Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) Officer Natalie Thompson has been named the statewide Officer of the Year for DUI enforcement efforts for agencies with 26-50 officers by the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs.
Officer Thompson received the award at the annual Highway Safety Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony, held in Columbia, S.C., on April 3.
“Officer Natalie Thompson is highly deserving of this award,” said Sgt. Matthew Prisco, who leads the department’s alcohol enforcement efforts. “Her professionalism, initiative and commitment to reducing impaired driving exemplify the qualities of the Officer of the Year and reflect the very best of CUPD’s mission and values.”
Officer Thompson made 43 DUI arrests in 2025, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the department’s total DUI arrests, demonstrating her extraordinary level of proactive enforcement and dedication to public safety.
In addition to enforcement, Officer Thompson conducted three alcohol-related educational events for campus housing groups, reaching approximately 200–250 students. Through these programs, she utilized “drunk goggles” to educate students on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, directly supporting CUPD’s prevention and outreach efforts.
This is the second straight year that Thompson has received an award for DUI enforcement efforts. In April 2025, she was named the statewide Rookie of the Year, which recognizes one rookie officer in the state for their efforts related to DUI arrests, DUI victim services and anti-underage drinking programs.
