South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

09/02/2026

Thank you, Chief Jackie Swindler for 10 years as the Director of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. We appreciate your dedication to your employees and your commitment to the public to put the best trained law enforcement officers in departments around the state. Thank you, Chief and congratulations on 10 years at the helm of SCCJA.

08/31/2026

Our hearts are heavy; our words are light. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Delong family as they endure the unimaginable. As the flags, once again, fly at half staff over the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, we grieve. We grieve with the DeLong family, we grieve with the Columbia Police Department family, and we grieve with all our brothers and sisters in blue, we grieve with the community for a life that was taken too soon.

19 months ago, Officer Christopher DeLong, Jr. walked across the SCCJA graduation stage after he received his certification from his father. For the Academy staff, Officer DeLong was special. Officer DeLong was one of 10 recruits selected to participate in the basic law enforcement 4-week recordings. Which meant Delong and 9 others attended the academy for a full 12 weeks instead of 4 weeks/ 8 weeks split between the academy and their department.

Officer Delong’s time may have been short, but his contribution and his legacy are priceless. In the words of Queen Elizabeth II, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Rest in Peace, Officer Christopher DeLong, Jr. Forever in our hearts.

08/21/2026

Happy Birthday Chief Swindler!! Enjoy your delicious carrot cake!!

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #862. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Director Jackie Swindler and staff appreciate your dedication and wish you the best in this extraordinary career.

Graduation will take place on Friday August 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. If you can't make the graduation in-person you can watch the ceremony live here on FACEBOOK. The live FACEBOOK feed will begin at 10:00 am.

The guest speaker will be Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County Sheriff's Department.

Again, we would like to extend our congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #862

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

On behalf of South Carolina Criminal Justice Director, Chief Jackie Swindler and all of the academy staff, we would like to congratulate Basic Detention class #490 on their completion of the Basic Detention Academy.

Graduation ceremony will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located on 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. If you cannot make the graduation in person, you can watch the ceremony live right here on this page. The live feed will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The guest speaker for the graduation will be Major Nick Gallam, Jail Administrator for Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Major Gallam has dedicated 24 years of service to law enforcement and public service. Gallam has an associate degree from in Criminal Justice from Aiken Technical College and 2012 he earned his certified Jail Manager (CJA) credential. He is also a graduate of the 18th class of National Jail Leadership Academy.

Major Gallam is a respected proven leader. He is the past President of the South Carolina Jail administrators' Association. In 2025 Major Gallam received the Stom Thurman award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.

Major Gallam is a retired military service member. He has been married to his wife, Jessica, for 25 years and they have two wonderful children together.

Again, congratulations to Basic Detention Class #4890. We appreciate your dedication and hard work

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #861. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Director Jackie Swindler and staff appreciate your dedication and wish you the best in this extraordinary career.

Graduation will take place on Friday August 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. If you can't make the graduation in-person you can watch the ceremony live here on FACEBOOK. The live FACEBOOK feed will begin at 10:00 am.

The guest speaker will be Sheriff William "Bill" Rhyne of Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Rhyne was born and raised in Spartanburg County. His decades of public service began in the United States Marine Corps where he learned lessons of discipline, loyalty and honor that has guided him throughout his career and life.

After returning home from the Marines, Sheriff Rhyne began his law enforcement career with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. He later joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol where he served throughout the state in a variety of roles. Sheriff Rhyne's approach to policing has always been grounded in visibility, transparency, and connection.

Sheriff Rhyne's mission is to ensure every community is safe, heard, and respected. He believes it is about being present, well-reasoned in our actions, and building a Sheriff's office that serves every corner of Spartanburg County with honor and integrity while setting the standard for excellence in law enforcement.

Again, we would like to extend our congratulations to Basic Law Enforcement Class #861

08/05/2026

As the flags in front of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy fly at half staff, faculty and staff bow our heads in remembrance of Master Deputy Jillian Olson. A vibrant, compassionate officer, daughter and friend whose life was taken too soon. It wasn’t that long ago that MD Olson walked across the graduation stage with classmates from basic law enforcement class #749. On behalf of Director Jackie Swindler and all the SCCJA employees we offer our most sincere condolences to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Master Deputy Jillian Olson. Rest in Peace Master Deputy Jillian Olson.