Every law enforcement officer understands that the job does not end when the shift is over. In today’s environment, risks to officer safety often extend beyond the uniform and into officers’ homes, families, and personal lives. Publicly accessible personal information can be exploited, creating unnecessary and avoidable threats.
Recognizing that reality, South Carolina enacted the Law Enforcement Personal Privacy Protection Act (LEPPPA). This law provides eligible officers with a legal mechanism to restrict certain personal contact information from being displayed on publicly available government websites. The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police supported this effort because protecting officer safety also means protecting officer privacy.
The law is now in effect, but its protections are not automatic. Officers must take action to receive them.
This post explains who is eligible, what information is protected, and exactly how to complete and submit the required form step by step.
Where to Find the Form and Instructions
- Request Form (PDF)
Law Enforcement Personal Privacy Protection Act Request Form - Instructions and FAQ (PDF)
Law Enforcement Personal Privacy Protection Act Instructions and FAQ
Officers are strongly encouraged to review both documents before beginning the process.
Who Is Eligible for Protection
The Act applies to the following individuals:
- Active or former federal, state, or local certified law enforcement officers
- Active or former federal, state, or local corrections officers
- Active or former judges
Eligibility is not limited to currently serving personnel. Retired officers and former judges remain eligible under the statute.
What Information Is Protected
The Act allows eligible individuals to restrict personal contact information that appears on a publicly accessible website maintained by a South Carolina state or local government entity.
Protected information includes:
- Home address
- Personal cellular telephone number
- Tax map number, if applicable
The law applies only to information displayed on publicly available government websites. It does not apply to:
- Paper records
- Records behind a login or paywall
- Records available only through paid subscription services
How to Request Protection: Step by Step
To receive protection under the Act, officers must complete and submit a formal request. The following steps should be followed carefully.
Step 1: Complete the Request Form
Eligible officers must complete the Law Enforcement Personal Privacy Protection Act Request Form. The form requires detailed and accurate information, including:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Driver’s license number
- Personal email address
- Tax map number, if applicable
- Type of service (law enforcement or judicial)
- Status of service (active or former)
- Dates of service
- Identification of where the personal information appears publicly, such as:
- Instrument number
- Book and page number
- Docket number
- File number
- VIN or title number
Providing clear and complete information helps ensure the request is processed without delay.
Step 2: Sign the Form in the Presence of a Notary
The request form must be notarized.
Officers may complete the form in advance, but it must be signed in front of a notary public. Signing the form prior to notarization will invalidate the affidavit.
By signing the affidavit, the requester swears or affirms that the information provided is true and correct. Knowingly providing false information is a felony under South Carolina law.
Step 3: Submit the Form to the Correct Government Entity
This step is critical.
The completed, signed, and notarized form must be submitted to each state or local government entity that maintains the publicly accessible website displaying the officer’s personal contact information. Submission to one entity does not apply to others.
Important reminders:
- Do not submit the form to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
- Do not submit the form to the Office of Court Administration unless specifically directed
- These offices will not forward requests on your behalf
If your information appears on sccourts.org, submission depends on the type of case:
- Circuit Court cases: Submit the form to the County Clerk of Court where the case was heard
- Magistrate or municipal court cases: Submit the form to the appropriate magistrate or municipal court
- Court of Appeals cases: Email the form to ctappfilings@sccourts.org
- Supreme Court cases: Email the form to supctfilings@sccourts.org
Although information may be displayed on sccourts.org, it is maintained by the originating court.
Step 4: Respond to Follow-Up Requests
State and local government entities may request additional or supplemental information to verify eligibility or locate the affected records. Officers should respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Update or Release Restrictions When Necessary
If personal contact information changes, it is the officer’s responsibility to submit updated forms to each affected entity.
If real property is conveyed and no longer qualifies as a protected home address, the officer must submit a form releasing the restriction to the appropriate county register of deeds.
Disputes and Disclosure Exceptions
If a dispute arises regarding the restriction or disclosure of information:
- Neither the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy nor the Office of Court Administration can direct an agency to act
- Disputes are governed by South Carolina Code Section 30-2-715
The Act also allows restricted information to be disclosed to specific parties, including:
- Title insurers or title insurance agents
- Personal representatives of a deceased eligible individual
- Attorneys licensed in South Carolina or their designees
- Licensed professional engineers or surveyors or their designees
Why This Matters
Officer safety extends beyond the call and beyond the uniform. Public access to personal contact information presents real risks to officers and their families. The Law Enforcement Personal Privacy Protection Act gives officers a way to reduce those risks, but only if the process is followed carefully and completely.
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police advocated for these protections because safeguarding personal information is an essential part of protecting the profession.
Take Action and Share
If you are eligible, review the Instructions and FAQ, complete the Request Form, and submit it to the appropriate agencies.
Just as important, share this information with fellow officers and retirees who may not yet be aware of this protection. Ensuring that officers know their rights is a shared responsibility.
Protecting officer privacy strengthens officer safety.
