History

In 1786, Greenville County was formed.  Greenville County was part of the Ninety Six District and was serviced by the Sheriff of that District.  In 1791 a new district was formed to include Greenville and Pendleton Counties, this was named the Washington District and it existed until 1799. 

In 1795 Robert Maxwell, a Revolutionary War hero, was appointed as Sheriff of the District.  He lived in Greenville County, and was killed by an ambush on November 10, 1797 while crossing the Saluda River shoals where Piedmont Mill Dam was later built.  His grave is located fifteen miles south of Greenville, near Ware Place.
 
During this time many important public officials, including the Sheriff, were elected to their position by the Legislature.  The people of South Carolina, however, felt that this important position should answer directly to them for his actions and performance.   In 1808, legislation was enacted to provide for the election of the Sheriff by the citizens of the county, rather than by politicians.  This method of election was placed into our State Constitution in 1868.  The Office of Sheriff in Greenville County began.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office has transformed from the ancient office created over a thousand years ago in England, to a New World colony, to a frontier county, to a modern, computerized law enforcement agency serving a busy metropolitan county of over 451,000 residents.

The Sheriff's Office is composed of over 400 deputies, 9 reserve deputies, 74 crossing guards and 99 civilian employees.  These men and women are professional in their training and dedicated in their service.  Their purpose is clear; to provide professional law enforcement services to the people of Greenville County.  With this commitment and the support of our progressive citizens, the future promises to be just as remarkable as the past.