South Carolina Law Enforcement Chaplaincy

Frequently Asked Questions  
 

What is the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy for South Carolina (LECSC)?

The LECSC is a 501c3 organization, governed by a Board of twelve volunteers, which exists solely for the support of the law enforcement community and crime victims in South Carolina. Contributions to LECSC are 100% tax deductible. 

 
What types of ministry, services, and support does LECSC provide?

The LECSC provides financial support for worthy programs which assist law enforcement officers, staff, and families.

Examples:

  • Private scholarship aid for marriage and family counseling
  • Private scholarship aid for general or trauma related counseling
  • Funding for the annual Post Critical Incident Seminar
  • Food, lodging, and travel expenses for volunteers assisting with critical incident support services
  • Training for volunteers and staff

What is the annual Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS)?

The PCIS is an annual three-day seminar for 30 South Carolina officers who have experienced highly traumatic events in the line of duty. Patterned after a model used by the FBI, the PCIS allows officers to "tell their story" in the presence of law enforecement peers, receive peer support and traumatic stress training, and access one-on-one therapy uniquely suited to law enforcement trauma.

Read comments from officers attending a PCIS.

Why might an officer need scholarchip assistance for marriage and family counseling, trauma counseling, or other one-on-one counsel?
An entry-level state trooper earns in the range of $38,300 per year. Most counselors charge in the range of $65-$120 per hour. Given the limited personal resources of many law enforcement families, the LECSC scholarship helps cover the gap between what insurance will pay and the actual cost of counseling.
What is the relationship between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SCLEAP) and the LECSC?
The SCLEAP is a unique partnership between four state police agencies: SLED, SCDNR, SCDPPS and SCDPS. SCLEAP provides a full range of Employee Assistance Program Services as well as the corrdination of a statewide cadre of volunteer chaplains. Also, SCLEAP coordinates a statewide Critical Incident Stress Management Team consisting of over 86 law enforcement officers, 14 mental health professionals, and 20 law enforcement chaplains. The staff of SCLEAP are Rev. Dr. J. Eric Skidmore and Rev. David Tafaoa. The LECSC, a 501c3 organization, exists solely in support of the mission and ministry of SCLEAP. A full description of SCLEAP services is available upon request.
Does LECSC and SCLEAP assist local police departments?
Abolutely! As outlined in SC Code Section 23-3-65 and upon request, the staff and volunteers of SCLEAP and resources of LECSC are available to state and local officers in all 46 counties of South Carolina. SCLEAP and LECSC acknowledge the value and priority of local law enforcement chaplains, mental health professionals, and critical incident teams. Services are mobilized only upon request by authorized persons.
Who supports the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy for South Carolina?

Since our formation in 1997, we have been supported by

  • Churches and houses of worship
  • Law enforcement officers and non-sworn personnel
  • Interested individuals
  • Board members of LECSC
  • Private foundations
  • Religious and church-based foundations
How can I support LECSC?

Individuals, religious institutions, foundations, and all interested parties are invited to make financial contributions to LECSC by sending funds to:

LECSC
P.O. Box 6426
Columbia, SC 29260

What types of giving will help LECSC the most?

The following types of gifts will be most helpful:

  • Annual or monthly contributions to the general fund of LECSC
  • Assisting LECSC to become a regular line-item in the benevolence budget of your house of worship
  • Annual payroll deduction gift through the United Way Campaign
  • A commitment to cover all or part of the cost of the annual PCIS ($20,000)
  • An in-kind gift which has a marketable cash value
  • A planned gift using a planned giving instrument such as: Pooled Income Fund, Charitable Remainder Unitrust, Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust, Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Lead Trust, Revocable Charitable Trust, Insurance Policies

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