SC Highway Patrol graduates 62 New Troopers

The South Carolina Highway Patrol announces the graduation of 62 troopers from its Highway Patrol Basic Class 100. Justice John W. Kittredge, associate justice of the SC Supreme Court, spoke to the graduates about service, integrity and commitment. “Mediocrity and a professional law enforcement officer do not go together,” Justice Kittredge told the graduating class. “They will soon be parted. To be successful, a law enforcement officer must exemplify professionalism. The privilege of wearing the badge carries the potential for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that transcends other professions.” Basic 100 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 816. Basic 101 will report to the Academy in January. Today’s graduating class began training on July 15 and graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy on Oct. 30. An additional 15 prior certified officers joined on Oct. 14. The class continued with specialized training from the Highway Patrol in all areas of law enforcement. The SCHP Basic Training Program consists of 21 weeks of extensive law enforcement training in-residence. After graduation, troopers must complete a minimum of 400 hours of field training. “This class is making history as our 100th basic class and one of the largest classes we have had in recent memory,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “This is exciting news for these 62 new troopers, for their fellow troopers and the communities around the state that will benefit from their presence.” Troopers are assigned to areas based upon population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers as well as registered vehicles in an area. “I am so proud to be the commander of our 100th Highway Patrol Basic Class,” said SCHP Col. Mike Oliver. “Wearing the uniform of a state trooper is a tough assignment, but rest assured, today’s trooper is more well-rounded and better-trained than ever before, and that is good news for the communities we serve and for our state as a whole,” said Col. Mike Oliver.