Arrest and confinement, defined; use of reasonable force; powers of sheriffs.
S.C. Code Ann. § 25-1-2470
in effectFor purposes of this code, "arrest" is the restraint of a person by an order, not imposed as a punishment for an offense, directing him to remain within certain specified limits. Confinement is the physical restraint of a person. An enlisted member may be ordered apprehended or into arrest or confinement by any commissioned officer by an order, oral or written, delivered in person or through other persons subject to the Code of Military Justice or through any person authorized by this code to apprehend persons. A commander may authorize warrant officers or noncommissioned officers to order enlisted members of his command or subject to his authority into arrest or confinement. A commissioned officer or a warrant officer may be ordered apprehended or into arrest or confinement only by a commander to whose authority he is subject, by an order, oral or written, delivered in person, or by another commissioned officer. The authority to order such persons apprehended or into arrest or confinement may not be delegated. No person may be ordered apprehended or into arrest or confinement except for probable cause. This section does not limit the authority of persons authorized to apprehend offenders to secure the custody of an alleged offender until proper authority may be notified. All reasonable force necessary to accomplish arrest, apprehension, or confinement may be used. The power to restrain may be exercised prior or subsequent to court-martial or other disciplinary proceedings. The sheriffs of the various counties of this State shall carry out the orders and directives of all courts-martial, including summary court officers.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t25c001.phpFetched: 10/17/2026