Sheriff's Office

Law Enforcement

Chain of Command & Executive Staff

The command staff of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office is composed of Division leaders and key personnel who are responsible for the overall law enforcement services of the County of Charleston.

Law Enforcement Organizational Chart

Sheriff Carl Ritchie

Lori Gaskin | Executive Assistant to the Sheriff

Phone: (843) 554-2455

Email: LGaskin@CharlestonCounty.org

Undersheriff Tyrone Simmons

Lori Gaskin | Executive Assistant to the Sheriff

Phone: (843) 554-2455

Email: LGaskin@CharlestonCounty.org

Chief Deputy William White

LaTonya Dover | Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 554-2230

Email: LDover@CharlestonCounty.org

Chief Deputy Josh Cheney

Brittany Haigler | Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 554-2475

Email: BHaigler@CharlestonCounty.org

Chief Deputy Lewis Burnsed

Kennedy Halvorsen | Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 958-2100

Email: KEargle@CharlestonCounty.org

Chief Deputy Christopher Rosier

Bernadette Santos | Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 529-3505

Email: BSantos@CharlestonCounty.org

Major Scott Rywelski

Patrol Division

Phone: (843) 202-7716

Email: SRywelski@CharlestonCounty.org

Major Chad Barton

Special Operations

Phone: (843) 554-2235

Email: CBarton@CharlestonCounty.org

Major Jon Jacobik

Support Services

Phone: (843) 554-2443

Email: JJacobik@CharlestonCounty.org

General Counsel Edward Phipps

Phone: (843) 554-2231

Email: EPhipps@CharlestonCounty.org

Paralegals

Margaret Cope

Phone: (843) 554-2466

Email: MCope@CharlestonCounty.org

Pam Crabb

Phone: (843) 529-3546

Email: PCrabb@CharlestonCounty.org

Communications Director Mark Ruppel

Phone: (843) 529-3503

Email: MRuppel@CharlestonCounty.org

PIO Alexis Douglas

Phone: (843) 958-2114

Email: ADouglas@CharlestonCounty.org

Animal Control #animal_control

Animal Control is specially trained to handle situations involving domestic animals. This includes the removal of stray domestic animals that are unleashed (in or near roadways), and the transportation of injured domestic animals to the emergency veterinarian for treatment (when the animal's owner cannot be located). They also conduct investigations relating to neglected or abused animals. Animal Control has the power to enforce both local ordinances and state laws related to violations concerning domestic animals.

Effective immediately, the sheriff's office will no longer be responding to calls related to calls involving sick and/or injured raccoons.

If DNR fails to respond, please call an agency on the Wildlife Removal List. These services range in cost from $30 - $100.

Contact

Lieutenant Chris Craven

Phone: (843) 529-5329

Email: CCraven@CharlestonCounty.org

Citizens Academy #citizens_academy

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for its next Citizens Academy. The 11-week course will highlight different functions of our law enforcement agency, giving people a better understanding of the tasks employees perform to protect and serve Charleston County residents.

Apply now:

Citizens Academy Online Application

For more information, contact Sergeant Bill Martin.

Contact

Citizens Academy

Sergeant Bill Martin

Phone: (843) 554-2488

Email: WWMartin@CharlestonCounty.org

Community Engagement #community_engagement

Community Engagement is responsible for informing the citizens of crime prevention methods to help avoid, prevent or minimize personal injury and/or loss of property resulting in criminal activity; and to reduce crime and the perception of crime in the community through target programs like Neighborhood/Crime Watch Programs. Though the responsibility for achieving the agency's community relations objectives is shared by all Sheriff's Office personnel, Community Engagement supports the efforts of community policing programs that provide educational solutions and directions through the interpretation and explanation of the provision of laws, rules and regulations as needed to combat specific crimes as well as to educate the public.

Contact

Community Engagement

Captain Alan Ali

Phone: (843) 554-2448

Email: AAli@CharlestonCounty.org

Crime Watch #crime_watch

Charleston County Sheriff's Office is committed to the task of reducing crime and providing a safer and better quality of life for our citizens. When neighbors organize to help local law enforcement with the community, it can make a significant impact on reducing crime and fear in the area for our children and citizens. To start a Crime Watch group, neighbors must determine if there is enough community interest. And if there is, contact the sheriff’s office about getting started.

