Meet Kristin

Kristin Graziano didn’t come out of nowhere. The year she became a rookie police officer was also the year that her opponent became sheriff. She served proudly for 32 years, leading SWAT teams, serving on anti-terrorism task forces, and walking the streets on her beat to get to know people in the community. She would still be out there today, but her opponent put her on indefinite leave in February 2020 when he learned she was going to run against him.

Kristin’s career highlights

  • Designed and implemented a uniform response code for active shooter scenarios for Charleston County schools that was later used as a model for the rest of the state. Kristin is the only woman nationwide out of 640 tactical officers qualified to serve as a trainer.
  • Served for 25 years as a member and trainer for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
  • Worked in the Charleston County Judicial Enforcement Division, keeping peace and order at the county courthouse.
  • Worked on the Sea-Hawk Anti-Terrorism Task Force, creating a port safety threat analysis for Charleston (fourth-busiest port in the U.S.).
  • Designed and implemented a two-year personnel study within Charleston County, focusing on reducing vehicle collisions and creating a workable, fair, and healthy schedule for deputy sheriffs. The study increased morale and reduced overtime costs by over $100,000.
  • Established community policing practices in Virginia, helping neighborhoods in Charlottesville reclaim their streets from the illicit drug trade. Within one year, drug activity dropped dramatically.

Awards and recognition

  • January 2015: Medal of Valor, South Carolina Sheriff’s Association
  • October 2014: Lifesaving Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • December 2013: Special Recognition Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • November 2013: Special Recognition Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • August 2012: Lifesaving Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • November 2011: Presidents Award, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association
  • July 2005: Keynote speaker on school safety and active shooter initiatives, South Carolina School of Plant Management state conference
  • March 2005: Special recognition for service and peer court implementation, Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy
  • March 2004: Deputy of the Month, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • August 2003: Lifesaving Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • September 2002: Special Recognition Award, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • December 2001: Special Recognition Award for efforts to revitalize and develop housing, Charlottesville (Va.) Housing and Redevelopment Authority
  • December 2001: Special Recognition for Years of Service, OAR Board of Directors

Kristin is a proud graduate of Emerge South Carolina‘s Bootcamp class, 2020.