include agency, date(s) applied, and status of application. If you answered no, please write N/A.
28
Do you have at least a high school diploma? Yes
No
29
Please state your highest grade level of education COMPLETED.
30
Have you ever served in the military? Yes
No
31
If so, did you receive an honorable discharge? Yes
No
32
If you answered no, please explain in detail.
33
Please list the branch and dates of service. (Be prepared to provide a DD-214 for each period of service).
34
Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes
No
35
Starting with your current license, list all the states in which you possessed a driver's license in the past five (5) years. Include the state, dates, and driver's license numbers for each. (Be prepared to provide certified driving records for any state(s) you have held a driver's license within the past five (5) years).
36
Is your driver's license currently suspended? Yes
No
37
Has your driver's license ever been suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason in any state at any time? Yes
No
38
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
39
Do you currently have any outstanding or unpaid traffic tickets? Yes
No
40
Have you ever committed a hit and run? Yes
No
41
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
42
Have you ever driven a motor vehicle when your ability to drive was impaired due to drugs or alcohol? Yes
No
43
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
44
Have you ever operated a motor vehicle knowing it had no insurance? Yes
No
45
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
46
For a criminal record check, please provide your FULL social security number, using the following format XXX-XX-XXXX. (We cannot process your application without this.)
47
For a criminal record check, please provide your date of birth, using the following format MM/DD/YYYY. (We cannot process your application without this.)
48
Have you ever been convicted of Leaving the Scene with Personal Injury or Death within the last five (5) years? Yes
No
49
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
50
Have you been convicted of DUI and/or DWI within the last 5 years? Yes
No
51
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
52
Have you ever been convicted of a violent crime? Yes
No
53
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
54
Have you ever been convicted of domestic violence? Yes
No
55
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
56
List ALL Arrests/Criminal Charges/Indictments, AND/OR Convictions, to include date(s).
57
Have you ever committed ANY of the following: Unlawfully deprived an individual of property, cash or merchandise through appropriation, theft by false pretext, shoplifting, swindling, passing a worthless check, embezzlement, extortion, changing price tags, receiving stolen property, unlawfully receiving a service without paying for it, or any form of theft, including making a false claim to an insurance company? Yes
No
58
If you answered yes, please explain in detail for each and include dates. If you answered no, please write N/A.
59
Have you ever committed or participated in any of the following crimes even if they went undetected: armed robbery, arson, assault, burglary, disorderly, forgery, fraud, indecent exposure, kidnapping, larceny, lewd acts, peeping tom, perjury, impersonating a police officer, prostitution, rape, incest, sex crimes, vandalism, murder, terroristic threats, receiving stolen property, and/or child molestation? Yes
No
60
If you answered yes, please explain in detail for each and include dates. If you answered no, please write N/A.
61
Have you ever been questioned regarding domestic violence including spouse abuse, child abuse, or any other form of investigation regarding verbal, physical, or sexual abuse against a person in your family? Yes
No
62
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
63
Have you ever viewed any type of child pornography? Yes
No
64
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
65
Have you ever physically or sexually abused a child? Yes
No
66
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
67
Have you ever been in possession of sexual pictures or nude pictures of any child under the age of 16? Yes
No
68
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
69
Have you ever engaged in any type of sexual activity with any person under the age of 16? Yes
No
70
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
71
Have you ever forced someone, by word or action, to have sexual contact with you against their will? Yes
No
72
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
73
Have you ever had sexual contact with someone who was unable to give consent due to being drugged, drunk or unconscious? Yes
No
74
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
75
Have you ever been involved or affiliated in any form with a gang, gang violence or gang activity? Yes
No
76
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
77
Have you ever been a member of any group or organization which advocated violent dissent or the overthrow to this government? Yes
No
78
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
79
Have you ever falsified any official document? Yes
No
80
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
81
Have you ever been sued, or to your knowledge, about to be sued? Yes
No
82
If you answered yes, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please write N/A.
83
Are you currently paying or have you ever paid any child support? Yes
No
84
If you answered yes, have you ever been, or are you now delinquent in payments? (Please explain) If you answered no, please write N/A.
85
Have you ever been requested to submit to a polygraph examination? Yes
No
86
If you answered yes, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please write N/A.
87
Do you currently owe the state or federal government any money? Yes
No
88
If you answered yes, are you currently delinquent in payments? If you answered no, please write N/A.
89
Do you have any student loans in default? Yes
No
90
If you answered yes, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please write N/A.
91
Do you have any debts greater than $200 to anyone as a result of an act of gambling? Yes
No
92
If you answered yes, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please write N/A.
93
Have you ever placed a wager or bet to a bookmaker by phone or by hand on the results of any sport or by being "paid off" while playing an illegal slot or video poker machine? Yes
No
94
If you answered yes, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please write N/A.
95
Have you ever stolen anything of value from your current or any former employer? Yes
No
96
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
97
Have you ever purchased any illegal drugs? Yes
No
98
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
99
Have you ever sold any type of illegal drugs? Yes
No
100
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
101
Have you ever grown, produced, manufactured, harvested or cultivated any illegal drugs? Yes
No
102
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
103
Have you ever reported to work after having consumed alcohol or any illegal drugs within the previous 8 (eight) hours? Yes
No
104
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
105
Have you ever used any illegal drugs or narcotics while at or prior to reporting to work? Yes
No
106
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
107
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Marijuana, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
108
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Hashish (Hash), using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
109
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Cocaine, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
110
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with LSD (Acid), using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
111
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Opium, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
112
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Heroin, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
113
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Speed, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
114
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Crack, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
115
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Illegal Anabolic Steroids, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
116
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with PCP, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
117
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Mushrooms, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
118
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Illegal Inhalants, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
119
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Methamphetamine (Meth), using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
120
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with Ecstasy, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
121
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with GHB/DMX (any Roofies), using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
122
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with ANY Party Designer Drugs, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
123
List the date you LAST used and/or experimented with ANY Hallucinogens, using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never".
124
List the NAME and date of ANY other illegal Drug/Substance you LAST used (to include prescription drugs). Enter the date using this format: MM/YYYY. If never used and/or experimented, write "never."
125
Have you ever been required to take a drug or alcohol education program? Yes
No
126
If you answered yes, please explain in detail and include date(s). If you answered no, please write N/A.
127
Are you able to perform the essential job functions of a BPS Officer with or without a reasonable accommodation? Yes
No
128
Are you able to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment without restrictions, including participating in emergency teams? Yes
No
129
I understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent myself may be grounds for disqualification. I have read each question carefully and selected the most appropriate answer. Yes
No
130
Did you intentionally omit or falsify any facts from any questions in this application that you feel might disqualify you from this position? Yes
No
131
Do you affirm or attest that all questions answered in this application are true and correct? Yes
No
132
I understand that prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), my personal identifying information will be used to conduct a criminal records investigation. Furthermore, I understand that if I accept employment with SCDPS, my fingerprints will be collected and submitted to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Davison (SLED) to conduct a final criminal records investigation on my first day of employment. Yes
No
133
How did you learn about this position? State Government Website (jobs.sc.gov)
SCDPS Employee
Career Fair
Social Media
Friend
Other
134
If you answered "SCDPS Employee", please list the employee's full name if possible. If you answered "other" please indicate how you found out about this position. Otherwise, please write N/A
135
Are you following SCDPS on Facebook and/or Twitter to keep up with SCDPS current job postings? Yes
No
Required Question
Worksite address
blythewood, SC, 29016, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.