Florence County is set to see a major boost in law enforcement presence as the sheriff’s office moves closer to full staffing. The update has brought positive reactions from both officials and residents.
Sheriff’s Office Near Full Staffing
T.J. Joye shared that the department now has only five positions left to fill. By May, the office is expected to have around 190 deputies, marking one of the highest staffing levels in its history.
This is a big improvement compared to the past, when the department had more than 30 vacancies.
Support from County Leaders
Joye credited the county council for helping make this possible. Funding was approved to provide:
- Salary increases for deputies
- A $5,000 sign-on bonus to attract new recruits
These steps have helped bring more people into the force and improve retention.
Stronger Presence on the Streets
With more deputies available, the department plans to increase patrol efforts. Special units like the street crime unit and criminal enforcement unit will also add more officers to active duty.
At peak times, up to 15 officers may be working in a single shift, especially in high-crime or “hot spot” areas. This means:
- Better visibility for law enforcement
- Faster response to incidents
- Stronger crime prevention
Positive Response from the Community
Local residents have welcomed the increase in deputies, saying it makes them feel safer. A stronger police presence often helps build trust and improves overall community security.
