Section 59-116-20 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976 as amended, authorizes the Area Commission to establish a campus police department responsible for: (1) the enforcement of institutional regulations and local and state laws, (2) the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment on all three campus locations, (3) the identification and elimination of hazards and of opportunities for crime, (4) the establishment of effective crime prevention programs, in which the college community is educated to protect life and property, and (5) the maintenance of protective patrols to deter and detect crime, to detect fire and safety hazards, and to prevent traffic accidents and congestion.

Campus police officers must be sworn peace officers, commissioned as state constables by the state law enforcement division pursuant to state law. They must meet the certification standards established by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Campus police officers shall enforce the laws of the state, county, and municipal ordinances in addition to other college policies and pertinent regulations. Campus police officers have the same powers of arrest on the college campuses as any other state police officer and must assist other law enforcement agencies when requested.

Campus police officers are authorized to operate marked emergency vehicles, utilize the police two-way radio system, and while on official business, wear distinctive uniforms that indicate they are campus police officers.