Section 59-116-20 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976 as amended, authorizes the Area Commission to establish a campus police department responsible for: (1) the enforcement of institutional regulations and local and state laws, (2) the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment on all three campus locations, (3) the identification and elimination of hazards and of opportunities for crime, (4) the establishment of effective crime prevention programs, in which the college community is educated to protect life and property, and (5) the maintenance of protective patrols to deter and detect crime, to detect fire and safety hazards, and to prevent traffic accidents and congestion.

 Trident Technical College Department of Public Safety (TTDPS) employs sworn law enforcement personnel who are commissioned as Group I State Constables by the Governor under authority of Section 23-1-60 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976 as amended,   As employees of an institution of higher education, public safety officers have statewide jurisdiction and arrest authority unless otherwise restricted by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Public safety officers may enforce all local, county, and state laws in addition to college policies and regulations.

 In addition to holding a commission, public safety officers must meet the certification standards established by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for police officers in this state.

Campus police officers are authorized to operate marked emergency vehicles, utilize the police two-way radio system, and while on official business, wear distinctive uniforms that indicate they are campus police officers.

Updated February 7, 2010