“Building Unity in the Community” -- Horses Enforce the Law; How Mounted Units Provide Safety to the Community

During the process of a search mission, there may be times when a traditional law enforcement vehicle is unable to reach an area. Therefore, as your Sheriff I feel it's important to have a mounted organization team that could be used for those situations. I also wanted a mounted unit that embodied the Sheriff’s Department’s community policing vision and passion; while at no cost to us or the community.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department two different mounted teams: the Sheriff’s Posse and the Mounted Patrol Unit. These teams of specially trained officers and volunteers offer the community specialized services to help keep you safe.

The Mounted Patrol Unit was established to participate in community activities, assist with crime reduction, and provide an effective crowd control at special events. You have likely seen our Mounted Unit at sporting and community events.  

"When a citizen calls with a concern and they need help I know how important it is to be there for them. I want people to know they can depend on us no matter what," says Senior Deputy Margaret Fisher- a 5 year member of the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Fisher started at the Sheriff's Department as a Reserve Deputy and eventually became member of the Mounted Patrol Unit.

"People have so much respect for horses- they love to see them in the community. When we use them for crowd control it makes a big difference and it's the best way to observe situations and respond to problems in overcrowded areas faster than a standard unit."

Mounted police officers like Fisher have other responsibilities within the Department. Fisher is a full-time employee with Community Action Team (C.A.T.). She is one of 6 members.

The horses used in the Mounted Units are owned and cared for by the individual members. Their primary focus is the “3 C’s” of police work: Crowd Control, Crime Deterrence and Community Policing.

"Initially getting involved was a way to encourage me to really enjoy the 2 horses I own," says Michael Privett, D.V.M. He's the Director of Mounted Operations and oversees both the Mounted Unit and the Sheriff's Posse.

"I enjoy it. The people are fun to be around," says Privett. "This group is one that I am proud to be associated with."

The Richland County Sheriff’s Posse was establish as a group of volunteer riders that are available to the Sheriff’s Department when mounted searches would be beneficial. Posse members also own, feed and pay for vet care for the horses.

Joining the team is initiated through an application and interview process and each step has criteria that must be met before advancing. Members learn search techniques, first aid, tracking, wilderness survival, evidence handling and equine first aid- among other coaching.

I encourage people who are team players and possess leadership abilities to join our Mounted Units. It takes patience because search and rescue work can sometimes be tedious; members of these Units will also occasionally work with a victim’s family and friends.

As your Sheriff, I strive to create "Unity in the Community" by providing well-trained officers and volunteers for programs like our Mounted Units.

The Sheriff’s Posse trains on a regular basis with the Mounted Patrol. Training sessions for the posse are held weekly, rain or shine, and incorporate search techniques including, first aid, pubic relations, tracking, wilderness survival, and evidence handling. This training not only increases our level of proficiency and confidence, but also increases our ability to concentrate on the job when there are distractions.

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

Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit Keep Things Safe by Land and by Lake

By Sheriff Leon Lott

As your Sheriff, it's my mission to protect you both on land and water. The Lake Murray community has grown, and on most weekends, you will find hundreds out enjoying activities like fishing, sailing, skiing, and diving.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol Unit-- along with Lexington, Newberry and Saluda Counties, in conjunction with the South Carolina department of Natural Resources, work together to keep Lake Murray safe. Through this partnership-- we maintain a visible presence, conduct safety and compliance checks as regulated by the state and federal laws, and property checks to homes and businesses on Lake Murray.

The primary responsibilities of the Marine Patrol is to provide boating safety tips. In 2011- nineteen people died in boating related incidents. This is not only tragic but it could have been prevented. Boats don't stop on a dime- often people forget this and drive boats or watercraft too fast. I encourage every boater to take personal responsibility, and doing the right thing when it comes to the rules of the water.

