In January 7, 1997, the Richland County Sheriff's Department began a drastic change in leadership and standard operating procedures. Sheriff Leon Lott laid a new course for the department that centered around 100 percent community oriented policing.
With the implementation of Community Policing as the focus for the department, Sheriff Lott created the Community Services Division to address and target specific issues that relate to the multiple issues and diversity of the different communities within Richland County. Our schools, neighborhoods, business community, media, and senior citizens are examples of different needs that exist and that the Richland County Sheriff's Department Community Services Division was created to collaborate with to reduce crime in Richland County.
The Community Services Division contains highly skilled and specifically trained officers that address the diverse needs that arise in our communities. These officers are a direct face-to-face contact to communities and are responsible for being liaisons for improving the quality of life in Richland County by implementing proactive problem solving strategies and initiatives.
The Community Services links on the bottom of this page will provide you with information and the services that we can provide. Our hope is that you will become involved with the Richland County Sheriff's Department in one or many of these programs and take advantage of all resources that we offer.
Capt. Chris Potter
Community Services Division
803-576-2225