In an earnest attempt to address the acute shortage of officers in its correctional facilities, South Carolina has taken a significant step. The state has lowered the minimum age requirement for becoming a detention or correctional officer from 21 to 18. A consequential move, it has been met with an encouraging surge in applicants, notably at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County, where the number of vacant officer positions has dwindled from 50 to 18.
Higher Salaries, Greater Opportunities
Alongside the reduction in age requirement, officer pay has seen a generous increase, with a new base salary set around $50,000 a year. This dual approach – lowering of the age bar and a hike in remuneration – has created a more appealing career prospect for potential entrants into the law enforcement sector.
Bridging the Gap: High School Graduates & Law Enforcement Careers
One of the most significant impacts of this decision lies in the opportunities it opens up for high school graduates. Those interested in law enforcement careers now have a direct path to follow, without the need to wait until they turn 21. This initiative is already bearing fruit, with a tuition-free certification program for correctional officers set to launch at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in February 2024.
A Collaborative Initiative
The program, a collaboration between the sheriffs of Horry and Georgetown counties, aims to fill positions in the new $67 million Georgetown County jail. The collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach, one that not only addresses the immediate shortage but also invests in the future of South Carolina’s correctional system.
The Perspective of Young Officers
Logan Newton, a young officer who joined the J. Reuben Long Detention Center before turning 21, offers a glimpse into the experience of these young officers. Despite the job’s challenges, he notes the supportive work environment and the unique opportunity to help inmates turn their lives around, illustrating the potential positive impact of South Carolina’s decision on the individuals and the correctional system as a whole.