The Marine Patrol Unit and the Department’s Underwater Recovery Unit is an all volunteer unit comprised of seventeen deputies from various divisions with in the department. The divers are equipped with the latest equipment allowing them to complete their missions in what is often a hostile and dangerous environment. Most of the call outs are in adverse weather conditions with zero visibility. Divers work in a closed dry suit with diver to diver and diver to shore communications.

 
Most recently, I am proud to announce that the Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit in partnership with Lighthouse Marina and Palmetto Pride, Newberry County Public Safety, and the Lake Murray Power Squadron "adopted an island" on Lake Murray. Divers dove the water around Susie Ebert island collecting trash from the lake bottom - while officers picked up trash on the shores above. When they were finished- 11 bags of trash and 1 tire were collected by the teams thanks to the collaborative effort of all the agencies working closely together on the land and on water.

I am happy to say that the collaboration between the agencies has been successful for several years; and last April the Department of Natural Resources and the RCSD Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit moved into a donated facility helping them pool resources to create greater awareness of the importance of boating safety on Lake Murray.

Clean-up projects like this are ongoing efforts that depend on everyone taking ownership of their own actions so everyone can enjoy a safe and clean Lake Murray.

The Marine Patrol Unit works to create awareness of boating safety, while also focusing on preventing criminal activity on and around the lake. I ask that all citizens take the time and effort toward making our waterways safer. Following a few simple tips can make the difference between life and death:

• Personal flotation devices – they must fit correctly, be used for the intended purposes and everyone must have one
• When it comes to children, personal flotation devices should always be worn near any body of water
• Boating safety checklist should always be followed when operating a water craft which includes navigational lights, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and audible devices
• No operation of water craft while under the influence of alcohol – if you are going to consume alcohol while boating please use a designated driver and you must be over the age of 21

As your Sheriff for the past 16 years, we must be prepared to respond in order to meet the needs of our citizens whether on land or water. If you have any questions about Marine Patrol or Underwater Recovery Unit, please contact Lt. Mark A. McColman at 803-419-4879 or email at mmccolman@rcsd.net

“Building Unity in the Community” -- Giving You the Tools to Fight Back Against Career Scam Artists

As your Sheriff, I have a passion for finding ways to protect you. One of the ways I can do this is by providing training and awareness to you FREE of charge. Recently I'm hearing more and more about scams targeting our communities. I want to make sure you have the tools you need to fight back and not become a victim.

Scams can come via mail, email, over the phone or now even text messages-- with the potential to not only drain your bank account but ruin your credit report. I want to empower you to recognize the difference between a good deal and a deal that will take everything you own.

Most recently, the Sheriff’s Department received reports of scams offering easy money. These reports involve people being victimized by using Craigslist and Careerbuilder.com websites to lure victims into giving up their hard earned money.

I am asking you to be very careful when online and when receiving phone calls. These criminals are doing nothing but taking advantage of you, having you send your money to Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, and other locations within the state. These criminals have no conscience when it comes to taking advantage of the elderly as well. Here are examples of someone victimized in Richland County:

-A 90 year old woman states that she talked to a man who she thought was her grandson. The suspect stated that he needed $3, 500.00 to get out of jail. The victim wired the money to Pennsylvania only to find out later that it wasn’t her grandson. The victim doesn’t know who received the money.

-A victim received a call asking her to be a “secret shopper” for a fictitious company with a promise of earning money for her efforts. The victim was asked to send money to them in good faith and that she would be sent money orders in return. The victim did receive two money orders totaling $990.36 from the scam artist that she placed in her Wells Fargo account. After making purchases and charging it to her account. The victim soon realized that the money orders were fake and her account was overdrawn by $1, 676.00.

I urge you that if you receive emails, calls, or letters that you do not recognize or fully understand what they are asking for- do not reply, not even to say no. Once scammers get a reply, they will send more unwanted messages. Here are some tips:

• If you get a call from a scammer, hang up.
• Do not give out any personal information like your address or ‘confirm’ details like your bank account number.
• If you answer your door to a salesperson, ask to see their ID.
• Check the company name online, and call the company to check that the person works there.
• If you have lost money to a scam, report it to law enforcement immediately.

