Some Marion County 911 workers lack basic certification, state Criminal Justice Academy records show
MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — At least three Marion County 911 employees have worked for more than a year without proper state certification, according to training records News13 obtained from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
News13 asked for the records after being told that multiple dispatchers do not have the basic telecommunications officer certification they are required to obtain within a year of starting work.
Among the uncertified workers, one started work in February 2023 but isn't scheduled for training/certification until December; another started in June 2023 but isn't scheduled for training/certification until January, and the other began work in August 2023 but isn't scheduled for training/certification until December.
In addition to three employees who are not certified, the records show that another worker hired in 2017 only obtained the proper certification in October.
The training takes just a week to complete and costs $350. There are some exceptions including military leave, which are listed below.
Lakisha Grant, the county's 911 director, told News13 she has been working to remedy the situation since taking over.
"Upon assuming the director's position in July 2023, I identified several key areas requiring attention after consulting with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy," Grant said. "We reviewed the academy's requirements and guidelines, developed a plan to ensure compliance, and have been actively working toward meeting all standards. Our department is on track to be fully compliant by the end of this year."
When asked whether the county could be reprimanded, a representative of the Criminal Justice Academy told News13 that it can bring issues to the attention of the state Law Enforcement Training Council , which governs the academy.
The academy representative also said the training council could impose civil penalties. News13 has asked if such penalties have been imposed against Marion County.
* * *
Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13 . He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook , X, formerly Twitter , and read more of his work here .
