What is the Midlands Constables’ association?
The Midlands Constables’ association was formed in part to serve as a resource to the State Constables serving in the Midlands region of the state. The association is open to all Constables. It is through the association that members have access to timely information such as: needs for special events, coordinators for individual agencies, training opportunities, and legal/policy update discussions.
There are typically two parts to each monthly meeting. First, some form of defensive tactics (DT) training is presented for less than one hour. Past DT training has included: handcuffing, room clearing, felony traffic stops, Go Bags, frisking, baton and OC spray recertification just to name a few. The second part entails a business meeting and features a guest speaker that may present on a wide range of topics based on their training, background, or experiences.
Where do Constables serve?
Members of the Midlands association have served several different agencies in the region. The Midlands region reaches from the Georgia state line at the Savannah River up to North Carolina state line around Charlotte.
Some of the agencies that are assisted by members of the Midlands association include: Burnettown, Edgefield County Sheriff Office, Saluda County Sheriff Office, Lexington County Sheriff Department, Richland County Sheriff Department, Cayce City, and even SLED. Some agencies only request assistance for special events a few times a year. Other agencies welcome Constables anytime they are willing and able to serve.
State Constables typically volunteer with agencies within or close to their home county. Many Constables work with the agencies where they live and there are opportunities to work other agencies since you have state law enforcement authorization. Sometimes Constables travel a few hours to attend a special event or training, depending on their specific interests or desires, and the needs of the agency.
Purpose, Goals and Credibility
Per SLED policy for Group 3 Constables (Basic and Advanced), our purpose it to assist law enforcement agencies. Constables do not augment or supplement LE agencies in the sense of replacing paid class 1 officers. Â To facilitate that purpose, the Midlands Constables’ association provides personal contact with the agency receiving assistance. One goal is to have a coordinator that is known and respected by each agency for which they oversee. The coordinator is hopefully the first person to know about agency needs (e.g., special events) and can distribute that information to all association members. This type of information is often the natural result of personal contact between the agency and the coordinator. Another goal of the association is to provide access to quality training. By networking with willing agencies, members may obtain access to various agency training classes. Annual recertification is a big issue for all Group 2 and 3 Constables. The Midlands Constables’ association seeks to share that burden by coordinating a one day event during which annual Legals, Domestic Violence, and Bloodborne training is completed before lunch, then firearm qualification is available only a short drive away.
It is the intent of the Midlands Constables’ association to foster credibility with all agencies we assist. By developing personal relationships with the agencies, we hope to receive honest feedback which can be used to further develop our training so that our Constables are welcomed and even desired due to their professionalism, knowledge, and skills.
One final note on the importance of developing personal relationships with the individual officers at the agencies we support: “The most important contribution I make as a Constable may have nothing to do with my knowledge of the law, power to arrest, hours served, or even comfort to a victim. My most important contribution may simply be related to the time spent and topics discussed with an officer in the dark of his night.”
Who are the officers of the Midlands Constable association?
| Position | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Brad Kerr | brad.kerr@scconstables.org |
| Treasurer | Tommy Thompson | sales@promotech.us |
| Training | ||
Why join the Midlands Constable association?
All South Carolina State Constables, Group 1, 2 and 3 are welcome to join. Although Group 1 Constables are paid officers, and their needs and interests are not the same as the rest, we will not discriminate. If you are considering becoming a Group 3 Basic Constable, you will not be able to join until passing the class exam, but we are always willing to answer questions and offer encouragement. Group 2 Constables are retired law enforcement officers that may or may not volunteer with any agency. Regardless of your current interest in volunteering, our association can always benefit from your insight and experience, so please join.
To join, please complete an Application Form, then email it to an Association Officer (see above). If you would like more information before completing an application, you may request that via our Join Us page.
Learn more about becoming a State Constable