Albert Jackson is the town's victim advocate and is a certified police officer.

Our police department is committed to making the South Congaree community a safe place to live and work. It is the number one priority of this department to ensure the safety and quality of life of the citizens in this town. Crime has a traumatic affect on those that are victimized and it is our commitment to provide the highest quality of law enforcement and to provide services to assist those who are victims of crime. We have made a pledge to deal with those who commit crime in the most effective ways possible in the judicial system. The victims assistance program was established to offer victims a voice in the criminal justice system. We will provide you with any assistance you may need and make sure that your rights are protected.

We have a full time victim services division that is committed to providing services, resources and referrals to crime victims and to ensure that victim's rights are protected under the law.

The victim assistance officer can assist with many different type services. Some of those include shelter for battered women and children, court accompaniment, acting as a liaison between victims and police officers/investigators and assistance with professional counseling and support groups.

To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation,harassment, or abuse, throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process, and informed of the victim's constitutional rights, provided by statute;

To be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped;

To be informed of and present at any criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present;

To be reasonably informed of and be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail;

To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, a plea, or sentencing;

To be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process;

To confer with the prosecution, after the crime against the victim has been charged, before the trial or before any disposition and informed of the disposition;

To have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial;

To receive prompt and full restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim's loss or injury including both adult and juvenile offenders;

To be informed of any proceeding when any post-conviction action is being considered, and be present at any post-conviction hearing involving a post-conviction release decision;

To a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case.

Victims of violent crimes may be eligible, upon approval, for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and other incidental expenses through the State Office of Victim Assistance, also known as SOVA www.govoepp.state.sc.us/sova/ Applications are available through the South Congaree Police Department Victim Services Division.