Florence County Sheriff Boosts Deputy Patrols

Recruitment drive aims to expand force to highest levels ever.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny metal sheriff's badge reflecting a bright flash of light, conveying the serious and investigative nature of law enforcement.The Florence County Sheriff's Office aims to expand its deputy force to historic levels, bolstering public safety through increased law enforcement presence.Florence Today

Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye announced plans to significantly increase the number of deputies patrolling the streets of Florence County, South Carolina. Joye said the department is currently in the midst of an aggressive recruitment drive to fill open positions and expand the force to its highest staffing levels on record.

Why it matters

The move comes as Florence County has seen an uptick in certain types of crime, with the sheriff's office looking to bolster public safety through greater law enforcement presence across the county. Expanding the deputy force is also expected to improve response times and provide more resources for community policing initiatives.

The details

Sheriff Joye stated the department currently has five open deputy positions that they are actively working to fill through the recruitment drive. Once those slots are occupied, the Florence County Sheriff's Office will have the largest number of deputies on staff in its history. The expanded force is intended to provide more patrols in high-crime areas and allow for greater community engagement efforts.

  • The recruitment drive began 23 days ago.
  • Sheriff Joye made the announcement about the expanded deputy force on April 17, 2026.

The players

T.J. Joye

The Sheriff of Florence County, South Carolina, who is leading the effort to increase the number of deputies in the county.

Florence County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Florence County, South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure Florence County remains a safe place for our residents and businesses. Boosting our deputy force is a critical step in that direction.”

— T.J. Joye, Sheriff, Florence County

What’s next

The sheriff's office will continue its recruitment efforts to fill the remaining open deputy positions in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This proactive move by the Florence County Sheriff's Office demonstrates a commitment to public safety and community policing through strategic staffing increases, which could serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies facing similar challenges.