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A Message from Sheriff P.J. Tanner

I was born, raised and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the vast majority of my law enforcement career, which began in 1981, right here in Beaufort County. I consider it an honor to continue to serve as Beaufort County Sheriff, since first being elected in 1998.
As your elected Sheriff, I have taken an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of South Carolina and of the United States, and it is my job to ensure that the Constitutional rights of all Beaufort County residents and guests are upheld. At the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, an internationally accredited law enforcement agency since 2010, our operations are guided by recognized best, smart and ethical law enforcement policies and practices. I remain committed to providing the highest quality law enforcement services to Beaufort County; embracing the evolving needs of our community; and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the Sheriff’s Office.


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NEWSROOM
Man in custody after early morning break-in of Hilton Head Island residence
Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Kewyn Louis Williams for two counts of first-degree burglary, voyeurism, peeping tom, indecent exposure and petit larceny. Shortly before 5 a.m. on January 5, 2023, deputies were called to a home on Mathews Drive on Hilton Head Island for a report of a burglary. Once on […]
Read MoreSheriff’s Office awarded accreditation at state and international level
We are pleased to announce the Sheriff’s Office was awarded state reaccreditation (dual) by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council (SCLEA). State Accreditation represents a strong commitment to professional excellence and is indicative of strong leadership and strict adherence to standards. Our agency has been accredited through SCLEA since 2010. This accreditation is awarded […]
Read MoreForensic science and genealogy help identify 1995 murder victim as a Florida woman
After more than 27 years, through advanced DNA technology and genealogy research, the murder victim found on May 24, 1995, off Cotton Hall Road in Yemassee has been identified as Maria Telles-Gonzalez of Kissimmee, Florida. Case History On May 24, 1995, an employee from the South Carolina Highway Department discovered a deceased woman in a […]
Sheriff’s Office announces first of its kind initiative among state law enforcement agencies in digital forensics technology
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce a first of its kind initiative in the state of South Carolina among law enforcement agencies in regards to digital forensics. Nearly one year ago, Sheriff P.J. Tanner began the process of bringing together 15 agencies to advance technology throughout the state, while cutting costs to […]
Hilton Head Island woman loses more than $60,000 in scam
A Hilton Head Island woman lost more than $60,000 in a scam. At the end of last week, the woman received an email from who she believed to be the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The email stated her protection plan was going to renew and if she wished to cancel the renewal, she needed […]
Read MoreHilton Head Island woman loses more than $100,000 in scam
A Hilton Head Island woman falls victim to a scam, losing $130,000. The woman reported to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office she had hand delivered more than $100,000 to an individual who claimed to be a government agent. She had been scammed. The scam started with a phone call at the end of June. The […]
Read MoreForensic science and genealogy help identify 1995 murder victim as a Florida woman
After more than 27 years, through advanced DNA technology and genealogy research, the murder victim found on May 24, 1995, off Cotton Hall Road in Yemassee has been identified as Maria Telles-Gonzalez of Kissimmee, Florida. Case History On May 24, 1995, an employee from the South Carolina Highway Department discovered a deceased woman in a […]
Read MoreHilton Head Island woman loses more than $60,000 in scam
A Hilton Head Island woman lost more than $60,000 in a scam. At the end of last week, the woman received an email from who she believed to be the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The email stated her protection plan was going to renew and if she wished to cancel the renewal, she needed […]
Read MoreHilton Head Island woman loses more than $100,000 in scam
A Hilton Head Island woman falls victim to a scam, losing $130,000. The woman reported to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office she had hand delivered more than $100,000 to an individual who claimed to be a government agent. She had been scammed. The scam started with a phone call at the end of June. The […]
Read MoreMan in custody after early morning break-in of Hilton Head Island residence
Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Kewyn Louis Williams for two counts of first-degree burglary, voyeurism, peeping tom, indecent exposure and petit larceny. Shortly before 5 a.m. on January 5, 2023, deputies were called to a home on Mathews Drive on Hilton Head Island for a report of a burglary. Once on […]
Read MoreSheriff’s Office awarded accreditation at state and international level
We are pleased to announce the Sheriff’s Office was awarded state reaccreditation (dual) by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council (SCLEA). State Accreditation represents a strong commitment to professional excellence and is indicative of strong leadership and strict adherence to standards. Our agency has been accredited through SCLEA since 2010. This accreditation is awarded […]
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