COLUMBIA, S.C. - Volunteer state constables may be used at some football games to replace State Law Enforcement Division agents who have checked bags the past two years.

SLED Chief Robert Stewart said he made volunteer constables available for those checks Thursday as he told universities that his agents would no longer do that kind of security work.

"I agree this is something that SLED should not be doing," Stewart said. The agency began doing the checks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks because "you were in the middle of football season and assistance was needed at these events," he said.

Stewart said SLED agents will continue other roles at games, including bomb squads and alcohol law enforcement agents.

The state has three constable classifications: active certified police officers who have completed Criminal Justice Academy training; retired police officers; and volunteers with some training courses.