SCDPS

The SC Dept. of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, and Highway Safety & Justice Programs.

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

**SCDPS Seeks Public Input**

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety seeks to meet and maintain the standards outlined by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). To help meet and exceed those standards, SCDPS is offering the public an opportunity to provide input about our agency.

From now until July 17, you can provide feedback about SCDPS or any of its law enforcement divisions (South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina State Transport Police, and South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services) at the CALEA Public Portal here: https://t.co/huUL89AF5P

Public comments may include concerns, commendations, or praise. All comments should be submitted at the CALEA portal link.

Please note that any public feedback found on SCDPS social media platforms or sent to any SCDPS inbox will not be submitted to the CALEA portal.

You can read more about CALEA accreditation and the public comment period on our website here: https://t.co/LOhjQoVQm1

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

The SC Department of Public Safety has promoted Chiman Chan to Captain of Upstate Enforcement and Special Operations for the South Carolina State Transport Police (STP).

Captain Chan will oversee the State Transport Police’s field operations for Regions Two, Three, Four, and Seven. A division of the Department of Public Safety, STP oversees state and federal regulations regarding commercial motor vehicle traffic in South Carolina.

An 18-year veteran of law enforcement, Chan began his career with the Department of Public Safety in 2007 and transferred to the State Transport Police in 2010. He was promoted to Corporal in 2019 then to Sergeant in 2021, serving in Region One and Four during that time. Chan most recently served as the STP Regional Lieutenant at the STP Headquarters in Blythewood since 2024, and was chosen to succeed Captain Adam Heitzenrater, following his retirement on June 30 after 25 years of service.

Before retirement, Captain Heitzenrater served as the Upper State Field Enforcement Commander for STP since 2022. He started his law enforcement career with the Greenwood Police Department in 2001 and joined STP in 2006, spending the majority of his time serving the citizens of Region Two and Three before being promoted to Lieutenant at STP Headquarters in Blythewood in 2021.

[nhtsagov @NHTSAgov]

Let's keep July 4th about freedom, family, and fireworks — not a preventable tragedy.

If you're celebrating with alcohol this weekend, make your plan now:
✅ Designate a sober driver.
📱 Call a taxi or schedule a rideshare.
🚍 Use public transportation.

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

Rolling stops risk lives!

Driving doesn't have to be deadly. Keep yourself and other drivers safe by coming to a complete stop and looking both ways before crossing an intersection.

Learn more: https://t.co/QjZSUf1zn0

#BeThatDriver

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

Riding the waves this holiday weekend? 🚤

Before towing your boat, take a moment to ensure you're doing so safely and securely by reviewing our boat trailer towing tips.

[nhtsagov @NHTSAgov]

The countdown to the Fourth of July is on! 🎉

As we gear up for a historic milestone celebration, SAFE driving must be at the top of your checklist. ⤵️

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

Hey Florida Highway Patrol, where's your F-16? 😏

Click here to vote for SCHP in this year's best-looking cruiser contest: https://t.co/0J0Qwd7wWW

The top 13 cruiser photos will be featured in the 2027 Best-Looking Cruiser Calendar. Your vote will help us make the cut!

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

This National Tire Safety Week, here’s a friendly reminder to check your tire tread!

Prioritizing tire care and proper maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and keeps you safe on the road.

Take a moment to review these helpful tire inspection tips. If needed, consult an automotive technician to ensure your tires are in good shape.

[SC Emergency Management Division @SCEMD]

Before you lock your car, check to make sure your pet has gotten out. In a short time, cars can heat up and become deadly for small children and animals. Never leave anyone alone in a locked, hot car.

#lookbeforeyoulock

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

The sky's the limit😉

Voting for the 2026 National Best-Looking Cruiser Contest begins NOW!

If you think the South Carolina Highway Patrol cruiser deserves a spot in the 2027 calendar, do us a solid and vote now for South Carolina!

