South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Succeeds with Electronic Detection K9
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) acquired Electronics Detection K9 Chip to assist Probation and Parole Agents in their search for hidden electronics by individuals that attempt to possess Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). K9 Chip, is a Golden Retriever-Labrador mix donated to the Department by Defenders For Children and trained by Jordan Detection K9 in Indiana.
Since 2022, K9 Chip’s searches have resulted in 141 violations of offenders on active supervision with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. To date, K9 Chip and his Handler, Agent Benjy Partain have conducted more than 240 searches with over 730 devices found. Canines have an incredible sense of smell and Electronic Detection K-9s are trained to sniff out the chemical compound which is used in the production of electronics.
Electronic Detection Canine Handler, Agent Benjy Partain and K9 Chip have assisted law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina including; Aiken County Sheriff’s Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Greenville County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcement Unit, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Walhalla Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
SCDPPPS supervises 22,779 offenders living in the community throughout South Carolina. As of August 31, 2024, there are 808 active offenders under SCDPPPS sex offender supervision. The Department is charged with the supervision of offenders placed on probation by the Court, granted parole by the Board of Paroles and Pardons, or statutorily released to one of the Agency’s supervision programs.
To schedule an interview with Agent Benjy Partain and K9 Chip, please contact Anita Dantzler.
Media Contact:
Anita Dantzler, SCDPPPS Public Information Director
Email: Anita.Dantzler@ppp.sc.gov Cell: 803-205-5095
Press Release - October 28, 2024
Halloween Curfew Announced for Sex Offenders on Probation and Parole
During the 2024 Halloween season, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) will enforce a statewide curfew for sex offenders under its supervision, whose crime is against a child.
The restrictions for child sex offenders on probation, parole and other types of community supervision under the jurisdiction of SCDPPPS are as follows:
Statewide Curfew: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Halloween, October 31st
This applies to all persons under supervision for a sex offense whose crime is against a child. (Note:This does not apply to all registered sex offenders, many of whom are no longer on probation or parole and therefore not under the jurisdiction of SCDPPPS.)
All actively supervised sex offenders are instructed to remain at home during the restricted time frames and will be under surveillance checks conducted by Agents during home visits on Halloween night.
Child Sex offenders have been notified to:
Have no porch or exterior lights on outside of their houses;
Make no candy distribution;
Stay inside their homes and participate in no Halloween parties or carnivals.
Please note that these restrictions apply only to child sex offenders under the jurisdiction of SCDPPPS.
Halloween 2023 Statistics:
625 sex offender residence checks were performed across all SC counties by 174 SCDPPPS Agents.
Six arrests were made on Halloween night; 11 during the month of October
Media Contact:
Anita Dantzler, SCDPPPS Public Information Director Office: 803-734-9267 Cell: 803-205-5095
Press Release - October 21, 2024
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Announces Parole Hearing Date for Susan Smith
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) has noted an escalation in media and public attention related to the parole eligibility and hearing of Inmate Susan Smith (SCDC ID: 00221487). The parole hearing will be held on November 20, 2024.
All members of the media should email SCDPPPS Public Information Director at Anita.Dantzler@ppp.sc.gov for directives. SCDPPPS has protocols in place that must be followed during this parole hearing.
To preserve decorum in the parole boardroom, a pool connection will be available for all media onsite.
Immediately following the parole hearing, a press conference will be held at 293 Greystone Boulevard, Columbia, South Carolina.
MEDIA NOTE: Parking for media will open at the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services at 6:30 a.m., on November 20, 2024.
Media Contact: Anita Dantzler, SCDPPPS Public Information Director
E: Anita.Dantzler@ppp.sc.gov C: 803-205-5095
July 2024
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Announces New Employment Laptop Program
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) is pleased to announce the procurement of 21 laptops currently being distributed to probation and parole county offices for offenders to use to seek employment. These laptops are equipped with wireless modems (no need to connect to a network) and have various programs installed that can help offenders with the tasks associated with job searches (creating résumés, cover letters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).
Offenders may also use these laptops to participate virtually in the programs required to meet the conditions of their supervision, such as Batterer’s Intervention, Substance Use Education, and Sex Offender Treatment. Depending on usage, these laptops will be moved to other county offices on a rotating schedule to improve access for offenders across the state who are seeking employment. Use of the laptops will be monitored by agency staff, and the laptops will not be loaned to offenders on an individual basis. Users must review and sign an agreement that lists the rules and recommendations for using the devices.
The laptops have wireless modems (i.e., no need to connect to a network). Users are subject to legal process and other consequences if these devices are used in a way that violates their supervision conditions, such as contacting a victim. Administrators can review websites and software accessed by users to ensure compliance with the conditions of an individual’s supervision.
SCDPPPS supervises over 19,900 offenders throughout the state. Currently, approximately 26% of those offenders are unemployed. This program reflects the Department’s strides to uphold its mission, “To prepare offenders under our supervision toward becoming productive members of the community.”
