Safety patrols increase around the State House

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Drive by or visit the S.C. State House recently, and you’ve probably noticed more police officers. The S.C. Department of Public Safety has increased patrols to make sure the State House is protected, the grounds are maintained and protesters are safe. “No one should be afraid to visit our State House,” DPS Director Leroy Smith says. Patrols responded quickly Monday night, when a scuffle ended in an arrest. The Confederate flag flying out front is what’s causing all the trouble, but Smith says they’re used to a volatile environment. “We are very accustomed to being very flexible and responding to different situations,” he says. Smith says the past few weeks have presented a new set of challenges. “We have definitely increased our law enforcement presence.” The department is emphasizing free speech that’s expressed peacefully, orderly and respectfully. DPS could not talk exact numbers on manpower, but they did make it clear, from the state to the city, this is a multifaceted effort. They’ll be positioned, ready for anything, as long as they have to.