LCSD

Being victimized by crime can be a traumatic experience often causing the victim to feel they have no where to turn. However, it is a goal of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to provide crime victims with resources and services to move forward with their lives.

The Sheriff’s Department is staffed with Victim Assistance Officers and coordinators tasked with the responsibility of providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services to crime victims. On a daily basis, incident reports are reviewed and victims are contacted either by phone or mail. Assistance offered to victims includes emotional support, referral to specific agencies for focused follow-up services, assistance with court proceedings, guidance through the criminal justice process, and help with receiving compensation for violent crimes. When requested, Victim Assistance personnel also work with the Lexington County Coroner’s Office to assist in making death notifications and to provide counseling to family members.

Victims have rights, and it is important for any crime victim to be aware of those rights. Victims and witnesses of crime have the RIGHT to:

  • The right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity;
  • The right to be informed of their constitutional rights as a victim;
  • The right to be reasonably informed when the accused is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped;
  • The right to be informed of, and be present at, all criminal proceedings which may result in a possible disposition of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present;
  • The right to be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings that affect bond or bail;
  • The right to be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest decision, a plea, or sentencing;
  • The right to be protected through reasonable measures from the accused or persons acting on behalf of the accused throughout the criminal justice process;
  • The right to confer with the prosecution, after the suspect has been charged, before the trial, or before any disposition, and to be informed of the disposition of the case;
  • The right to have reasonable access, after the conclusion of the criminal investigation, to review or obtain case documents relating to the crime against the victim unless such information is protected by law;
  • The right to receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted person or persons;
  • The right to be informed of any proceedings when any post-conviction action or hearing is being conducted and the right to be present at any hearing; and
  • The right to a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case.

 

To speak with a Victim Assistance Officer, call the Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230.  

Victims of a crime, you may request a copy of the incident report here.

SC SAVIN is a free service, available 24 hours a day in both English and Spanish. The service is powered by VINE, Victim Information and Notification Everyday. SC SAVIN provides information and notifications regarding offenders. Crime victims, law enforcement officers, and concerned citizens are welcome to use the system to search for an offender or register for notifications by