South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #866. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Director Jackie Swindler and staff appreciate your dedication and wish you the best in this extraordinary career.

Graduation will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. If you can't make the graduation in-person you can watch the ceremony live here on FACEBOOK. The live FACEBOOK feed will begin at 10:00 am.

The guest speaker will be Chief Matt Hamby of Greer Police Department. Chief Hamby began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a patrol officer at Geer Police Department. Over the past 23 years he has served in various capacities and at Greer PD. He has held the position as Greer's Chief of Police since 2017.

Chief Hamby is a graduate of 215th session of the FBI National Academy. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Anderson University.

Chief Hamby has been married to his wife, Christina, for 33 years. they have two daughters and two grand daughters.

Again, we would like to extend our congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #866.

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

On behalf of South Carolina Criminal Justice Director, Chief Jackie Swindler and all of the academy staff, we would like to congratulate Basic Detention class #492 on their completion of the Basic Detention Academy.

Graduation ceremony will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located on 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. If you cannot make the graduation in person, you can watch the ceremony live right here on this page. The live feed will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The guest speaker for the graduation will be Deputy Director of Hill-Finklea Detention Center, Michael Crumley. Director Crumley began his law enforcement career in 1998 after serving in the United States Air Force.

Director Crumley holds an associate degree in Public Service from Trident Technical College and a Bachelor of Science in Work force Education and Development from Southern Illinois University.

His leadership development includes Leadership Berkeley and the FBI-LEEDA Carolina Command College. He is an active member of the American Jail Association and serves as Treasurer of the South Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association, where he works alongside detention professionals from across the state to advance professionalism and strengthen the detention profession.

Again, congratulations to Basic Detention Class #492. We appreciate your dedication and hard work

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #865. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Director Jackie Swindler and staff appreciate your dedication and wish you the best in this extraordinary career.

Graduation will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. If you can't make the graduation in-person you can watch the ceremony live here on FACEBOOK. The live FACEBOOK feed will begin at 10:00 am.

The guest speaker will be South Carolina Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher N Williamson. Col Williamson began his career in 1986 as a Sheriff at Darlington County Sheriff's Department.

In 1988, Col. Williamson joined the SCHP. Col Williamson's hard work, dedication and leadership led him to excel in his duties and attain positions of progressive responsibility. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel in 2011 and he served as Deputy Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol for five and half years. Williamson was appointed to the rank of Colonel in 2017 making him the first African American to be named to the commander of South Carolina Highway Patrol.

In 2004, Willamson received a master's degree from Webster University in Clinical and Behavioral Counseling. . He later founded a non-profit organization known as the Williamson Forward Progress Youth Services Foundation. The organization provides mentoring and life skill services to youths, helping them to become well-adjusted and contributing members of society.

Col. Williamson, is a 40-year law enforcement veteran, is a member of several professional organizations and serves on several boards throughout the State. His strong team building and networking abilities have enabled him to establish enduring partnerships with law enforcement networks and community builders at all levels. He believes strongly in serving his community and helping others achieve their best.

Again, we would like to extend our congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #865.

09/18/2026

09/17/2026

Congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #864. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Director Jackie Swindler and staff appreciate your dedication and wish you the best in this extraordinary career.

Graduation will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. If you can't make the graduation in-person you can watch the ceremony live here on FACEBOOK. The live FACEBOOK feed will begin at 10:00 am.

The guest speaker will be Sheriff Barry Faile, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Faile is currently serving his 5th term as Sheriff of Lancaster. Sheriff Faile was elected in 2008 and took office in 2009. During his tenure, the sheriff's office has experienced significant growth and modernization, including the expansion of specialized units and services,

Sheriff Faile began his career 37 years ago. He has served in virtually every area of the Sheriff's office. He is strong advocate for professionalism and accountability. Under his leadership, the agency has received accreditation through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council (SCLEA).

Sheriff Faile resides in Lancaster with his wife and three children.

Again, we would like to extend our congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #864.

09/16/2026

Friday, we say goodbye to basic law enforcement class #864 and Sunday we welcome basic law enforcement class #868. Today around 20 recruits secured their seat in BLE class #868 by passing the Physical Ability Test (PAT).

Congratulations to the successful candidates. We will see you on Sunday when you begin the next step to becoming a class 1 certified officer.

Photos by: SCCJA Intern Lacey Chapman

09/16/2026

Flags are once again at half-staff; black mourning bands have been placed around our badges and hearts are heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Charleston County Sheriff's office and the family of Officer Michael Wade Hendricks as they lay Officer Hendricks to rest.

Hendricks was a classmate of Basic Law Enforcement Class # 705. We pray that all who knew and loved Officer Hendricks finds a little piece of peace in this troubled time.