# S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-20: SECTION 40-18-20. Definitions > South Carolina · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-20 ## Section - **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-20 - **Heading:** SECTION 40-18-20. Definitions - **Jurisdiction:** South Carolina - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** SC Code / Title 40 / Chapter 18 / Section 40-18-20 ## Text As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term: (A) "Private investigation business" means engaging in business or accepting employment to obtain or furnish information with reference to the: (1) identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person; (2) location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property; (3) cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, accidents, damage, or injury to persons or property; or (4) securing of evidence to be used in a criminal or civil proceeding, or before a board, an administrative agency, an officer, or investigating committee. (B) "Security business" means the provision of personnel whose duties include watching over, protecting, or defending people or property against intrusion, damage, injury, or loss, and specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following authorities or responsibilities: to allow or refuse access to property or certain areas of property; detect, prevent, or report entry by unauthorized persons; observe for and react to hazards or hazardous situations; observe for and react to violations of law or policy; observe for and react to emergencies; observe for and react to thefts or other incidents; apprehend or report intruders or trespassers; and maintain order or discipline. (1) "Contract security business" means engaging in the security business by providing private patrol, watchman, guard, security, or bodyguard service for a fee. (2) "Proprietary security business" means employing security officers who are assigned to security duties on the employer's property. (C) "Security officer" means a person who provides security service by performing any security function, as detailed in this chapter. (D) "SLED" means the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. (E) "Uniform" means clothing displaying a badge, emblem, insignia, indicia, or print identifying the wearer as a security officer. ## Nearby sections - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-20 SECTION 40-18-20. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-20.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-30 SECTION 40-18-30. Powers and duties of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-30.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-40 SECTION 40-18-40. Licenses to operate security or private investigation business; transferability; surrender on termination of business or change of ownership.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-40.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-50 SECTION 40-18-50. Contract security business license; application; bond; renewal; qualifications of licensees; display of license; arrest of licensee; exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-50.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-60 SECTION 40-18-60. Proprietary security business license; applications; qualifications of licensee; display of license; renewal; inspection of employment records; exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-60.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-70 SECTION 40-18-70. Private Investigation License; applications; bond; renewal; display of license; qualifications of licensee; contract; reports to clients; arrest of licensee; inspections of business records; prior licensees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-70.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-80 SECTION 40-18-80. Security officer registration certificates; application; qualifications of applicants; report of arrests; exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-80.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-90 SECTION 40-18-90. Use of temporary employees for special events; notice of use; fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-90.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-100 SECTION 40-18-100. Security Weapons Permits; Security Concealed Weapons Permits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-100.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-110 SECTION 40-18-110. Authority and arrest powers of those licensed or registered under chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-110.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-120 SECTION 40-18-120. Development of guidelines for reciprocal agreements with other states.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-120.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-130 SECTION 40-18-130. Denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew license or registration; grounds; appeals; civil penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-130.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-140 SECTION 40-18-140. Exceptions from application of chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-140.md) - [S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-150 SECTION 40-18-150. Violation of chapter; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-150.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T40_C18_S40-18-20. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.