“S” is for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (or SLED) is a highly visible investigative agency with origins that date back to 1947 when Governor Strom Thurmond issued an executive order creating the crime fighting organization with statewide authority. Although no attesting records apparently exist, the acronym “SLED” was reportedly coined by a police reporter for a Columbia newspaper. The decision to create SLED came at the behest of sheriffs and police chiefs seeking a centralized agency fashioned after the Federal Bureau of Investigation, whereby manpower, technical support, and expertise could be utilized. The agency provides investigative and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies on major felony crimes. In addition, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains a 70,000 square foot crime lab and provides a centralized repository for criminal records.
“S” is for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
