Our legislative priorities address the most pressing challenges faced by law enforcement officers in South Carolina, ensuring their safety, rights, and well-being while strengthening public safety for the communities they serve.
The Fraternal Order of Police actively collaborates with the South Carolina General Assembly through persistent lobbying efforts, expert testimony, and legislative advocacy. By fostering strong relationships with legislators, we work tirelessly to pass laws that safeguard law enforcement officers’ rights and enhance public safety for all.
RETURN TO WORK LEGISLATION
The law enforcement profession is facing a crisis—a shortage of qualified candidates that is leaving agencies stretched thin and communities vulnerable. Our retired officers possess invaluable experience and knowledge that our communities desperately need. Allowing them to return to work without unnecessary restrictions will provide immediate relief to agencies struggling to recruit and retain qualified personnel. We are fighting for legislation that grants law enforcement retirees the same opportunities that other professions, like teaching, enjoy. This is not just about fairness—it’s about strengthening our forces with the experienced officers our communities rely on to stay safe.
PENSION REFORM
The future of law enforcement depends on our ability to recruit new officers, but proposed changes to the pension system threaten to make this even more difficult. The expected reforms may not affect current officers, but they strike at the heart of what future officers will depend on: a secure retirement after years of service and sacrifice. Our pension system is more than just a benefit—it includes essential disability protections that reflect the unique dangers officers face every day. Weakening these protections and shifting to a defined contribution plan will not only diminish the security new officers need but also severely undermine our efforts to recruit the next generation of law enforcement professionals. We will stand firm in defending our pension system, protecting the benefits and safeguards that officers deserve.
RETIREE PENSION COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE INCREASES
Our retirees have given the best years of their lives in service to our communities, often at great personal sacrifice. After years of dedication and selflessness, they deserve financial security that honors their commitment. Unfortunately, without regular Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increases, the pensions they rely on are slowly eroded by inflation. This neglect threatens their ability to live comfortably and with dignity in retirement. We are fighting for legislation that guarantees consistent COLA adjustments, ensuring that our retired officers can keep pace with rising living costs and maintain the stability they earned through years of protecting and serving. Failing to make these adjustments is a disservice to those who have already given so much.
PROTECTING LAW ENFORCEMENT K9s
K9 officers are more than just animals—they are trusted partners and fellow officers who serve alongside us in some of the most dangerous situations. Their loyalty and bravery are unmatched, and their contributions to public safety are invaluable. Sadly, the threats they face are as real as those encountered by any human officer. Since September 2023 alone, three K9 officers—Rico, Coba, and Mikka—have been tragically killed by gunfire in the line of duty. These heartbreaking losses underscore the urgent need to strengthen penalties for those who harm or kill police animals. FARGO’S and HYCO’S LAW aims to ensure that anyone who injures or kills a K9 officer faces severe consequences, reflecting the irreplaceable role these brave animals play in keeping our officers and communities safe. Their protection is our priority, and we will not rest until justice for K9 officers is enshrined in law.
HALO PROTECTION
In today’s increasingly tense environment, officers are often forced to perform their duties while being surrounded by bystanders, which can quickly escalate into dangerous confrontations. Officers need space to act without interference, ensuring they can focus on their duties without fear of being obstructed or distracted by those in close proximity. The HALO Bill will establish a 25-foot buffer around officers engaged in official duties, providing them the necessary space to safely perform their jobs while also preventing bystanders from becoming unintentionally involved in potentially hazardous situations. This buffer zone is not just about officer safety—it’s about safeguarding the public as well. By reducing interference, we can prevent unnecessary confrontations and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BILL OF RIGHTS
Every day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, often facing intense scrutiny and the potential for life-altering accusations. The stakes are incredibly high for those who dedicate themselves to this profession, and they deserve clear legal protections that ensure fairness, due process, and justice. The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights is more than just legislation—it is a vital safeguard for officers during investigations and disciplinary actions, ensuring they are not unfairly targeted or subjected to unjust scrutiny. Modeled after successful laws in other states, this bill will provide the protections our officers need when they are most vulnerable, allowing them to serve with the confidence that their rights will be defended. At SCFOP, we believe it is only right that those who risk everything for the safety of others have their own rights secured.
BRADY-GIGLIO DUE PROCESS LEGISLATION
An officer’s credibility is a cornerstone of their career, and when it is called into question, the consequences can be devastating. Too often, officers find their reputations tarnished and their careers derailed without the opportunity for fair and adequate defense. This is not just an attack on the individual officer—it undermines the very integrity of the justice system itself. We are fighting for legislation that guarantees due process for officers facing Brady-Giglio claims, ensuring that they are not unjustly punished without proper procedural protections. This legislation is essential to safeguarding the rights of officers while maintaining the fairness and balance our justice system depends on. Every officer deserves the right to defend their credibility, and we will not stop until these protections are firmly in place.
MANDATORY CARDIAC SCREENING FOR OFFICERS
Law enforcement is a physically demanding profession, where officers regularly face high-stress situations that push their bodies to the limit. Tragically, too many officers have suffered life-threatening or even fatal cardiac events while on duty due to undiagnosed heart conditions. These are not isolated incidents—they are preventable tragedies. We are advocating for legislation that mandates periodic cardiac screenings for officers, ensuring that heart conditions are detected early before they become deadly. This is more than just a preventative health measure; it is a necessary safeguard to save lives and keep our officers healthy and capable of serving their communities. By prioritizing the health and safety of our officers, we can prevent unnecessary loss and protect those who protect us.
NON-FATAL STRANGULATION LAW
Non-fatal strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of assault, often leaving little visible evidence but causing severe internal injuries, long-term health risks, and even death. Shockingly, South Carolina remains the last state without a specific law addressing this serious crime. The urgency for such legislation cannot be overstated—research shows that offenders who commit non-fatal strangulation are far more likely to escalate their violence, often leading to future homicides. Even more alarming is the increased risk these offenders pose to law enforcement officers, as they are significantly more likely to assault officers during encounters. Passing a comprehensive non-fatal strangulation law is not just about protecting victims in the immediate sense; it is about preventing future tragedies and safeguarding our officers from known, violent offenders. South Carolina must act now to join the rest of the nation in recognizing the lethal potential of non-fatal strangulation and implement this crucial law.
