Law Enforcement Positions

 

All available law enforcement positions and the application process are posted on the Employment Opportunities page.

 

The Beaufort Police Department appreciates your interest in employment opportunities with this agency. We are extremely proud of the professionalism of the Beaufort Police Department. The Department is one of the leading police agencies in South Carolina. Beaufort ranks as one of the highest paid Police Departments in South Carolina, which raises the requirements and expectations in our employees. The Department is committed to the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing and is one of only a few police agencies to adopt this philosophy throughout the entire Department. All employees of the Department are expected to be committed to being responsive to our community in the delivery of quality services. Recognizing our responsibility to maintain order, while affording dignity and respect to every individual, our objective is to improve the quality of life through a community partnership which promotes safe, secure neighborhoods. The following information is provided to answer your questions on employment with this Department. 

 

Employment Standards

The department has set employment standards that exceed the minimum that is required in South Carolina.  This agency selects only those applicants who best reflect the standards established.  Beginning in March, 1998, applicants are encouraged to possess at least a two year degree.  Promotions are obtained through the use of assessment centers.  Assessments mandate that employees have a broad base understanding of community policing, management, and the concepts of total quality management and supervisory proficiency, in addition to law enforcement qualifications.

 

Qualifications

Applicants for Police Patrolman and Reserve Officer positions must:

  • Be a Citizen of the United States.
  • Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Pass a physical examination after the offer of employment has been made.
  • Meet the physical fitness standards necessary for the performance of duties.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent to apply.
  • Successfully pass a State and Department aptitude test.
  • Successfully pass a psychological screening.
  • Successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.
  • Pass a credit check. Applicant must have a good credit rating as determined by a credit report from a Credit Reporting Agency.
  • Pass an extensive background investigation which includes past or present domestic situations, i.e.: Child Support, Orders of Protection, Restraining Orders, etc.
  • Pass Criminal history check and fingerprint check.
  • Successfully complete the prescribed Police Officer Basic Training Requirements as required by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
  • Have or have the ability to obtain a valid South Carolina driver's license within thirty (30) days of employment.

The department offers three Patrolman entry levels: Patrolman I, Patrolman II or Patrolman III, based on the applicants education and/or experience.  Therefore, the Department encourages applications from candidates possessing college degrees, which is an inherent consideration during the screening process.

Driver's record must indicate: 

  • No past record of Driving Under the Influence.
  • Reckless Driving convictions must be at least five-years old.
  • Cannot have been convicted on four moving violations within the last two years.
  • No past conviction for Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
  • Cannot have any type of driver's license suspension in the last three years.
  • No more than two chargeable accidents in a three-year period.
  • Cannot have eight or more points against driver's license.
  • Cannot have a conviction of Habitual Driving Offender.
  • Cannot have a driving record which indicates poor driving habits.

 

Benefits

The City of Beaufort offers a competitive benefits package which is outlined in detail on our benefits page.  In addition to the standard benefits package, law enforcement officers have the added benefits of:

  • Patrolman entry level is determined by education and/or experience.
  • Rotating 12-Hour Shifts
  • Overtime Pay
  • Contracted Extra Duty assignments compensated at overtime rate.
  • Officer assigned take-home vehicle.
  • Officer assigned hand-held radio.
  • Furnished uniforms, including dress uniform, shoes, call-out utilities, and boots. leather gear and weapon.
  • Tort Liability Insurance.
  • Paid training time when off-duty.
  • Paid court time when off-duty.
  • Federal Public Safety Officers Act ($250,000 line of duty death benefit).
  • S. C. Police Officers Retirement Plan (25 years).
  • Paid membership in the S. C. Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

For additional information regarding Law Enforcement Positions you may contact Captain Michael Lee at 843-322-7909.

The City of Beaufort is an equal opportunity employer.