FOP Day at the Statehouse is a cornerstone of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police’s advocacy efforts and a visible demonstration of our commitment to protecting the interests of law enforcement officers statewide. Each legislative session, FOP members from across South Carolina gather at the Statehouse to engage directly with policymakers, reinforce professional relationships, and ensure that the law enforcement perspective is clearly represented where decisions are made.
This event reflects the core mission of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police: to empower, advocate for, and defend those who serve. It is not a single-day effort, but part of a sustained strategy to advance sound public policy, safeguard officer rights, and promote public safety across the state.
Advocacy in Action
FOP Day at the Statehouse provides members with a structured opportunity to participate in the legislative process in a meaningful and professional way. The day typically begins with a member briefing that outlines SCFOP’s legislative priorities and highlights other legislation impacting law enforcement. This ensures participants are informed, aligned, and prepared to engage constructively throughout the day.
Following the briefing, SCFOP welcomes members of the South Carolina General Assembly and their staff for direct engagement. These interactions allow FOP members to share firsthand perspectives on the realities of law enforcement work and to discuss how legislative decisions affect officer safety, agency operations, and community outcomes.
Participants also attend the General Sessions of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate and take part in one-on-one meetings with legislators. These conversations are a critical component of effective advocacy, allowing for thoughtful dialogue, relationship-building, and long-term understanding between lawmakers and the law enforcement professionals they represent.
Key Issue Areas
While the specific legislation under consideration may change from session to session, FOP Day at the Statehouse consistently focuses on core issues that directly affect law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. These recurring issue areas include pension and retirement security for law enforcement officers, officer safety, wellness, and mental health support, due process and employment protections, recruitment and retention challenges facing agencies statewide, training, professionalism, and standards within the profession, and line-of-duty death benefits and survivor support.
By addressing these topics in a consistent and professional manner, SCFOP helps ensure that lawmakers understand both the immediate and long-term implications of policy decisions on the law enforcement profession.
Member Participation Matters
FOP Day at the Statehouse is driven by active member participation. Lodge leaders, Trustees, and active members all play an important role in representing the profession and reinforcing the collective voice of law enforcement in South Carolina. Participation demonstrates unity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to shaping policies that affect officers at every stage of their careers.
Equally important, this event reinforces the value of grassroots advocacy. Effective legislative engagement does not happen only during votes or hearings. It is built through consistent presence, respectful dialogue, and long-term relationships with members of the General Assembly and their staff.
A Broader Advocacy Strategy
FOP Day at the Statehouse is one part of SCFOP’s broader advocacy strategy. Throughout the year, the organization works to monitor legislation, provide testimony, communicate with policymakers, and keep members informed of developments that impact law enforcement. This annual event serves as a focal point for those efforts, bringing together members and lawmakers in a setting that emphasizes collaboration, professionalism, and shared responsibility for public safety.
By maintaining a strong presence at the Statehouse, SCFOP ensures that the voice of South Carolina’s law enforcement officers remains informed, engaged, and respected.
