Gov. Nikki Haley Notes Progress on Multiple Fronts at SCDPS

In a press conference outside the statehouse on Wednesday morning, Leroy Smith, Director of South Carolina Department of Public Safety, was joined by Gov. Nikki Haley as he updated safety statistics.

• Usage of restraints in motor vehicles reached a state best 90 percent. It’s the first time the rate has cleared that barrier.
• The state’s roadways have also been safer as 42 fewer people have died in crashes compared to this time last year. The improvement in safety comes as traffic fatalities are on the rise nationally.

Smith credits the improvement to heightened awareness of safety issues made possible through educational programs.

Haley also recognized the Immigration Enforcement Unit, a six-member task force founded last year meant to curb the effects of undocumented residents in the workplace.

“I am proud of what our Immigration Enforcement Unit has accomplished in a short time,” said Smith. “This was a unit created by an act of legislation. When we began putting it together, however, there was no roadmap to follow. We have been fortunate to attract and hire experienced law enforcement officers who have been thoroughly trained in the area of immigration enforcement.”