The Support Services Division consists of the Training Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, K-9 Unit, D.A.R.E., Boat Patrol Unit, School Resource Officers, Reserve and Constable Units. The Victims Assistance and Chaplaincy Programs are also included in the Support Services Division.

Training Unit

Training has been often cited as one of the most important responsibilities in any law enforcement agency. Training serves three broad purposes. First, well-trained officers are generally better prepared to act decisively and correctly in a broad spectrum of situations. Second, training results in greater productivity and effectiveness. Third, it fosters cooperation and unity of purpose. This department recognizes the importance of training and is committed to providing the best training available to all personnel.

Code Enforcement Officers investigate and enforce York County Codes and Ordinance violations in conjunction with various York County officials; prepare and maintain required documentation for the investigation and enforcement of York County Codes and Ordinances; and perform general law enforcement duties, ensuring public safety and welfare through the proper enforcement of federal and South Carolina laws.

D.A.R.E.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program continues to be a resounding success in the schools. This program is working with our youth in an attempt to make them aware of the consequences of making bad choices. This is accomplished by giving them other alternatives. The DARE Officers, from the Sheriff's Office, provide classroom seminars, as well as other activities, with the students to enlighten them along with their peers. The YCSO D.A.R.E. Office can be reached at (803) 628-3059, or through Captain Wells.

K-9 Unit

The Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit is responsible for tracking fleeing suspects, Searching for missing persons, and drug searches in area schools and assist with the Narcotics Division.

Boat Patrol Unit

The York County Sheriff's Office Boat Patrol Unit is equipped with a 25' Boston Whaler, a 20' Boston Whaler and two jet skis to enforce the boating laws and to respond to lake front crimes and other water related emergencies. Approximately 44% of Lake Wylie is in York County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction. The unit is staffed by two full time officers who are supplemented during peak season with School Resource and DARE Officers.

Dive Team

The York County Sheriff's Office Dive Team is staffed with officers from several divisions within the department. The Dive Team members hold certifications from Basic Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver. This team responds to any water related related emergency such as drowning or evidence recovery.

School Resource Officers

An SRO is a full time law enforcement officer who works in a school to reduce crime, educate students and staff on law enforcement issues, investigate crime on the campus and counsel students and/or parents in law enforcement matters. SRO's are to be good role models for the students. It is a goal of the SRO's to make our learning institutions safe. This will give all students an opportunity to reach their full educational potential.

Constables

Constables are sworn individuals that have an interest in Law Enforcement and Safety for the citizens of York County. These individuals are paid part time employees that assist Deputies in enforcing the Laws of South Carolina.

Reserves

Reserve Deputies are sworn individuals that have an interest in Law Enforcement and Safety for the citizens of York County. These individuals volunteer their time to assist Deputies in enforcing the Laws of South Carolina.

Victims Assistance Unit

The goal of the Victim Assistance Unit is to ensure that people victimized by crime are treated with fairness, dignity and respect, and that all opportunities for assistance are offered to them.

To achieve our goal, the Victim Advocates:

• Help victims exercise their rights and access services
• Educate victims concerning SC Laws, Law Enforcement procedures, the Criminal Justice System and available resources available, so they may make the best decisions for themselves and their families in order to overcome victimization
• Provide case information
• Provide immediate support to victims at the crime scene
• Take photos of injuries
• Provide assistance with obtaining financial compensation to help pay for medical, dental, counseling and funeral expenses incurred as the result of a crime committed against them and/or their family
• Provide assistance with obtaining restitution from the defendant
• Provide assistance obtaining restraining orders/protection orders
• Provide transportation to and from court
• Provide courtroom accompaniment
• Provide crisis counseling/debriefing
• Act as liaison between victims and YCSO Chaplain program
• Coordinate with Deputies, victims and witnesses in an effort to achieve a satisfactory dissemination of cases
• Coordinate the YCSO Telephone Safety Program for Domestic Violence and Stalking cases
• Coordinates YCSO REACH program (wellness check for elderly citizens)

The Advocates have received special training designed to help victims (and others) involved in crisis situations, handle the trauma with significantly less long term effect. We believe that the earlier the intervention, the better the recovery will be.

A significant number of the calls for service are domestic related. In an effort to safeguard abused victims, the Victims Advocates have resources available to help victims with security and financial issues, which is the number one reason why women (in particular) stay in abusive relationships.

Victim Advocates:

• Kathy Nelson:          (803) 628-3067   kathy.nelson@yorkcountygov.com
• Carla Stiles:             (803) 628-3259   carla.stiles@yorkcountygov.com
• Michelle Lindsay:    (803) 628-3260   michelle.lindsay@yorkcountygov.com
• Tina Elliott:               (803) 628-3262   tina.elliott@yorkcountygov.com

A law enforcement chaplain is a clergyperson with special interest and training for providing pastoral care in the high powered and dangerous world of law enforcement. This pastoral care is offered to all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed, or religion. It is offered without cost or the taint of proselytizing.

No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental, and spiritual burdens than today's law enforcement officer. These burdens also affect the officer's family and other members of his or her department. Law Enforcement agencies need the specialized guidance, counseling and assistance for their officers, families and communities.

The law enforcement chaplain is led in his or her own faith to be available and ready to serve those in need. The chaplain's ministry provides a source of strength to the law enforcement officers and their families, other department members, the community, and the incarcerated.

Chaplains listen and participate in the workplace of law enforcement officers with empathy and experience, advising calmly in the midst of turmoil and danger and offering assistance when appropriate or requested.

Believing in God is the answer to man's dilemma, the chaplain stands ready to bear witness to the forgiving love and redeeming power of God to all people.

The Chaplaincy provides non-denominational, confidential counseling, stress management, and crisis intervention skills to law enforcement, their families, and support personnel.

A chaplain offers spiritual guidance and assistance to people in crisis situations. They are to serve as a link of communications between people in a crisis and their own clergy. If those who receive counseling ask for further help the chaplain will coordinate such follow-up guidance as is necessary.

The Sheriff's Office has 7 active Chaplains.