RCSD Wins 2011 National Association of Counties Achievement Award

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott believes that one of the most critical aspects of law enforcement is having a positive impact on the community’s youth, this is why he proactively implemented the Youth Arbitration Program.

Youth Arbitration Program is an intervention option for first time, non-violent student offenders. The overall intent of the program is to change the way schools handle student crime. The purpose is to restore safety within the school, and at the same time, prevent at-risk students from entering the criminal justice system. The program is based upon the principles of restorative justice and provides an effective means of addressing student safety, reducing reliance on suspension, expulsion and police charges while reintegrating offending students back into the school community.

The restorative approach focuses on a three-way relationship between the needs of the victims, student offenders, and the school community. Our program is the first South Carolina arbitration program operated by a law enforcement agency. The Youth Arbitration Program is modeled after the Community Juvenile Arbitration Program within several Judicial Circuits in South Carolina.

The program is in partnership with the 5th Circuit Solicitors Office and the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the City of Columbia Police Department.

For more information visit our website www.rcsd.net.