Pickens Co. sheriff runoff: Meet Blankenship and James, the 2 remaining GOP candidates (2024)

PICKENS — Two candidates are going back on the Republican primary ballot June 25 vying for the spot as Pickens County’s next sheriff following Rick Clark’s retirement.

Out of a field of five, no single candidate received 50 percent of the 17,845 votes in the primary.

Tommy Blankenship received 38 percent of the vote in the June 11 primary, and Chuck James had nearly 29 percent, meaning voters have to get out once more to declare a winner. No Democrat is running.

Pickens County had nearly 25 percent voter turnout in the primary, and early voting for the running— including County Council District 5— begins June 19.

Blankenship is a training lieutenant at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office where he has worked for nearly 20 years under the leadership of Clark, the current Sheriff, and his predecessor, David Stone.

James currently serves as chief deputy of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, where he’s been for 17 years. In this role, he attends County Council meetings to discuss departmental needs and goals.

The Post and Courier asked both candidates about issues specific to Pickens County. Though they agreed in some areas, their full answers are below in alternating response order.

Q: What are the law enforcement challenges unique to Pickens County?

Blankenship: Currently, I think the most unique challenge we face in Pickens County is the rapid growth. We live in a beautiful area with a culture that is second to none. This, coupled with the lower taxes and lower cost of living, is the driving force of so many people moving to this area. Most law enforcement agencies across the nation would tout manpower as a top issue, and as we continue to be such a popular destination to live, that is becoming an increasingly important hurdle for PCSO.

James: Rapid population growth in Pickens County has significantly strained law enforcement and all facets of public safety. Since 2010, Pickens County’s population has increased by 12 percent, with an additional 8 percent growth projected by 2030. However, public safety resources haven't kept pace. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office currently has only 1.3 deputies per 1,000 citizens in unincorporated areas, while according to the FBI, the regional average is 2.0. This disparity presents unique challenges, including potentially longer response times, higher traffic-related incidents and greater demand for emergency services. To address these issues, there is a critical need to increase the number of patrol deputies to effectively improve police services, plan for continued growth throughout Pickens County and reduce response times.

Q: Where does PCSO have the most room for improvement and how will you address this area of concern?

James: The Pickens County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has room for improvement in traffic enforcement. Traffic concerns, particularly speeding and reckless driving, have become a growing issue in our community, jeopardizing public safety. Historically, this has been a primary function of the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), but due to staffing issues, SCHP has limited capacity to proactively address these violations. As sheriff, I would ensure PCSO takes a more active role in traffic enforcement to fill this void. To achieve this, we need to acquire additional radar units. I plan to utilize funds from the Justice Assistance Grant Fund to purchase approximately 20-25 state-of-the-art radar units at no cost to taxpayers. This will enable us to more efficiently address speeding and driving concerns, ultimately creating safer roads in Pickens County.

Blankenship: We do a lot right, but there is always room for improvement in every facet of our service to the citizens. The area I think has the most room to improve is our community relations and outreach. My plan is to prioritize building relationships with the citizens we serve because history has proven we cannot arrest away all of our problems. I want to have deputies engaging with those that live in the areas they patrol to build the trust necessary for us to partner together in keeping Pickens County safe. I also want deputies looking for and finding ways to build into the community outside of their role as a deputy. I want them regularly engaged in mentorship programs, sports organizations, charity work and also providing relationship-building programs like citizens’ academies and other training/education programs. This will not only raise awareness within the communities, but getting involved with youth is the best way to make a positive impact on our society as a whole.

Q: How will PCSO operate differently with you as sheriff as opposed to your predecessor?

Blankenship: With my leadership, PCSO will take a “citizens first” approach. Our decisions will be made with public concern first and with the impact on the deputies a close second. The biggest difference I think you will see in me as sheriff is involvement. I look forward to being a sheriff that is available to the citizens and willing to meet them where they are. You will also have a sheriff that leads by example. If you find me at anytime, 24/7, you will find me either serving my church, spending time with my family, serving the community, training jujitsu, working out, shooting, reading, hunting or fishing. I will be a sheriff that the community and the deputies can be proud of.

James: As sheriff, I will enhance proactive enforcement beyond where they are now, giving deputies more freedom and opportunities to tackle drug and traffic issues. This approach will empower deputies to root out problems within our community through increased engagement and enforcement. I will also expand community policing efforts, involving the community in the problem-solving process by proactively engaging with residents to understand and address their concerns. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can effectively identify and resolve issues that matter most to our community. This focus on transparency and community involvement will set a new standard for the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring that we work together to create a safer and more responsive environment.

Q: What leadership qualities and experience do you have that will be most effective as Pickens County’s sheriff?

James: With 19 years in law enforcement, 17 with Pickens County, I have steadily risen through the ranks to become Chief Deputy. In this role, I oversee daily operations, lead 192 employees, manage a $17.7 million budget and develop crime suppression strategies. Under my leadership, Pickens County has seen the second-largest crime reduction in the state and now boasts the third-lowest violent crime rate in South Carolina. My educational background includes two bachelor’s degrees in history and political science, and a master’s degree in criminal justice. These experiences, combined with my dedication to community safety, innovative approaches to law enforcement and proven track record in reducing crime uniquely qualify me to serve as sheriff.

Blankenship:I believe the greatest quality of a leader is humility. Every good trait a leader can have stems from putting others before self. This is where my “citizens first” approach comes from as well as my view of authority and how a leader should leverage that authority to benefit those they have authority over. I have served many different people in many different capacities from my church to my current role as training Lieutenant at PCSO. I have also served as a leader from coaching youth sports to training and operating with our SWAT team in an array of callouts as the deputy commander. To be a great leader, one must first know how tobe a good servant.