SCSA Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Honorary Membership in the SC Sheriffs’ Association.

Does your Association use telemarketing to solicit contributions?

No! The SC Sheriffs’ Association does not (and has never) used telemarketing to solicit contributions. The only reason our staff would be calling you is if you first initiated contact. We do, however, solicit donations via direct mail throughout the year. This is done primarily through an invitation to support the Association as an Honorary Member.

Please be aware that individuals often monitor when our Association drops mail pieces and will initiate their telemarketing at the same time. Sometimes, those phone calls even appear to be coming from the SC Sheriffs’ Association. Again, we will not contact you by phone unless you initiate the contact.

What does the SC Sheriffs’ Association do?

Critical Training and Education Programs: Our Association provides critical training and education programs to South Carolina Sheriffs. We not only oversee the statutorily required continuing education program for each of the 46 county Sheriffs, but we also provide training for deputy sheriffs on a host of topics, including civil process, front-line supervision, policy and procedure, financial management of Sheriffs’ accounts, etc. We are also required by South Carolina law to provide “Sheriff School” to all newly elected Sheriffs within the first year of their first term in Office.

Research and Assistance: We also assist Sheriffs with researching various issues they are facing as they serve the citizens of their counties. This may result in seeking official guidance from the South Carolina Attorney General, or simply providing institutional knowledge surrounding the operation of the Office of the Sheriff.

Legislative Advocacy: The SCSA fights for strong laws in the General Assembly to keep you and your family safe, including stronger protection for the rights of victims of crime and witnesses who assist in prosecuting criminals.

How much of my contribution goes back to my county or my Sheriff?

The SCSA exists to serve the Office of the Sheriff, not a single Sheriff. Therefore, rather than funneling your contribution to your Sheriff or your county, we use your contribution to serve all of the 46 Sheriffs.

How much of my contribution goes towards programs and services?

The overwhelming majority of our annual budget (nearly 70%) stems from our Honorary Membership program. The SCSA Board of Directors requires the SCSA staff to be good stewards of these donations. Therefore, we do all we can to make sure the maximum amount of your donation goes directly towards programs and services that benefit South Carolina’s Sheriffs and deputies. Recent tax filings indicate we devoted nearly 70% of our total expenses to program services during the most recent fiscal year.

Do you share my personal information with other groups?

No. The SCSA does not share Honorary Membership information with other groups wishing to solicit funds.