Batesburg-Leesville Hires New Police Chief

Posted 5/18/22

Darren Amick has been hired to lead the town’s police department.

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Batesburg-Leesville Hires New Police Chief

Posted

There’s a new chief in Batesburg-Leesville.

Darren Amick has been hired to lead the town’s police department, according to a Wednesday press release.

Wallace Oswald, who served as chief for 42 years, is retiring effective July 1. His departure was announced in January.

According to the town website, the police department has 22 officers in addition to  an investigator and four dispatchers and detention officers.

“I can’t begin to describe how difficult it has been to go through this process and to find the person you feel is right to follow in the footsteps of [Oswald],” Town Manager Ted Luckadoo is quoted. “We had a wonderful pool of candidates, both internal and external, and there were so many great options to decide from, but ultimately you must select a candidate based on overall credentials and ability to lead and Darren was the most qualified and experienced person. 

“I know he will come in and lead the department, pick up on where Chief Oswald is leaving off, and move us into the future. Change is always difficult, but I know his experience will be very beneficial during this time of change.”

The release describes the hiring process as having lasted two months, including panel interviews with “highly regarded law enforcement officials,” city managers and officials from the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

“Amick was the best choice and brought the most management and leadership experience to continue what Chief Oswald has built,” the release states.

According to the release, Amick resides in the Gilbert area, and his career in law enforcement has lasted more than 36 years. He was a part of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, where he progressed through various leadership roles across 13 years — lieutenant of narcotics/task force commander, captain/region commander, captain/headquarters commander. His last position with the sheriff’s department was major of operations.

He also served three years in the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office as a chief investigator and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

In November 2020, he joined the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy as an instructor and training coordinator for the Mobile Training Unit.

“When you talk about Mr. Amick’s experience and leadership, he has led from the front across many different aspects of law enforcement to include instructing, community policing, narcotics, operations, investigations, and most importantly administration,” Luckadoo is quoted.

According to the release, Amick’s first action as chief was to promote Captain Dave Bouknight to major and assistant police chief.

“I’m looking forward to working with the men and women of BLPD, the Town Council, and more importantly the community as we provide professional law enforcement services,” the new chief is quoted. “I know following in the footsteps of Chief Oswald will be no easy task, but I know he has built a strong foundation of success and I intend to continue and build on those successes. My vision is one of strong community relationships, community policing, and serving others.”

batesburg-leesville police, chief wallace oswald, darren amick, town manager ted luckadoo, lexington county law enforcement

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