On The Issues

Yes, I agree with Sheriff Tanner that our County is dealing with increased gang activity and an increased use of illegally modified firearms.

These issues require a multifaceted approach from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

1. Partnerships. The Sheriff’s Office must continue to partner with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure all available resources are being used appropriately. I also plan to support local leaders like Solicitor Duffie Stone, who has consistently advocated for a RICO law that would enhance law enforcement’s ability to investigate and charge, while giving South Carolina prosecutors the ability to effectively prosecute gangs and keep criminals off the street.
2. Alternatives for our youth. We must provide alternative means of engagement to combat the attraction of gang activity and illegally modified firearms. I would work with County Council to continue investing in parks, athletic facilities, community centers, after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, and safe recreational spaces, especially during evening hours when crime and gang recruitment are more likely to occur. That must change.
3. Community engagement. My community engagement team, made up of department personnel, will ensure the Sheriff’s Office is consistently involved in community events and outreach, including the Junior Deputy Academy. I want to expand opportunities for youth to interact with deputies and our K9 teams through school visits, demonstrations, and community events, building trust with the next generation.
4. Boots on the ground. Good old fashioned hard work. I plan to work with County Council to increase salaries that attract and retain exceptional deputies, grow law enforcement presence throughout our community, and expand the current Violent Crime Task Force that targets both violent crime and drugs.
5. Swift prosecution. When someone is arrested and charged, we need swift and robust prosecution. I plan to work with the Solicitor’s Office and our federal partners within the Department of Justice to identify individuals who can be fully prosecuted at the state or federal level.

I believe we must all share the responsibility.

The County of Beaufort could be more responsive in the enforcement of County Ordinances in potential nuisance locations. All citizens have the responsibility to report any concerns or grievances to law enforcement and to their local leaders. The use of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers tip line is critical for those who want to report information anonymously.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office must work in concert with our prosecutors at the Solicitor’s Office and the federal government in identifying bad actors, and we must ensure that those identified individuals receive robust and timely prosecution.

Not all information regarding an active investigation can immediately be shared with the public.

Prematurely releasing certain details can jeopardize investigations, impact victims and witnesses, and ultimately affect the successful prosecution of offenders. However, I plan to continue the use of Nixle, which allows for a text-based notification either countywide or targeted to a particular geographical area, to immediately inform the public of any ongoing or imminent danger.

Following the release of that notification, I would hold press conferences to keep the public informed of the ongoing actions of the Sheriff’s Office. Though information may at times be limited, it is extremely important to reassure the public that the Sheriff’s Office is working diligently, professionally, and compassionately to resolve whatever situation has occurred.

I also plan to utilize the Sheriff’s Office victim advocates to ensure that those directly impacted by an incident receive the care, support, and communication they deserve throughout the process.

Recruitment and retention begins with making sure our personnel feel valued, supported, and properly equipped to do their jobs safely and effectively.

To improve recruitment and retention, we must continue working with County Council to provide competitive wages that allow us to attract and keep high-quality deputies here in Beaufort County. We must also couple competitive pay with continued advancements in technology, training, and equipment so our deputies can work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

After more than two decades in law enforcement, I understand that morale is not built by words alone. It is built by leadership that listens, provides support, and gives deputies the resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

The public’s trust in law enforcement does not end when a shift is over.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is a policy-driven and nationally accredited law enforcement agency through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), with oversight through the Office of Professional Responsibility. Deputies are expected to uphold the law and conduct themselves professionally both on and off duty.

Any actions by a Deputy Sheriff, whether on duty or off duty, are subject to the policies and standards of the Sheriff’s Office, and all potential policy violations are thoroughly reviewed by the Office of Professional Responsibility (Internal Affairs). If any matter rises to the level of potential criminal conduct, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is immediately requested to conduct an independent investigation to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

I fully support that process because our community deserves to know that these matters are handled professionally, fairly, and without any appearance of a conflict of interest.

When a serious incident becomes public, people want answers immediately, and it can be frustrating when all the details cannot yet be released.

However, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is legally and ethically required to protect the integrity of any criminal investigation and future court proceeding. Releasing information too early or inaccurately can jeopardize investigations, impact witnesses and victims, and ultimately affect the outcome of a case.

With that being said, I believe timely communication through Nixle notifications, press conferences, and social media is critical to maintaining public trust. Even when all details cannot yet be shared, the Sheriff’s Office should acknowledge when an incident has occurred, communicate what can responsibly be released, and reassure the public that the matter is being handled professionally, thoroughly, and transparently.

I support the 287(g) program and believe partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement can play an important role in keeping our community safe.

At the same time, I believe every agreement entered into by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office should be carefully reviewed to ensure it is serving the best interests of Beaufort County and being carried out appropriately, professionally, and responsibly. As Sheriff, I will do my due diligence in reviewing all contracts and partnerships to ensure we are working with the right agencies for the right reasons and in a manner that reflects the values of our community.

I also understand the importance of maintaining strong communication and cooperation with our federal partners. Programs such as 287(g) can provide valuable information-sharing opportunities and help law enforcement identify and apprehend undocumented individuals with serious criminal histories who pose a threat to public safety.

When incidents involving law enforcement become highly publicized or controversial, the public wants answers quickly and expects transparency from their Sheriff’s Office.

At the same time, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is legally and ethically required to protect the integrity of any criminal investigation and future court proceeding. With that being said, I believe the immediate disclosure of information that can responsibly be shared through Nixle notifications, press conferences, social media, and direct community engagement is critical to maintaining public trust.

Throughout this campaign, I have made myself available to the public because I believe leadership requires visibility, accessibility, and honest communication, especially during difficult situations. As Sheriff, I will continue that approach by acknowledging incidents early, communicating what can be shared responsibly, and ensuring the public knows these matters are being handled professionally, fairly, and thoroughly.

I have spent the last twenty years actively serving the people of Beaufort County as a Deputy Sheriff.

Working in this community, raising my family here, and building relationships at every level of law enforcement and public service. In fact, if state law did not require me to step away from my position while running for Sheriff, I would still proudly be serving alongside the men and women of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office today.

Over the past eight years, while my opponent has been away from the day-to-day operations of this agency, the Sheriff’s Office has continued evolving through advancements in technology, training, science, accreditation, and modern law enforcement practices. Because I have remained actively involved in this profession and this community, I understand both where this agency has grown and where we must continue improving to meet the needs of our rapidly growing county.

I am not interested in tearing down this agency or the dedicated deputies who serve our community every day. I support them, I respect them, and I want to provide them with the leadership, training, equipment, and support they need to succeed. I believe leadership is about showing up, listening, and being accessible to the people you serve.

My goal is to continue moving the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office forward by strengthening public trust, supporting our deputies, building strong partnerships at the local, state, and federal level, and ensuring Beaufort County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

I encourage anyone who would like to learn more, ask questions, or speak with me directly to visit SeifertForSheriff.com or email me directly at seifertforsheriff@gmail.com. I welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and have an honest conversation about the future of Beaufort County.