To learn more, please visit:

Crime Watch Program

Contact

Crime Watch Program

Captain Alan Ali

Phone: (843) 554-2448

Email: AAli@CharlestonCounty.org

Criminal Investigations #criminal_investigations

The duties of Criminal Investigations consist of initiating and conducting follow-up investigations involving crimes occurring predominantly in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County; however, detectives occasionally investigate cases that occur in municipalities or towns within the county that have police departments that are not outfitted, trained or equipped to investigate certain crimes.

To learn more, please visit:

Investigations Division

Contact

Criminal Investigations

Captain Gerald Jenkins

Phone: (843) 554-2457

Email: GJenkins@CharlestonCounty.org

Shanae Loper, Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 554-2473

Email: SLoper@CharlestonCounty.org

Explorer's Post #explorer_post

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post 555 began in 1976 and has evolved into a very important part of our agency. The program is designed to function under the joint guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the sheriff's office. The purpose of this program is to promote social, recreational and community relations activities for Explorers in addition to the training and educational opportunities they receive in law enforcement.

Contact

Explorer's Post

Sergeant Steven Meade

Phone: (843) 958-2105

Email: SMeade@CharlestonCounty.org

The Explorer program is geared for youth aged 14 to 20 years old. Explorers meet on a weekly basis and these meetings are scheduled so as not to interfere with school. Explorers are required to maintain passing grades in order to remain active with the post. The training they receive in general law enforcement also prepares them for several yearly competitions they attend during the summer months.

Judicial Security #judicial_security

The Charleston County Judicial Center is part of the historically famous "Four Corners of Law" located at 100 Broad Street. This is near the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets, directly adjacent to the Historic Courthouse. The Judicial Center consists of sixteen courtrooms of the Judicial Center and the Historical Courthouse.

Contact

Judicial Security

Captain Kip Cooke

Phone: (843) 958-2106

Email: KCooke@CharlestonCounty.org

Office Hours: M – F | 8:30AM – 5PM CLOSED for all County Observed Holidays

Deputies assigned to Judicial Security are responsible for providing all perimeter and internal security. Deputies are in uniform and serve as the first line of defense of the courthouse as well as the first point of contact of all persons entering the facility. They provide physical site screening by the utilization of x-ray scanners and magnetometers at entrance points. They are responsible for the screening of all persons and articles entering the courthouse. They work closely with all court assigned personnel to ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial process.

To ensure the safety and integrity of the courthouse certain items are not allowed in the building. These items include but are not limited to: any and all firearms or ammunition including plastic or toy guns, explosive devices, any and all sharp instruments or weapons, also included are any items that can be used as a weapon. Signage outlining contraband is posted in the Cumberland Street Parking Garage as well as the King and Queen Street Parking Garage and in the lobby of the Judicial Center. Persons visiting the Judicial Center are asked to familiarize themselves with the list of items that are not allowed in the facility. During the screening process any legal item that is discovered but considered to be contraband will be surrendered to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office as abandoned property. These items will not be returned to the individual unless the individual chooses to return the item to their vehicle. Cell phones are allowed in the Judicial Center and the Historic Courthouse; however they have to be placed in silent mode when in a courtroom. Although most cell phones have the ability to record and take photos, photography or videography is strictly prohibited without the written approval of the presiding judge.

Anyone having questions concerning security of the Judicial Center including prohibited items in the courthouse, parking directions or any other general security questions please contact the Main Control Room at 843-958-2117 or 2118 or you may contact Capt. Cooke during regular business hours. Any other questions regarding court proceedings or jury information you may contact the Clerk of Court at 843-958-5000 during regular business hours.

To learn more, please visit:

Judicial Divisions

Patrol #patrol

The Patrol Division provides efficient and effective patrol operations for the citizens of Charleston County in order to create a deterrent to crime, detect and apprehend offenders, and respond to the needs and expectations of the community. The primary functions of these patrols include, but are not limited to, proactive patrol oriented toward the prevention of crimes and collisions and maintenance of public order while fostering a relationship between citizens and the business community of Charleston County.