Be weary of uninvited letters, emails, phone calls and texts that trick you out of your money. Fake lotteries, get-rich-quick investments and miracle ‘health cures. Always remember that if it sounds too good to be true-- then it usually is.

Career scam artists are also offering to perform work on your home, yard or business for an upfront fee. These criminals exist in many forms and will take advantage of any opportunity they can. They will manipulate people into thinking they will be given a service or goods when in actuality they become the victim of a horrible crime.

Here are some tips on how to avoid being scammed when seeking assistance on home repairs:

• Meet with the person who will be completing the work
• Ask for a free estimate
• Make sure the roofer actually gets up on your roof and inspects the damage themselves to give you a proper estimate
• Ask for referrals and contact them
• Check their credentials as well as checking with The Better Business Bureau, Labor Licensing and Regulation, and the South Carolina Secretary of State’ office
• Make sure they are licensed.

Always check with the Department of Consumer Affairs if you have any doubt of offers or solicitation of your money at 1-800-922-1594. I ask anyone with information about those who may be taking advantage of unsuspecting citizens should call, email or text your anonymous tip to: Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, or text "TIPSC" plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

As your Sheriff for the past 16 years, I am committed to making sure you're not a victim of crime. Please take a minute and visit our website at www.rcsd.net for tips about computer safety, identity theft and fraud, what to do if your identity is stolen and more.

"Take Back Meds" Lifesaving Initiative

I am happy to announce that the Sheriff's Department is once again partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration on Saturday, April 28, 2012 on the national initiative- focusing on the disposal of unwanted, unused, and expired medicine. This collaborative effort is designed to bring national focus to the issue of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, provide an opportunity for a nationwide day of disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.
 

I want to make this as convenient as possible for people to take advantage of this opportunity. We have been doing this since 2007 and I see the importance of cleaning out your medicine cabinets and securing medication; which is why we have been educating and providing citizens with safe and secure drop off sites for the past four years.

 

In partnership with the DEA, we will be hosting a local disposal site for community residents to drop off medications at the Sheriff’s Department Headquarters located at 5623 Two Notch Road on Saturday April 28, 2012 from 10 AM to 2 PM.

If you can not make it Saturday, we have permanent locations where you can drop off prescription medications for disposal. Richland County Residents are provided locked boxes that are accessible to the public from 9:00 am - 11:00 am on Mondays and Wednesdays at the following locations:

 

Richland County Sherriff’s Department Headquarters

5623 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 576-3000
*This is the only 24 hour/7 day a week drop off site

Region #1, (803) 576-1470

2615-B Lower Richland Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29061

Region #2, (803) 788-1667

7201 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223

Region #3, (803) 576-2215

6429 Bishop Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203

Region #4, (803) 576-1455

1019 Beatty Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Region #6, (803) 865-8011

96 Lake Carolina Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29229

Region #7, (803) 576-1420

1405 Screaming Eagle Road
Elgin, SC 29045

For more on this initiative visit our Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/RichlandCountySheriffsDepartment

or www.rcsd.net for tips.

CAT has new home in the Village at Sandhill

Recently, we unveiled the new home for the RCSD Community Action Team (C.A.T.) at the Village of Sandhill. I am proud to be working with Mr. Alan Kahn and Mr. Jeffrey Harper, General Manager the Village at Sandhill who both support this addition to the area- which has proven to be one of the fasted growing areas of the County.

I was so inspired to see the amazing support of both community members, and County Council members during the ribbon cutting event. We are currently discussing a long standing partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and the Village that has led to the Team’s new home. It is amazing to think about what we can accomplish when we all work together.

C.A.T. members work day and night to build relationships in the community that will improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The partnership with the Village is an example of one relationship that will do just that by putting the CAT Deputies directly into their areas.

