Lexington, SC 03/21/2024 - Sheriff Jay Koon filed today Monday, March 18th, for re-election.
He was first elected in a special election in 2015 following the indictment and removal of the
longtime sheriff.
Sheriff Koon faced several initial challenges of restoring community trust, repairing relationships
with law enforcement partners, and removing a “dark cloud” over his agency. Sheriff Koon has
led the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department out of those troubled times and has been battled--
tested along the way. He was met early with the 1000-year flood to the 2020 global pandemic
and the agency met the challenge. They have faced incidents that required an “all hands-on deck”
response, from a train wreck and a mall shooting to having deputies shot and injured in the line
of duty.
The Department has seen many successes under Sheriff Koon’s leadership:
• Sheriff Koon was recognized as the 2023 Sheriff of the Year by the SC Sheriff’s
Association.
• Placement of dedicated resource officers in every school in Lexington County, ensuring
the safety and security of students and staff.
• Significant reductions in various crime categories, including an 11.6% decrease in assault
and battery, a 24.2% decrease in robbery, an 11.2% decrease in burglary, a 17.9%
decrease in larceny, and a 19% decrease in motor vehicle theft.
• Implementation of innovative initiatives to address mental health crises, including the
establishment of one of the first mobile crisis response teams in South Carolina dedicated
to handling mental health-related calls.
• Full implementation of a body camera program to enhance transparency and
accountability in law enforcement operations.
• The Department has seen record hiring and retention numbers after the Sheriff worked
with the County Council and Administration to improve employee benefits.
“I am very proud to lead the men and women of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department over
the last nine years. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve and work with so many people to
make our County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I would be honored to have the
support and vote of our County to continue to serve as your Sheriff”, Sheriff Jay Koon stated.
Sheriff Koon’s campaign is being run by Starboard Communications a nationally known firm
from Lexington SC.
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