Well folks, if you notice, the title of this Op-ed indicates a question. To answer such a question would probably require a thesis on methods, implementation, existing laws and personnel accountability. That being said, let’s talk about it anyway.
In the early years of South Carolina colonial history, the geography consisted of three basic land areas which still exist today. The coastal region, the midland region and the hill country. During the 1760’s, the mid-lands and hill country were considered the wilderness and referred to as the Backcountry. Within this “Backcountry” as many as 30,000 settlers had moved in to claim land and build homes. After the Cherokee Wars of 1760-1761 a crime wave emerged throughout this area that lasted almost a decade. Bandits of all sorts, robbed, killed and beat peaceful residents. The only legal authority with power to arrest criminals was in Charleston, the British colonial government. To report a crime, one had to travel the distance. The criminal activity became so rampant, local folks felt the need to do something. They took law enforcement into their own hands. Thus, the emergence of the Regulator Movement from 1767-1769.
On Dec. 31, 2025, an 82-year-old woman, in Birmingham, AL. was shot and killed while sitting on her front porch. Police say it was a stray bullet. As if that makes a difference.
On Dec. 22, a group of bicyclists attacked and robbed a person near the campus of USC in Los Angeles.
On Dec. 8, I watched a news video showing an elderly white woman standing on a sidewalk in Seattle, Washington. While she waited for the traffic light to change before crossing the street, another individual, a man pulling a piece of luggage, attacked this lady with a wooden board with a metal bolt sticking out of one end. He hit the woman in her right eye which blinded it permanently. After hitting her, he calmly walked away.
On Labor Day weekend of this year, 8 people were shot and killed in Chicago and 58 others injured in shootings.
On August 27 of this year a man fired a gun into the Annunciation Catholic Church school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His actions killed two children and wounded 21 people.
Many violent crimes are being committed all across the United States. Three of the crimes mentioned above made national news. Imagine, if you can, the number of criminal acts at state and local levels. For instance, On Dec. 22, 2025, three male teens were arrested and charged for setting fire to a Wal-Mart store in Homewood in Alabama. Damages estimated at over $5 million dollars. Do you think the parents should be held accountable?
Taking Law Enforcement into one’s own hands has its consequences, both good and bad. The Regulators had a positive influence in the Backcountry. During their movement, representatives were sent to the Colonial Assembly who listened and enacted changes. At times the Regulators went beyond law enforcement and carried out vendettas. This was, of course, reflective of individual characters, not the entire movement.
What does this review of history tell us? Is it OK to take law enforcement into one’s on hands? Only if you are a good and just person? Well, the Backcountry is more settled now in the 21st century. Perhaps local citizens can attend city council meetings with an agenda. Maybe write your state representative. I have seen neighborhoods with street signs that read, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH.
A city council, state legislature, or congress can not make rules or laws that prevent violent crime. Laws only state what the consequences are should an individual violate that law. A deterrent to committing a crime would be accountability and punishment. And folks, that ain’t happening.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
