Hampton Co. sheriff reports drop in crime, seeks better pay and facilities to retain deputies

HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Hampton County Sheriff Anthony Russell says crime has decreased in the county, but he is also focused on reducing the number of deputies leaving for other agencies.Russell told WTOC he wants to increase deputies’ pay and find funding for a new law enforcement complex. New vehicles and updated body armor are also expected for deputies soon after state lawmakers granted the department over $700,000,The sheriff said his deputies currently earn less than officers at other agencies in the area. He hopes higher pay will help attract applicants and keep deputies in Hampton County.Russell said the sheriff’s current office on Cemetery Road in Varnville is old and worn down. He is working to find funding for a new complex and said improving the condition and security of the jail is a priority.“Our jail back there is in really bad shape, and it hasn’t gotten that way overnight; it’s been that way for a very long time, and we’ve got to be able to secure that,” Russell