News Summary

Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer has shared his objectives as he completes his first six months in office. With a focus on community engagement, the sheriff aims to improve law enforcement facilities, enhance school safety, and increase transparency and communication with the public. Significant funding will support these initiatives, including the construction of a new law enforcement complex and investment in equipment upgrades. Sawyer’s experience and vision for collaborative policing promises to strengthen community relationships and improve safety throughout Aiken County.

Aiken, SC – Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer has outlined his goals and achievements as he completes the first six months of his tenure, which began on January 7, 2025. Sawyer, who is the 19th sheriff in Aiken County, succeeded retired Sheriff Mike Hunt and is focusing on transitioning from city policing to overseeing law enforcement in the entire county.

One of Sheriff Sawyer’s most significant projects involves the construction of the new Aiken County Law Enforcement Complex, which will be built next to the Aiken County Jail. This initiative aims to address current operational challenges within the sheriff’s department, where around half of the department’s offices are located in jail cells. The new headquarters is expected to improve working conditions for deputies while enhancing overall law enforcement services in the area.

Tragedy has recently struck the Aiken County Detention Center, where an inmate has died, prompting an emphasis on transparency in law enforcement operations under Sawyer’s leadership. The sheriff’s office is actively increasing its presence on social media, with its Facebook program expanding tenfold. Posts are made four to five times a week to highlight positive community events and foster better communication with the public.

In addition to improving communication, Sheriff Sawyer has made the safety and security of schools a priority. Currently, 14 to 15 public schools in Aiken County lack dedicated school resource officers. Sawyer aims to provide an officer for every school, enhancing protection and support for students and staff.

The sheriff’s office is also set to receive substantial funding for necessary upgrades. A total of $1.5 million has been allocated for vehicle upgrades, while $3 million over three years will be used for body-worn videos, in-car cameras, and tasers. These investments are part of Sawyer’s broader strategy to bolster law enforcement presence in high-crime neighborhoods by adding between 12 to 20 patrol cars and conducting checkpoints in locations known for drug-related activities.

Recognizing the importance of mental health support for deputies, Sawyer is implementing mandatory debriefs following high-stress incidents. He is also spearheading the development of a community-run foundation to support deputies facing hardships and to assist local children in accessing summer camps and programs. This initiative exemplifies Sawyer’s commitment to community engagement and the well-being of his staff.

Enhancing staff morale and training has been a key focus for Sawyer since taking office. He is dedicated to improving working conditions, including addressing issues like mold and mildew that have been reported in the current sheriff’s office building. The construction of the new headquarters is one aspect of his plan to enhance the working environment for deputies.

Furthermore, Sheriff Sawyer is working to increase law enforcement visibility in rural areas throughout Aiken County, aiming to build stronger relationships within the community and collaborate effectively with other law enforcement agencies. His experience of over 35 years in the Aiken Department of Public Safety, where he held various leadership roles including Captain of Investigations, positions him well to tackle the challenges of leading the sheriff’s department.

As the new sheriff continues to settle into his role, the community can expect ongoing efforts to address crime, enhance safety, and strengthen the relationship between the sheriff’s office and Aiken County residents.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Marty Sawyer’s Time as Aiken County Sheriff
• Post and Courier: Aiken Sheriff Republican Club Briefing
• WFXG: Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer Sworn In
• Google Search: Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer
• WJBF: Marty Sawyer to Become Aiken’s New Sheriff
• Wikipedia: Aiken County, South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.