Editor’s Note: The following article is the first in a series reviewing crime in Barnwell County in 2011 and local law enforcement’s goals for 2012. Over the coming weeks we will also highlight the Barnwell, Blackville and Williston police departments and Barnwell County Detention Center.

The Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has seen an increase in their caseloads over recent years.
The BCSO had 7,485 cases in 2008. That number has grown by nearly 1,000 reported cases every year to a total of 10,234 cases in 2011. These statistics do not include property checks and the 2011 numbers include 190 metal permits that were not in previous years, said Barnwell County Sheriff Ed Carroll. He has been sheriff in Barnwell County since 2005.
Deputies handle a variety of cases, but have seen larcenies and criminal domestic violence increase the most. Sheriff Carroll said some cases are due to the bad economy, but a number of them are drug related.
While budget constraints won’t allow the sheriff to add additional deputies right now, the BCSO has measures in place to help combat these growing numbers. He said they have moved an investigation position to a road patrol position to “help ease the burden of deputies,” having the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) team perform checkpoints in crime prone areas and having the command staff on the road more often.
He also started a Facebook page last year which has allowed him to get information on crimes out to the public quickly and has brought in tips on crimes. Sheriff Carroll said he’s been “pleased” with Facebook, and hopes to update it more often in 2012.
Though his office does everything they can to keep Barnwell County safe, Sheriff Carroll said, “We can’t do it by ourselves.”
With thefts an issue, including a recent rash of vehicle break-ins near Sweetwater Country Club, Sheriff Carroll said there are simple measures residents can take to help protect themselves, including keeping valuables locked up and out of sight.
He encourages people to be “observant” about their property and that of their neighbors because it’s too easy to become “complacent” with what’s going on. Pay attention to strange vehicles and “learn what’s normal around your area,” he said.
Residents should also photograph expensive items and write down their serial numbers, storing them in a fireproof place. Having the photos and serial numbers of items is “essential” in helping law enforcement find stolen items, Sheriff Carroll said.
Besides Sheriff Carroll, the BCSO includes 11 road deputies, four investigators, two ACE deputies, five school resource officers and office staff. The ACE deputies also serve the 1,330 active warrants in the county, which does not include ones in Blackville and Williston.
“I hope we have a good year,” said Sheriff Carroll.
The BCSO can be contacted at (803) 541-1052 or on Facebook by searching “Barnwell Sheriff Ed Carroll. In an emergency dial 911.