911 Communications
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department 911 Communications Center serves as the critical link between the community and first responders across Richland County. Our highly trained communications professionals are often the first voice citizens hear during emergencies, coordinating rapid, accurate responses that save lives and protect property.
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Current Operations
The 911 Communications Center is staffed by approximately 90 dedicated dispatchers who provide round-the-clock emergency and non-emergency communications services. The center supports a wide range of public safety agencies, including all regions within Richland County and the City of Columbia, as well as Columbia Fire and EMS, Columbia-Richland Fire, and Richland County EMS.
The current facility operates with 22 fully equipped communications consoles, allowing dispatchers to manage thousands of calls for service each day while maintaining constant coordination with law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel.
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Future Communications Center
To meet the growing needs of our community and enhance operational capabilities, a new 55,000-square-foot 911 Communications Center is currently under development. This significantly larger, state-of-the-art facility is designed to support future growth, advanced technology, and enhanced training.
The new center will feature:
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47 operational communications consoles
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A dedicated, state-of-the-art training room equipped with training consoles
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A media room to support public information and emergency communications
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A real-time crime center to enhance situational awareness and coordinated response
The projected opening of the new 911 Communications Center is July 2026. Once complete, it will represent a major investment in public safety infrastructure and will further strengthen our ability to serve the residents and visitors of Richland County with efficiency, professionalism, and care.