Click here to cast your vote: https://t.co/PYyZ4B1pRS

[SC Emergency Management Division @SCEMD]

Beat the heat this summer in 3 easy ways: stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

Here are simple tips to help you and your family prevent heat-related illness: https://t.co/WrX0d8zJW5

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world’: DPS Captain and former Highway Patrol K-9 handler retires

Written by: SCDPS Staff Member, Micaela Lazzaroni
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Few people can say their career has carried them across states, seas, and sky — but for Captain Steven English, exploration has always been a part of the job.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” he said. “It was always an honor to clock in. You took pride in your work, your traffic stops, and how you handled yourself.”

Born in Charleston and raised in Walterboro, English developed a deep passion for nature at a young age as he spent his days exploring the Lowcountry and learning about forestry through his father.

“The outdoors are my happy place,” he said. “Boating, hunting, anything outside —it’s my escape. I always jokingly say that it’s cheaper than a therapist.”

Following high school graduation, English became a forester and volunteer firefighter at the Edisto Beach Fire Department and, later, the St. Paul's Fire Department. Through his interactions with law enforcement, he decided to pursue a career at the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.

During his time as a deputy, English heard of the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s ACE Team, a specialized unit of the Highway Patrol that, at the time, included the K-9 and Motor Units. Enticed by its mission, English made the switch to the Highway Patrol in 2002, where he served on the team as a K-9 handler.

“It’s an elite unit that’s well respected across the country,” English said. “My teammates and I seized countless weapons, illegal narcotics, and millions of dollars of illegal drug proceeds. If nothing else, we knew we were making some type of difference in neighborhoods all over the U.S.”
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Read the full story here: https://t.co/Z4S6LQr6HB

[Trooper Brittany SCHP @SCHP_Troop7]

I had the privilege of speaking with approximately 50 young men attending the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Summer Camp about the importance of making safe and responsible decisions behind the wheel.

By encouraging safe driving habits today, we build a safer tomorrow ‼️

[SC Emergency Management Division @SCEMD]

Temperatures are climbing this weekend! Extreme heat can cause heat-related illness. Take these precautions to ensure you stay safe:
-Know the signs of heat-related illness.
-Drink water frequently to stay hydrated.
Visit: https://t.co/WrX0d8zJW5

[STP_CRO @STP_CRO]

The third legend had his retirement luncheon yesterday afternoon. Sgt. Harter has served the citizens of South Carolina for the past 25 years. It was standing room only yesterday and there were plenty of sniffles and tears. Good luck in retirement, Sgt Harter. You will be missed.

[Trooper William Bennett @SCHP_Troop1]

Today Troopers from Troop 1 came together to build a play set for their friend Charles!

Charles is 2 and fighting MPAL leukemia.

We hope that this play set will bring some joy to Charles, his brother Zachary, and his parents as Charles continues to be brave and fight leukemia.

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

Did you know? Children under 13 are safest in the backseat.

Riding in the passenger seat poses an increased risk for kids in the event of an airbag deployment.

Always protect your most precious cargo and visit https://t.co/7rAwh4GLf1 to learn more.

#ChildPassengerSafety #TheRightSeat

[STP_CRO @STP_CRO]

Things happen in three’s around here. Yesterday, Sgt. Freeman had his retirement luncheon. He has served the citizens of South Carolina for 35 years. He is retiring the badge but not the legacy. Good luck in retirement, Sgt. Freeman!!

[Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway @SCHP_Troop_3]

Upstate Troopers had the honor of building a swing set and playhouse for Rowan, a brave young boy battling lymphoma.

While we can’t take away the challenges he faces, we hope this gives him a place to laugh, play, and just be a kid.

Rowan, your strength inspires us all!

[SCDPS @theSCDPS]

@GSO_Police Kudos to the marketing team 👏🏼

[nhtsagov @NHTSAgov]

Walking or riding this summer? 🚶‍♂️🚲

There is a RIGHT way and a WRONG way to share the road — and knowing which direction to face can save your life.