Response from Editor, and Sheriff Byrd
Editor’s note: The News and Press requested a link to the video referenced above. We received a prompt response, and the video was embedded into a website that was connected to a website that included a list of retail merchandise available for purchase. The link to the video on YouTube is: https://youtu.be/UbWGtkNJqQo
We sent the original link provided by Jennings Rountree to Darlington County Sheriff Wayne Byrd, he provided the following response:
“While the video is heavily edited, our Deputy should never have crossed the street and interacted with the young man doing the recording. I have reminded him, and all our people, that it is legal for any citizen to record law enforcement activity, as long as they do not interfere with the officers and the job they are doing.
We have worked hard to earn the trust and support of the people of Darlington County. I am proud of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who put their lives on the line everyday to help make Darlington County a safer place to live, work and raise a family.”
Sheriff Wayne Byrd
As the Editor of the News and Press, I have provided the following opinion below from the legal counsel of the SC Press Association, Jay Bender, for reference.
My personal opinion is that people should video if they choose to, yet should not try to interfere nor create a disturbance.
I respect our area law enforcement officers in Darlington County. I do not condone nor support websites that promote questionable agendas.
