S.C. Code Ann. § 23-13-15

A sheriff is authorized to employ a deputy and pay his compensation from funds received from a residential homeowner's association in the county and, in doing so, may assign that deputy to patrol the territory comprising the geographical area represented by the homeowner's association. Nothing herein shall prevent the sheriff from assigning such deputy to other areas or to perform other duties, if, in the sheriff's discretion, it is necessary to do so.