The SC Department of Health & Environmental Control Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) was founded in 1985 and has been tasked with the criminal enforcement of violations of state law that directly impact the wellbeing of the citizens of South Carolina and the Department. OCI is primarily responsible for investigating negligent, willful, and knowing violations of state and federal environmental laws. OCI does not investigate accidental or mistaken violations of the law. Frequently, other crimes are uncovered during the investigation of environmental crimes, such as frauds, forgeries, conspiracies, etc. and our office also investigates these violations.

Investigators assigned to OCI are Class 1 Police Officers with statewide jurisdiction. OCI Investigators serve arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, and other legal process.
Specialized training for members of this elite unit include:

• Certified SC Criminal Justice Academy Instructors
• Certified Hazardous Materials Technicians
• Interviews and Interrogations classes
• Environmental Crime Investigation classes
• Firearms (primary and auxiliary weapons) training
• Computer Forensics
• Questioned Documents Examination
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Certified Pressure Point Control Tactics/Defensive Tactics Instructors

Investigators are also trained in the use of state of the art surveillance equipment such as digital cameras, video recorders, night vision, and wireless microphones.

Cases assigned to OCI come from within the Department (internal referrals) or from other law enforcement agencies. If you believe that a violation of law has occurred that needs criminal investigation please contact your local SCDHEC EQC Regional office.