To learn more, please visit:

Patrol Divisions

Contact

Patrol

Captain James Brennan

Phone: (843) 529-6217

Email: JBrennan@CharlestonCounty.org

Captain Scott Eubanks

Phone: (843) 529-6218

Email: SEubanks@CharlestonCounty.org

Susan Burnsed, Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 529-62168

Email: SBurnsed@CharlestonCounty.org

Project Lifesaver #project_lifesaver

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office offers the Project Lifesaver program for citizens of Charleston County. This program is designed to aid in locating wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other cognitive conditions. This program is provided at no cost for approved individuals and their families.

To learn more, please watch the podcast video about our agency:

YouTube | CCSO: The Beat - Ep: 7 / CCSO's Project Lifesaver saves lives

Contact

Project Lifesaver

Deputy Erik Garris

Email: EGarris@CharlestonCounty.org

School Resource Officers #school_resource_officers

School Resource Officers, also known as SROs, are law enforcement personnel that apply a community policing philosophy within the school environment. Schools are their permanent assignment in order to proactively address safety and security issues. SROs are required to perform three vital roles in their assigned schools. These roles are as follows: law enforcement, law-related counseling, and law-related education. Through these roles, officers provide a service to the community by establishing themselves as a resource for teachers, students, and parents. This allows the program to provide a safe learning environment for children.

Contact

Sergeant Matthew Wean

Phone: (843) 529-5355

Email: MWean@CharlestonCounty.org

Public Sex Offender Registry #sex_offender_registry

The Criminal Investigations Unit is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) for Charleston County. The SOR unit conducts and oversees field checks of sex offenders, ensuring their compliance with state law. The SOR unit registers one of the highest numbers of sex offenders in the state, often exceeding 800 convicted felons at any given time. The majority of those offenders are required to register several times a year. Registration hours at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office at 3691 Leeds Ave. are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-11:30AM and 1:30-4PM and Thursdays from 9-11:30AM

To access the registry, please visit:

Public Sex Offender Registry

Contact

Holly Bozard

Email: CCSORegistry@CharlestonCounty.org

Traffic #traffic

The Traffic Unit focuses on collision prevention and saving lives through fair and impartial enforcement of all applicable S.C. Criminal Laws and Charleston County ordinances that are relevant to vehicular and pedestrian movement to include DUI enforcement. In addition, the unit also handles many special assignments, including but not limited to parades, dignitary escorts, special events, funeral escorts, and other public relations projects. Members of this unit are also specifically trained in all areas of collision investigation, to include traffic collision reconstruction. The unit also investigates all collisions involving vehicles owned and operated by the County of Charleston.

To learn more, please visit:

CCSO's Patrol

Contact

Lieutenant Chris Craven

Phone: (843) 529-5329

Email: CCraven@CharlestonCounty.org

Sergeant Sarah Hake

Phone: (843) 529-5342

Email: SHake@CharlestonCounty.org

Victim's Advocates #victim_advocate

Victim / Witness Program

In an effort to assist victims of and witnesses to crime, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office has established a Victim/Witness Assistance Program. This program offers valuable information and assistance to victims/witnesses concerning their rights under South Carolina Law.

Contact

Karen Bing

Phone: (843) 745-8851

Email: KWinns@CharlestonCounty.org

Victim: as defined by S.C. State Code of Law, Title 16, is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional, or financial harm as the result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime. "Victim" also includes the immediate family of any victim who is minor of who is incompetent, or the immediate family of a homicide victim.

Witness: is defined as any person who has been, or is expected to be summoned to testify for either the prosecution or the defense, or who by reason of having relevant information, is subject to call or likely to be called as a witness for the prosecution or defense, whether or not any action or proceeding has yet been commenced.

Victim's Bill of Rights

To the extent reasonably possible and subject to available resources, victims, and witnesses of crime are afforded the following rights under South Carolina Law, Section 16-3-1530.

A right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
A right to protection from intimidation and harm.
A right to be informed concerning the Criminal Justice Process.
A right to reparations.
A right to preservation of property and employment.
A right to Due Process in Criminal Court proceedings.
Victims and witnesses who are very young, elderly, handicapped, or have special needs, have a right to special recognition and attention by all Criminal Justice, Medical, and Social Service Agencies.

Services Rendered

Incident Reports: Section 16-3-1535 requires that victims be provided a copy of the incident report relating to their case free of charge.

