South Carolina § 50-3-315 - Deputy enforcement officers.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-3-315 — Deputy enforcement officers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-3-315. Deputy enforcement officers.
(A) The director may appoint deputy enforcement officers who serve at the pleasure of the director without pay. The officers have statewide police power. However, the director may restrict their territorial jurisdiction. No person may be appointed as an officer who holds another public office. The Secretary of State shall transmit to the director the commissions of all officers.
(B) Except for specially designated department employees, deputy enforcement officers are volunteers covered by Chapter 25, Title 8 and not employees entitled to coverage or benefits in Title 42.
(C) Except for specially designated department employees, deputy enforcement officers shall furnish their own equipment but may not equip privately owned vehicles with blue lights, sirens, or police-type markings.
(D) Deputy enforcement officers must be of good character.
(E) The department shall administer the deputy enforcement officers through its Natural Resources Enforcement Division.
(F) The number of deputy enforcement officers appointed is in the discretion of the director.
(G) All deputy enforcement officers:
(1) must be certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or successfully shall complete the "Basic State Constables Course" at their own expense at one of the state technical schools;
(2) successfully shall complete required refresher training;
(3) promptly shall comply with all directives by the Deputy Director of the Natural Resources Enforcement Division and the supervisor of enforcement officers within whose area the officer is acting.
HISTORY: 1980 Act No. 348; 1989 Act No. 189, Part II, SECTION 27; 1992 Act No. 472, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1258; 1996 Act No. 388, SECTION 1; 2016 Act No. 216 (S.1205), SECTION 1, eff June 3, 2016; 2022 Act No. 230 (H.3055), SECTION 2.G, eff June 17, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2016 Act No. 216, SECTION 1, in (A), deleted the former last sentence, relating to the bonds required by Section 50-3-330.
2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.G, in (B), substituted "Chapter 25, Title 8" for "Chapter 25 of Title 8"; and deleted (H), which related to the department by regulation establishing a training program for deputy enforcement officers commissioned after July 1, 1980.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 50-3-315
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-3-315 cover?
Section 50-3-315 ("Deputy enforcement officers.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 50-3-315?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-3-315" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 50-3-315 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.