SLED Security Officer

What Does It Mean to Be SLED-Certified?

In South Carolina, private security is regulated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). A SLED-Certified Security Officer is not just a guard in a uniform—they are licensed, trained, and legally authorized professionals entrusted with protecting people and property.

The Difference SLED Certification Makes

Unlike unregulated security in other states, SLED officers operate under strict state oversight. That certification grants them:

  • Legal Authority: Within their contracted areas, SLED-certified officers carry the same authority as sheriff’s deputies, including arrest powers.

  • Professional Training: Officers must undergo background checks, state-approved instruction, and ongoing education to maintain their license.

  • Accountability: Every officer is held to the standards set by SLED, ensuring professionalism, reliability, and compliance with state law.

Roles of SLED-Certified Officers

  • Private Security Officers: Employed directly by businesses or organizations to protect their property, staff, and guests.

  • Contract Security Officers: Supplied through licensed security companies, stationed at venues like resorts, hospitals, shopping centers, or events.

  • Proprietary Security Officers: Employed in-house by a single company to safeguard its own operations.

No matter the role, SLED-certified officers bring a visible deterrent, a rapid response capability, and legal authority that makes them a critical layer of protection for South Carolina communities.

Why It Matters for You

When you hire Island Security Services, you’re not just getting a “security guard.” You’re bringing in a state-certified officer with real authority, advanced training, and the professionalism to protect your property, your guests, and your peace of mind.

Did You Know?

Not All Security Officers Are the Same

When shopping for security, it’s important to know exactly what SLED regulations allow — and require:

  • Unarmed SLED-Certified Officers

    • Licensed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

    • Authority to observe, report, and detain when necessary

    • Provide a visible deterrent and enforce property rules

    • Hold state-certified arrest powers in their contracted areas (even without firearms)

  • Armed SLED-Certified Officers

    • Licensed, trained, and qualified in firearms, use-of-force, and de-escalation

    • Authorized to respond to high-risk threats with the proper tools and training

    • Carry the same arrest powers as sheriff’s deputies within their contracted areas

⚠️ By law, every security officer in South Carolina must be SLED certified.
It is illegal for a company to place unlicensed, uncertified guards on your property.

When you hire Island Security Services, you are guaranteed officers who are fully vetted, licensed, and legally empowered to protect your business, your guests, and your peace of mind.