Media: Thank you for everything you do to help us communicate vital safety and traffic information to the public. We value our positive working relationship with you. The following provides information regarding the best way for you to reach us and obtain information regarding SCDPS.  Please share this with all of your reporters and assignment editors. Feel free to respond to us with any suggestions or issues you may have encountered with receiving information in the past or suggestions on how we can better communicate with you and your reporters.

SCDPS makes every effort to gather information for your stories, including statistical and FOIA requests, in a timely manner. To help us better serve you, please send us your requests as early in the day as possible – especially regarding requests for documents or statistics. Requests for statistical information are typically filled in the order that we receive them. When requesting information, it also helps us to know your deadline.   

• SCDPS web site: Please monitor the Media site for press releases and updates that will be helpful to you. This contains news releases, media contact information, and the procedure to file a FOIA. You may also access real-time traffic information, hit and run information etc. on the Highway Patrol’s site;
• Freedom of Information requests need to be processed through Ada Schmidt, the SCDPS FOIA Officer, in our Communications Office; She may be reached at 803-896-7759 or FOIA@scdps.gov.
• SCHP Community Relations Officers: Will release information on traffic and collisions primarily through the recorded SCDPS Media Line. That can be accessed at 803-896-8144. Please keep in mind that you can skip over old messages by hitting # (pound) or (Fast forward thru messages by pressing “3” or “33,” press “2” for pause or press “1” or “11” to rewind the message.);
• Nixle: These are text alerts that can be sent to your phone and/or e-mail. This is the most timely way to receive notifications that we have posted new information to the media box regarding fatal collisions, major traffic incidents/tie-ups etc. You may subscribe by texting ‘hpupstate’ (for information regarding Troops 1-4); or by texting ‘hplowstate’ (for information regarding Troops 5-7) to “888777;” you can subscribe to both boxes if you wish to receive alerts for the entire state;
• News Releases: Information about campaigns and less time-sensitive information will be sent via e-mail from the Communications Office and on occasion from your local CRO; Those news releases will be posted on the Media site for future reference; We will also post information and photographs to the SCDPS social media accounts, particularly during weather events or other emergency situations;
• All media inquiries regarding personnel, policy and non-routine traffic matters will be handled by the SCDPS Communications Office – Sherri Iacobelli or Lt. Kelley Hughes.
• Requests for highway safety statistics should be sent through the Communications Office and will be coordinated through Laura Caskey, OHS Public Affairs Manager.
• Please send your office’s updated and/or preferred e-mail contact information to Lt. Kelley Hughes: rkhughes@scdps.gov so we can update our files.

 SCDPS PIO/Media Contacts:

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors. scdps.sc.gov