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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame was established by legislative act in 1974. By that act, its purpose was defined "as a memorial to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and in recognition of the selfless dedication of all law enforcement officers in the day-to-day performance of their duties."

The Hall of Fame building was dedicated on April 9, 1980. Additional exhibit space was enclosed in 1990. Newly completed renovations have modernized the physical plant and given the building a fresh appearance. The museum exhibits have been totally revamped. New exhibit areas give an overview of the South Carolina law enforcement story.

The most exciting and difficult changes of the recent renovation project have been our museum exhibits, which have been totally revamped. Twelve new exhibit areas tell the story of South Carolina law enforcement through artifacts, photographs, and text.
 

An exhibit titled "Proud to Serve and Protect" focuses directly on law enforcement officers, featuring representative officers and their uniforms and a restored 1955 SC Highway Patrol cruiser.

Two exhibits honor well known law enforcement officers from South Carolina, J.P. "Pete" Strom and Melvin Purvis.

J.P. Strom was chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for many years. He made a significant and lasting impression on South Carolina law enforcement. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Criminal Justice Academy and the Hall of Fame.

Melvin Purvis was one of the most famous FBI Agents or "G-Men" of the 1930's gangster era. Originally from Timmonsville, SC, Purvis became known as the man who "took" John Dillinger.