Robert G. Woods IV is a 37-year law enforcement veteran and has led the South Carolina Department of Public Safety since being appointed Acting Director by Governor Henry McMaster on February 1, 2020. He began his law enforcement career with the Charleston Police Department before joining the South Carolina Highway Patrol, where he served more than 30 years. Since being appointed and confirmed to serve as Director in March 2021, he was reconfirmed to serve a second term on May 8, 2024. 

Along with leading the agency, Director Woods represents SCDPS and the Governor on several committees, councils, and appointments, including: the SC Commission on Prosecution Coordination; the SC Law Enforcement Training Council; the SC Law Enforcement Hall of Fame Advisory Committee; the Public Safety Coordinating Council; the SC Emergency Response Commission; and AI’s Center of Excellence Executive Team. 

All DPS Division Directors and commanders report directly to Director Woods or the SCDPS Chief of Staff, Michael Oliver.