One of the most critical components of a successful law enforcement agency is quality training. For that reason, all deputies must complete intensive training throughout their career with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO). The GCSO Training Division works diligently to provide relevant and up to date training for “real life situations.”

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The GCSO Training Division is supervised by the Training Manager. The Training Manager is responsible for scheduling and overseeing all training programs conducted at the GCSO as well as documentation, certification tracking, lesson plan development, Field Training Program (FTP) and personnel training records management.  The Training Manager also acts as a liaison between the GCSO and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).

 

Pre-Academy Training 
Each law enforcement officer in South Carolina attends the centralized South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located in Columbia. To prepare the deputies for this 12-week training period, each newly hired deputy completes a 6-week Pre-Academy course conducted by GCSO instructors. This Pre-Academy curriculum consists of a variety of subjects such as: Legal Concerns, Use of Force, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Career Development, Report Writing, Off-Duty Behavior, Law Enforcement Stress, and Cultural Diversity.

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Field Training Program
The Training Division oversees the 12-week Field Training Program. Once a deputy graduates from the SCCJA, they are assigned to a certified Field Training Officer (FTO) who supervises their training. The FTO will prepare the trainee for solo patrol duties. In addition, each trainee spends time in each of the specialized divisions to fully understand all aspects and capabilities of the GCSO.  After successful completion of the FTP, the deputy is assigned to a patrol shift.

 

In-Service Training

The Training Division is responsible for the coordination, planning and implementation of continuing professional training for all GCSO deputies.  Each deputy is required to complete all required in-service training each year.  While the classes vary each year, some of the curriculum include: Legal Update, Domestic Violence Update, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Firearms, Active Shooter/Threat, Evidence Procedures, Records/Report Writing, Crime Scene Procedures, Meth Recognition, Ground Defense, Chemical Agents, Taser, Basic Tactical Medical and Weapon Retention and Disarming.  

In addition to required training, the Training Division also conducts specialized training throughout the year that deputies may attend to improve the professional development.

You may reach the Training Manager, Sergeant Chip Davenport, at 864-942-8769 or cdavenport@greenwoodsc.gov