Law Enforcement Officer II (Columbia)

Salary: $53,300.00 - $66,600.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189504
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Public Safety
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please apply on-line.
Class Code:: JC20
Position Number:: 60028682
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Work schedule will be discussed in interview
Pay Grade: LAW04
Hiring Range - Min.: $53,300.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $66,600.00
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Law Enforcement Officer II, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.
This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Public Safety, 7901 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203

Responsibilities for the Law Enforcement Officer II:

• Issue warnings and citations to violators
• Apprehend and arrests violators
• Provide a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees
• Investigate traffic accidents, direct traffic and control crowds
• Perform general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in vehicles and employee searches, be on alert for suspicious activities, drugs, thefts, contraband, and patient abuse
• Enforce traffic rules, regulations, and issue warnings, summons tickets, prepare written reports of all incidents and occurrences
• Testify in court and other legal proceedings
• Keep records and make reports regarding activities

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Additional Requirements
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test, a psychological assessment, background screening and a physical to meet employment requirements.
  • Must meet the 20/20 vision standards or no more than 20/100 corrected to 20/20. Candidates must also be capable of distinguishing, without corrections three colors: green, yellow and red

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified as a Law Enforcement Officer (graduated 12 weeks Criminal Justice Academy in South Carolina, mandated by 23-23-40
• One (1) year as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer with knowledge of SC Laws, or MP (former Military Police) or minimum one year in corrections, security, or law enforcement.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments
Post Hire, employee must:

• Have considerable knowledge of State Laws, rules, and regulations of the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD).

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
60025753,60026276,60013030,60026168
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02


If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.

03


Do you have a high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

04


Did you graduate with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you available and willing to rotate shifts as assigned?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you currently a certified law enforcement officer in South Carolina?

• Yes
• No

07


Have you ever been arrested/convicted of a criminal offense (other than for minor traffic violations)?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly explain.
09


This is a Law Enforcement position which requires you to be a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer. If you have not already, you are required to attend the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for twelve (12) weeks to become a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer. You will be required to carry a firearm, conduct investigations, make arrests, and testify in court as needed. Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

10


Does your Driving Record indicate/show clear of any violations, suspensions, reportable accidents, numerous speeding violation/convictions, in the last five (5) years as a result of alcoholic beverage or dangerous drug violation or leaving the scene of an accident. The overall driving record will be evaluated with emphasis on the severity, habitual offenses, date and age, time span, and number of violations accumulated.

• Yes
• No

11


Candidates must meet the 20/20 vision standards or no more than 20/100 corrected to 20/20 and be able to distinguish without corrections, three colors, green, yellow and red. I have fully read and understand that my vision standards meet the requirement for training. (Not meeting these requirements may disqualify you for the position)

• Yes
• No

12


I will be fully able to and agree to work additional hours for emergencies as needed.

• Yes
• No

13


Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question