Berkeley County deputies receive pay raises as agency hits full staffing for first time since 2021

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is now fully staffed for the first time since 2021, and officials say a newly approved pay raise is a big reason why.

County council voted Tuesday night to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget, which includes a $1.2 million increase in deputy salaries. The raise applies to all ranks within the department, except the sheriff, and goes into effect July 1. Deputies will also remain eligible for cost-of-living and merit increases throughout the year.

“It’s a one-time increase across all ranks,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb. “And we’ve spent the highest percentage of new county revenue this year on public safety.”

According to Cribb, growth in Berkeley County led to an additional $10 million in new revenue this year, down slightly from $14 million the year prior. But unlike previous cycles, this year’s funding strategy focused less on creating new positions and more on stabilizing the ones already filled.

“If you have a bunch of vacant positions, it doesn’t matter how many positions you have, they’re vacant,” said Cribb. “The sheriff’s focus this year was, ‘Let’s take care of the people we have.’”

The budget also funds five new deputy positions and eight new jailers, which Sheriff Duane Lewis said will help meet the demands of a growing county that spans nearly 1,200 square miles, making it the largest in the state.

“We are fully staffed for the first time since 2021 at both the sheriff’s office and the detention center, which is unheard of these days,” said Lewis. “[County Council] agreed that it was needed, and came aboard and voted last night and approved the budget”

Lewis said full staffing will allow for more deputies on patrol, shorter response times, and a renewed focus on proactive policing, particularly in high-growth neighborhoods like Cane Bay, Nexton, and parts of Moncks Corner.

The sheriff’s office is also developing new community programs now that staffing levels allow for more flexibility. One initiative in the works would pair deputies and volunteers to check in regularly with elderly residents. Another would create deeper connections between deputies and HOA groups in fast-growing subdivisions.

“When you’re short staffed, those specialized programs are the first things that go,” Cribb said. “Now, we can bring some of those back.”

Cribb added that increased staffing also opens the door for more internal mobility and career development.

“You can start off as a road deputy and work your way into marine patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, or special crimes,” he said. “It’s a way to keep experienced officers engaged while giving them room to grow.”

Officials said no other county departments saw reduced funding to accommodate the pay increases.

“We have about 55 departments in the county, and everyone got the equipment and support they needed,” said Cribb. “Nobody was shortchanged to make this happen.”

The sheriff’s office also operates several cadet programs for high school students, including a Boy Scouts law enforcement track that allows students to compete and potentially transition into full-time roles when they turn 21.

As the department moves into its next chapter, Sheriff Lewis said the focus will remain on service, connection and preparation.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of county council and without the support of the community,” said Lewis.