About Sheriff Anthony Russell

Sheriff Anthony Russell was born and raised in Hampton County. He began his career in Law Enforcement in 1997 at Hampton County Sheriff Office where he remained for the last 26 years. He was first hired as a deputy. During that time, he attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he became a Class I officer. He also attended the South Carolina Fire academy in 1995 where he became a certified fireman and First Responder for Hampton County. He went on to pursue and obtain a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Claflin University. During this time, he continued to advance his knowledge and education in law enforcement and its practices. He continues to update himself with the latest in technology and advancements. Having the opportunity to work his way through the ranks awarded him a promotion as Captain. He held the title as Captain at Hampton County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. During his career, he received numerous awards, commendations, and honors. In 2011 he received an award for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to Hampton County Citizens and “Taking Your Place In Society”. He was awarded Officer of the Year 5 times. He was awarded the “Isiah Rudy Loadholt Award” in 2012, for Excellence in Integrity and Leadership. He went on to oversee the Special Operations Unit which includes Criminal Investigation Division, Narcotics, K-9, Court House Security, Gang Unit, SRO, Traffic Unit, Civil Process, and Crime Suppression Unit (Road Patrol). Sheriff Anthony Russell has been active in a number of professional and law enforcement organizations including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Sex Trafficking Task Force in the Low Country Region, Child Fatality Review team board, and the Technical College of the Lowcountry Criminal Justice Advisory Committee board. He also supervised the Explorers programs Post 605 in Hampton County.  Sheriff Anthony Russell understands the importance of mentoring the next generations that are interested in criminal justice. Sheriff Russell's aims to tackle controversial matters that plague the community. He is firm in doing what is right, not what is convenient; it is his driving force. Sheriff Russell will continually be working toward building public trust by bringing accountability and transparency to this agency and to this community. All HCSO deputies are held accountable for their actions and will make discretionary decision relying on policy and procedures. He will continue to enforce and accomplish this by appointing new members to the Professional Standards Committee, which will include members from the community, school leaders, and clergy, to review internal disciplinary matters. In addition, he will work to establish a Use of Force Review Board, the first ever in HCSOs history.  

Community Policing: Sheriff Russell is working to instill into the agency his core belief of community policing. He is working to establish a program to help stabilize the violence in our communities. Sheriff Russell has a plan to curb the gun violence and make all of us feel safe in our neighborhoods by initiating the “see something, say something” program within the community and schools. This will encourage better relationships between law enforcement and community members as well. He will continue to bring the same tireless work ethic that has been characteristic of his career to ensure HCSO continues to serve and protect its citizens in the most efficient manner possible.