S.C. Code Ann. § 1-7-540

The circuit solicitor for the ninth judicial circuit may appoint two competent residents of the circuit who shall be designated as special investigator and assistant special investigator for his office. The special investigator and assistant special investigator shall work under the direction of the solicitor as full-time employees. Their appointment shall be for a period not exceeding the term for which the solicitor was elected. The special investigator and assistant special investigator shall each give a bond in the sum of two thousand dollars, which shall be in the same form and provide the same conditions as required by law of peace officers. The special investigator and assistant special investigator shall be commissioned by the Governor and shall have all the powers, rights and duties, within the ninth judicial circuit, as any State constable, as provided in SECTION 23-1-60. The special investigator and assistant special investigator shall be "police officers," as defined in SECTION 9-11-10. The special investigator shall receive such salary as may be provided by law, and an expense allowance of not less than fifteen hundred dollars, such sums to be paid by the Governing Body of Charleston County. The assistant special investigator shall receive such compensation for his services as may be provided by law, such compensation to be paid from federal funds or from funds appropriated by the Governing Body of Charleston County.