SLED's Office of Regulatory Services works directly with South Carolina citizens, businesses, and other state agencies through resources and community programs.

Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)

State Constables

Private Investigations, Security Licenses, and Security Registration

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

Community Relations

Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)

The South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit program allows for all citizens of South Carolina the opportunity to apply for a permit to carry a weapon on their person concealed within the state of South Carolina where permissible.

The Concealed Weapons Permit program section provides links and information for individuals concerning the program. The South Carolina state gun laws, listing of reciprocity agreement states, the Protection of Persons and Property Act, the automated New CWP application link, Renewal link, replacement link, and the South Carolina National Guard CWP applicant process.  The resident and nonresident SC CWP application form, the SC CWP credential replacement form, and the non-resident SC CWP tax form are also accessible through the links.  General South Carolina CWP program statistics, a listing of all approved South Carolina CWP Instructors contact information, and information regarding South Carolina CWP applicants privacy requirements are available.

South Carolina Code 23-31-210 requires the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to promulgate regulations containing general guideline for course and qualifications pertaining to the Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) program.  Each CWP Instructor must meet the requirements in order to obtain a certification to teach in the CWP program.

State Constables

State Constables for Government Entities (Group I): Group I constables are employed by government agencies and have a job-related need for law enforcement authority. Group 1 commissions may be utilized only in connection with the official duties of the employing agency, or as may be authorized by the Chief of SLED. These constables must attend training at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy within one year of being commissioned, or have similar training that is approved by the S.C. Law Enforcement Training Council. Group I constables must complete annual in-service training as approved by the S.C. Law Enforcement Training Council. Government agencies must submit to SLED Regulatory Services written verification upon certification of constables they employ. Group I constables adhere to the policies and procedures of the employing agency.

Retired Police Officers (Group II): Group II constables consist of those individuals who have served as sworn law enforcement officers in the State of South Carolina and honorably retired in that capacity. No additional basic training is required of these individuals in order to be commissioned. Group II constables must complete annual in-service training approved by SLED, to include firearms requalification and SCCJA Legal Update training. A copy of the in-service training certificate must be submitted to SLED Regulatory Services upon completion of training. Group II constables are permitted to assist local law enforcement on a voluntary basis as long as authorization has been given by SLED and the constable has made arrangements with a local agency to provide assistance. Group II constables who provide voluntary law enforcement assistance must adhere to the policies and procedures herein. Group II constables may perform duties consistent with those of Group III-Advanced State Constables when assisting law enforcement agencies as long as they have not been separated from full-time law enforcement employment for more than three years. Group II constables who wish to voluntarily assist a law enforcement agency must notify SLED which agencies have given approval for the constable to assist. Otherwise, Group II constables may only take law enforcement action when imminent and urgent circumstances exist.

State Constable Auxiliary (Group III): Group III constables provide auxiliary law enforcement assistance services to local law enforcement agencies in a voluntary capacity. These constables must complete the basic State Constable Training Program offered through a South Carolina Technical College or complete similar training approved by the S.C. Law Enforcement Training Council. Group III constables are uncompensated and must adhere to the policies and procedures provided herein.

Advanced State Constable Auxiliary· (Group III-Advanced): Group III constables in good standing with SLED and local law enforcement agencies may apply and complete additional training to obtain classification as a Group III-Advanced State Constable. Application may be made after one year as a commissioned Group III State Constable unless immediate designation as a Group III-Advanced State Constable is permitted pursuant to Section X of this policy manual. Classification as a Group III-Advanced State Constable confers additional authority and responsibilities than that of a Group III State Constable. Group III-Advanced State Constables must adhere to applicable policies outlined herein.

State Constable

Program Assistant

Private Investigators, Security Licenses, and Security Registration

The Private Investigators, Security Licenses, and Security Registration section provides resources and information for South Carolina citizens concerning the following: Private Investigative business and employee licensing, Contract Security business and employee licensing, and Proprietary Security business and employee licensing information. Links to all applicable forms and Security company updates and notifications.  Information and direct links to the South Carolina Technical schools that offer Safeguard SC Basic & Plus instructor training, firearms instructor training, annual Safeguard SC Basic & Plus in-service, and annual firearms recertification classes.

Important Updates

Security Guard Requalifications Memo 4-6-2023

Security Guard Firearms ReQualification

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

NICS, (National Instant Criminal Background Check System), is a national, name-based system utilized by federal firearm licensees (FFL) to check available records on individuals who may be prohibited from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms based on Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(G) and (N).  Mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, NICS was developed in cooperation with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and local and state law enforcement agencies.  The SLED NICS Unit was established in 2013 after the South Carolina legislation mandated the probate courts report individuals who have been adjudicated as “a mental defective or committed to a mental institution” (SC Code of Laws 23-31-1010).  The SLED NICS Unit works with the probate courts and other law enforcement agencies to ensure all information provided to NICS is current and accurate.

Community Relations

The SLED Community Relations Unit works to foster positive community partnerships and shares information about SLED programs and services.

SLED Community Relations Agents also work with local and state partners to to address community concerns related to police activities.

If you would like a Community Relations Agent to visit your organization, school program, cultural event or career fair, please call 803-737-9000. Requests will be filled based on Agent availability.