Information: Comprehensive explanation of programs and services provided by various agencies for victims/witnesses of crime, to include restitution.

Referrals: Recommending or obtaining assistance from other sources that are not provided directly by the program.

Counseling: Providing emotional and moral support to the victim during the aftermath of a crime.

Personal Advocacy: Acting on behalf of victims or witnesses to ensure that they receive appropriate assistance from Social Service Agencies and the Criminal Justice System.

Employment Intervention: Interact with employer on behalf of victims to explain time off from work due to court appearances and conferences with law enforcement personnel.

Restitution: Assist victims of violent crimes in completing the appropriate forms for compensation from State Assistance Programs.

Information / Referral Phone Numbers

Charleston County

Sheriff's Office Victim / Witness Advocate

Phone: (843) 745-2250

Phone: (843) 745-2251

Phone: (843) 745-2252

Detention Center (Jail)

Phone: (843) 529-7300

Family Court

Phone: (843) 958-4400

Solicitor's Victim Assistance

Phone: (843) 958-1900

Local Support

Survivors of Homicide Support Group*

Phone: (843) 745-2250

Phone: (843) 745-2251

A free therapeutic support group that meets four times per month in the Charleston County area.

Crime Stoppers

Phone: (843) 554-1111

My Sister's House

Phone: (843) 744-3242

Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.

Phone: (843) 745-0144

Hotline

Phone: 211

Warrants #warrants

The Sheriff's Office is expressly directed by statute to be a conservator of the peace and, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of section 23-15-50 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended, must arrest all persons for whom criminal warrants have been issued. Consequently, it is the policy of the Sheriff's Office to carry out these duties in a diligent and timely manner. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has assigned deputies to investigate and locate defendants to ensure the compliance of state statute and orders of the court.

This office is also responsible for maintaining physical control of all warrants and juvenile pickup orders received by the Sheriff's Office. This office verifies the information on the warrants is complete, accurate, and current with the most up to date information.

The Warrants Office is located inside of the main lobby of the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center at: 3841 Leeds Ave., N. Charleston SC, 29405

To learn more, please visit:

CCSO's Warrants

Contact

Warrants

Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center

3841 Leeds Ave., N. Charleston, SC 29405

Phone: (843) 529-7391

Email: Warrants@CharlestonCounty.org

Office Hours: M – F | 7AM – 5:30PM

After hours, Weekends and County Observed Holidays

Phone: (843) 743-7200

Phone: (843) 202-1700

Email: Warrants@CharlestonCounty.org

FOR EMERGENCIES PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 911

Captain Paul Tittle

Phone: (843) 554-2459

Email: PTittle@CharlestonCounty.org

Sergeant J. Mizner

Phone: (843) 529-3512

Email: JMizner@CharlestonCounty.org

Judicial Enforcement Division

Warrants Unit

Therapeutic Trans. Unit

Fugitive / Extradition Unit

Judicial Services Division

Civil Process

General Sessions Court

Family Court

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Law Enforcement

Chain of Command & Executive Staff

Sheriff Carl Ritchie

Undersheriff Tyrone Simmons

Chief Deputy William White

Chief Deputy Josh Cheney

Chief Deputy Lewis Burnsed

Chief Deputy Christopher Rosier

Major Scott Rywelski

Major Chad Barton

Major Jon Jacobik

General Counsel Edward Phipps

Paralegals

Communications Director Mark Ruppel

PIO Alexis Douglas

Animal Control #animal_control

Contact

Citizens Academy #citizens_academy

Contact

Community Engagement #community_engagement

Contact

Crime Watch #crime_watch

Contact

Criminal Investigations #criminal_investigations

Contact

Explorer's Post #explorer_post

Contact

Judicial Security #judicial_security

Contact

Patrol #patrol

Contact

Project Lifesaver #project_lifesaver

Contact

School Resource Officers #school_resource_officers

Contact

Public Sex Offender Registry #sex_offender_registry

Contact

Traffic #traffic

Contact

Victim's Advocates #victim_advocate

Victim / Witness Program

Contact

Victim's Bill of Rights

Services Rendered

Information / Referral Phone Numbers

Charleston County

Local Support

Warrants #warrants

Contact