<P> South Carolina has several types of Constables described as State Constable, Special State Constable, Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Constable and Magistrates' Constable . Constables are one of the State's earliest forms of law enforcement officer . They commonly served in rural areas where other types of law enforcement officers were not present . Currently they assist law enforcement agencies as auxiliary police officers . They also use their law enforcement authority during imminent and urgent circumstances when it is necessary to preserve life or protect public safety . Qualified personnel are provided to the public by State Constables, to serve an important function within the overall scope of public safety . </P> <P> Many types of law enforcement officers have been created with titles throughout history . One of the most common types is' Constable' and multiple references in South Carolina State Law describe various law enforcement officers having powers of constable with this authority originating from Common Law . Continual referencing by officials as to their authority and intent come from State Supreme Court rulings referenced throughout history in South Carolina with the following language, "...State Constables possess the authority of regularly commissioned peace officers, including powers of arrest ." (State v. Luster, 1935), "Our Supreme Court has stated that constables perform all the duties of law enforcement officers and in particular' a constable stands on the same footing as a sheriff ."' (State v. Franklin, 1908). However, with this language explaining their authority, State Law also specifies that SLED has regulatory authority of State Constables for specifying qualifications, training and general oversight of the State Constable Program including limits on use of their law enforcement authority . Constableship in South Carolina consists of a wide range of laws and regulations with the intent to help provide an effective and efficient resource of law enforcement personnel for the citizens and agencies of South Carolina . </P> <P> State Constables are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina (SC ST SEC 23 - 1 - 60) and regulated by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). All State Constables are certified as a law enforcement officer by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council, in compliance with the law SC ST 23 - 23 - 40 Certification Requirement . The law sets for classes of certification . Since 1989 all State Constables were required to be certified . State Constables are employees of the State, including uncompensated / volunteer State Constables, as stated in SC ST 42 - 1 - 130 . Additionally, they are provided insurance related to tort liability as specified in SC ST 1 - 11 - 140 and workers' compensation as specified in SC ST 23 - 1 - 60 and SC ST 42 - 1 - 130 while working in a law enforcement capacity . </P> <P> State Constables are appointed officers and officially sworn peace officers authorized to enforce the Laws of the State with statewide jurisdiction . </P>

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