There are a number of specialized certification pins, award ribons, and collateral duty pins which the department recognizes and permits officers to
wear on the uniform. Pins are worn on the uniform to designate an officers achievment and specialization which they have become certified in.
While the officer is not permitted to wear a pin for an award or certification which they do not have, they are not mandated to wear a certification pin
if they do not choose to. The pins described below are only pins which are traffic related.
Specialized Unit Pin
Officers assigned to the Traffic Unit are issued this pin which signifies that they are a Traffic Unit officer. This pin may only be worn by officers currently assigned to the Traffic Unit.
Specialized Certification Pin
Officers obtaining certification in the use of police radar/Lidar operations are permitted to wear this pin. Officers are instructed on topics which include; Radar/Lidar policy and procedure, Legal requirements, Case law, Factors affecting Radar/Lidar, Visual speed estimates, Technical aspects of Radar/Lidar, and Practical & written Examination. Once certified, successful re-certification is required every two years. This pin may be worn by any officer in the department who completes the certification process.
Specialized Certification Pin
Officers obtaining certification in the use of Breath Alcohol Datamaster machine are permitted to wear this pin. Successful re-certification is required every three years. This pin may be worn by any officer in the department who completes the certification process.
Specialized Certification Pin
Officers selected for possible assignment to the Motor Squad must successfully pass an intensive 80 hour certification course designed to provide the skills necessary for the safe operation of a police motorcycle. Certification is dependent on the officer being able to exibit riding qualities and abilities throughout the 80 hours that are not only meant to be highly challenging, but meant to ensure that the rider has been given a good foundation for thier riding career. Re-certification is required on an annual basis. While a police motorcycle certified officer is permitted to maintain their certification if they leave the Traffic Unit, this pin may only be worn by officers assigned to the Traffic Unit.
Specialized Certification Pin
To become a Police motorcycle instructor, an officer must have a current basic police motorcycle operator certification and then successfully complete an additional 80 hours of intensive training at an approved police motorcycle instructor school. This certification permits the officer to teach the basic police motorcycle certification course. Re-certification is maintained by completing the basic motorcycle operator certification. While a police motorcycle certified officer is permitted to maintain their certification if they leave the Traffic Unit, this pin may only be worn by officers assigned to the Traffic Unit.
Award ribbon pin
Officers successfully obtaining certification in all of the following courses can apply to be recognized by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Traffic Safety Officer (TSO): Radar/Lidar Operator, Datamaster Operator, Advanced D.U.I. Detection Techniques, Traffic Safety Checkpoints, At Scene Collision Investigations, Technical Collision Investigations, and Collision Reconstruction courses. This pin may be worn by any officer in the department who obtains the required certifications and completes the award recognition process.
