How can I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit(CWP)?
 Can a SLED agent stop me for speeding?
 Where can I get information on crime in South Carolina?
 How can I get SLED to investigate a crime?
 How can I get a job with SLED?
 Where do I go to get a criminal record check?
 How do I report an alcohol or video poker violation?
 Can I find out what a suspicious substance is at the SLED lab?
 Who can tell me how to become a private detective?
 Why isn't SLED's telephone number found in the front of the phone book?
 Can my child's school class tour SLED headquarters?
 Where is SLED located?
 What is an accredited law enforcement agency?
 Can I get my fingerprints taken at SLED

How can I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)? top
SLED conducts an extensive background examination of all applicants prior to a CWP being issued. To obtain an application, you may write: SLED Regulatory Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 29221.

Can a SLED agent stop me for speeding? top
Yes, a SLED agent has statewide law enforcement authority. However, agents do not engage in traffic enforcement unless specifically requested by the Highway Patrol or local law enforcement agency, or must act to prevent an accident or a situation that would endanger the public.

Where can I get information on crime in South Carolina? top
SLED's Uniform Crime Reporting Department collects and disseminates crime data from all law enforcement agencies in the state. The UCR department can be reached at 803-896-7016.

How can I get SLED to investigate a crime? top
SLED serves as the official investigative arm of the Governor and also handles investigations for the Attorney General, circuit solicitors and other law enforcement agencies. Requests for local investigations should be directed to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area where a suspected crime may have occurred. If local agency officials need SLED assistance in the matter, a request is made and agents will be assigned. SLED does not take investigative requests from private citizens or organizations except under extraordinary conditions.

How can I get a job with SLED? top
From time to time, job positions (sworn and non-sworn positions) become available at SLED and are routinely posted or advertised in an appropriate manner as required by South Carolina law and regulations. All applicants, regardless of position, must undergo a rigorous background examination. For an employment application, contact: SLED, c/o Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 29221.

Where do I go to get a criminal record check? top
SLED serves as the central repository for all criminal records in South Carolina and can provide detailed in-state criminal histories. Criminal history record screening costs $25 per search as prescribed by law. This information can be obtained from this web site or by visiting SLED's Central Records Department, 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia. Credit cards may be used on the SLED web site. Company checks, money orders, and in-state personal checks are accepted at the Broad River Road location - NO CASH, please.

How do I report an alcohol or video poker violation? top
Since 1996, SLED has been authorized to enforce alcohol and video poker laws and regulations in South Carolina. Suspected violations can be reported by calling SLED's Alcohol/Video Poker Enforcement Department, at (803) 896-7400. You also may send your information to: SLED, c/o Alcohol/Video Poker Enforcement Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 29221.

Can I find out what a suspicious substance is at the SLED lab? top
No. SLED conducts analyses of substances dealing with suspected criminal matters only for law enforcement agencies. Requests for analyses are not taken from private citizens. Suspicious substances should be reported to your local law enforcement agency.

Who can tell me how to become a private detective? top
Under state law, SLED is authorized to maintain records on and regulate all private detectives and private security companies doing business in South Carolina. Private detective applicants must undergo a rigorous background investigation. Applications can be obtained by writing: SLED, c/o Regulatory Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 29221.

Why isn't SLED's telephone number found in the front of the phone book? top
SLED is not a first-response agency unless specifically requested by a local law enforcement agency. SLED serves as a backup to sheriff's offices and police departments statewide.

Can my child's school class tour SLED headquarters? top
While tours generally are not conducted on a regular basis at SLED, some areas at SLED are accessible for small tour groups if arrangements are made in advance. Areas such as SLED's Forensic Laboratories and the State Crime Information Center are not open for public tours. For further information, you may call SLED's Community Relations Department at (803) 896-7247.

Where is SLED located? top
SLED is located at 4400 Broad River Road (also known as J.P. Strom Boulevard, which was named after the late longtime SLED Chief). The location is approximately 1 mile from Interstate 26 and can be reached easily by exiting off Piney Grove Road or St. Andrews Road and traveling east for about one mile before reaching Broad River Road. If on Piney Grove Road, turn right onto Broad River Road and SLED is a half-mile down on the left. If on St. Andrews Road, turn left onto Broad River Road and SLED is approximately 1 mile down on the right.

What is an accredited law enforcement agency? top
SLED is accredited by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies), and was the second state investigative agency to receive such an honor. To achieve accreditation, an agency must prove that it meets high standards in operations and procedures as required by CALEA (an organization that is made up of law enforcement peers nationwide). Additionally, the SLED Forensic Laboratory is accredited by ASCLD/LAB (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board), a prestigious crime lab review organization.

Can I get my fingerprints done at SLED? top
Fingerprinting is done at SLEDs Crime Information Center in Columbia from 8:30AM until 4:00PM Monday thru Friday. A valid ID is required.