The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving Dorchester County, South Carolina, in the Lowcountry region west of Charleston.
Mission
The office’s stated mission is to improve the quality of life by providing a safe environment for all people within the county through collaborative efforts between the office and the community. It emphasizes professional accountability, fiscal responsibility, and serving residents with dignity, respect, fairness, and compassion.
Leadership
The agency is currently led by Sheriff Sam Richardson. Richardson, who previously served as chief deputy, was sworn into office at the county courthouse in St. George after winning the November 5 election with just over 63% of the vote, becoming the first Black Republican sheriff in South Carolina history.
A Dorchester County native, he brings roughly 30 years of military service and 30 years of law enforcement experience, having served at every level of law enforcement as well as in the solicitor’s (prosecution) office. Early in his term he indicated plans to introduce initiatives such as a citizen advisory council and a cadet program, and to enhance the agency’s citizens academy.
Operations & Specialized Units
The office oversees a range of operational units and specialized teams, including:
- Court security and civil process
- SWAT and bomb squad
- Dive team
- Aviation unit
- Training and recruitment
It also handles functions such as a sex offender registry, animal control, internet safety education, and a Citizens Police Academy. The county’s consolidated dispatch center provides services to the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Fire Rescue, and the police departments in the towns of Harleyville, Ridgeville, and St. George, while coordinating closely with the Summerville 911 Center and the Charleston County dispatch center.
On Patrol: Live
The Dochester County Sheriff’s Office was first featured with On Patrol: Live in Season 4. They were first featured in episode 06.19.26.
