Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) Officer Natalie Thompson was named Rookie of the Year by the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs at its annual Highway Safety Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony on April 2. The award recognizes one rookie officer in the state for their efforts related to DUI arrests, DUI victim services and anti-underage drinking programs.
“We are proud of Officer Thompson for being named Rookie of the Year for the entire state of South Carolina,” said Lt. Cortney Wright, CUPD’s Patrol Operations Division Commander. “Officer Thompson’s outstanding efforts—making 21 DUI arrests, educating the public on alcohol awareness and engaging meaningfully with our community—reflect the very best of CUPD’s mission and values.”
In addition, CUPD earned its third straight Agency of the Year award for its agency size for its DUI enforcement efforts in 2024. The honor is fifth overall for CUPD, having previously claimed the award for its efforts in 2011, 2014, 2022 and 2023.
“We are incredibly honored the Clemson University Police Department has been named Agency of the Year for our agency size by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Network,” said Wright. “This recognition highlights our department’s unwavering commitment to combating impaired driving, supporting DUI victims and implementing proactive anti-underage drinking initiatives throughout 2024.”
Officer Thompson joined CUPD as a rookie officer in July 2024 and quickly established herself as a leader in DUI enforcement, totaling 21 impaired driving arrests last year. She has demonstrated her commitment to raising awareness and preventing impaired driving, actively participating in CUPD’s alcohol enforcement initiatives both on campus and in downtown Clemson.
Additionally, Officer Thompson has conducted demonstrations using “Beer Goggles”, which simulate the effects of alcohol impairment on the wearer, and delivered a presentation on impaired driving to a group of 250 Clemson students.
Law enforcement agencies who participate in the SC Law Enforcement Network from across the state, including CUPD, were recognized for their achievements in statewide DUI enforcement in 2024 during the ceremony, along with agencies that participated in the 2024 Law Enforcement Challenge.
The purpose of the Law Enforcement Challenge is to conduct traffic enforcement with a focus on DUI Enforcement. Several different criteria must be met to be a participant in the challenge with an even higher standard to be selected as Agency of the Year.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our department and the dedicated officers who make it what it is,” said Wright. “Their determination, diligence and professionalism continue to make Clemson—and its roadways—a safer place for everyone.”