SC Criminal Justice Academy expanding facilities

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The facilities that serve as a training ground for South Carolina’s law enforcement officials are getting a facelift.

Public Safety Director Mark Keel graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy in 1977. He told a crowd at the academy Wednesday how important it is for law officers at the state, local and federal levels to collaborate to keep residents safe.

Gov. Nikki Haley stressed her administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement.

New buildings include a full-sized gymnasium, full-service kitchen, dining room, classrooms and a dormitory with more than 200 beds.

Officials say the expansion will improve training and allow them to extend a basic training program from nine weeks to 12 weeks. The $14 million cost was funded by a $5 surcharge on court fines imposed throughout the state.