State Budget Boost

The State Budget granted the Department $1 million in June 2024 to upgrade tech at the Newberry County Detention Center and invest in a new bulletproof, all-terrain vehicle.

“We’re a small, rural county,” said Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, “We need some of the same technology that Richland and Lexington has to protect our people and also, need some help in our jails.”

Upgrading Law Enforcement Equipment

Sheriff Foster emphasized that this investment is necessary to keep the community safe. Since the beginning of 2023, the sheriff’s department has dealt with several incidents involving armed suspects. An investment in an all-terrain, bulletproof vehicle will provide the protection officers need during these high-risk situations.

“We didn’t have adequate cover for the officers that responded,” said Sheriff Foster. “We have our own tactical team trained to handle situations like that, but we didn’t have the proper equipment to protect them.”

Enhancing Detention Center Security

In addition to purchasing new vehicles, Sheriff Foster plans to upgrade the camera systems at the Newberry County Detention Center. This improvement is expected to create a safer environment for both inmates and staff.

“It’s a difficult time in corrections; finding people to work and dealing with the various challenges they face,” Foster explained. “Part of this is an intuitive camera system that will help protect the inmates and the people guarding them.”

Looking Ahead

Sheriff Foster hopes the new vehicle will be operational in Newberry County by the summer of 2025. He expects the technology upgrades at the County Detention Center to be completed even sooner.

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