The C.A.T. Program (created for the sole purpose of “Building Unity in the Community”) stands ready to partner with every community and business in Richland County. CAT members are trained to provide FREE safety education, training and resources that will help reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a crime.

In 1996 I created the Department’s Community Action Team (C.A.T.) -- a group of 14 specialized, highly trained officers with the mission to create partnerships, prevent crime and develop crime reduction strategies. The CAT objective is to improve the quality of life in our communities and solve problems. Through the leadership of Sheriff Leon Lott, the Community Action Team has organized 350 Neighborhood and Business Crime Watch organizations and are constantly working to empower our citizens.

The C.A.T. program is far more than an extension of law enforcement; by using community oriented policing methods, each Region of Richland County has been assigned specific officers (see chart below). In turn, these officers attend community meetings, and gather information about their particular areas and the area's special needs. The goals set by Sheriff Lott are for the CAT Deputies to act upon are education, awareness and enforcement. The CAT Deputies are also tasked with being a liaison between the community and the diverse divisions within the Sheriff’s Department (Forensic Science, Investigation, Narcotics, Patrol etc.) so that they too can function in the best interests of the individual communities.

It is also the mission of the C.A.T. program to develop long term solutions for all neighborhoods and citizens of Richland County. This includes things as simple as conducting FREE home and business security surveys, to developing strategies for ridding areas of criminals.

I expect that this relationship between the Department and the Village will continue to grow. We look forward to a long term partnership that will ultimately help maintain "Unity in the Community".

Sheriff issue’s thank you and Easter blessing -- Request to continue fight:

"As we reflect on Good Friday and Easter Sunday the blessings we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice, I am reminded of how thankful I am to have communities in Richland County and personnel of the Sheriff’s Department who partner together and work so hard work; with you making Richland County a better place to work, live and play.

I would ask that you continue the fight with me of making our schools safe havens, our communities’ safer places and continuing to reduce crime. In turn, I as your Sheriff will continue to fight for you, fight for our victim’s and fight against those that would threaten us. Additionally, I will continue to search for innovative, cost effective policing programs and ideas that will support stronger families, our youth and which work to strengthen our communities.

The Sheriff’s Department has a host of resources, intervention and educational programs and services that can help you, your community, your church and your school. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions, concerns or want to take advantage of these free resources. Please contact us for more information and potential partnerships; and let’s continue to reduce crime and “Build Unity in the Community”.

May God bless you and your family.”

We are assessing services, working to stay ahead of trends and development

As your Sheriff, I strongly believe that the most successful law enforcement agencies stay connected with their communities and have the most active citizens. I also think it's vital that we must stay ahead of trends and development and constantly assess the services we provide. This is one was we can continue to build "Unity in the Community".

I encourage all communities to have an active crime watch and be our eyes and ears to help us better serve you and your families. We are constantly reviewing the services the Department provides to make sure that we are being efficient and effective with the resources the taxpayers provide.

In 1997 I divided Richland County into seven patrol regions – placing deputies out into the communities we serve and allowing them to focus on community oriented policing. The placement of deputies into the patrol regions allows deputies to work in the areas where they live and allows them to get to know the citizens and criminals; and to better understand the community’s needs and potential trends.

In order to stay connected with our communities and ahead of development and trends, I am reassigning personnel and redrawing the boundaries for three of the patrol regions. Regions 3, 6 and 7: North Columbia, Blythewood and the Northeast respectively (which have been some of the fastest developing areas in the County). With the new boundaries and reassigned personnel, the Regions will be more effective and efficient.  

If you go to this link (http://www.rcsd.net/dept/regions.htm) you will find a map showing the boundaries. And below are the points of contact for the respective Regions that have changed this month. Please feel free to contact us at 576-3000 if you have any questions about these changes.

Sheriff Leon Lott

Region 3

Commander: Captain Scott McManus

Contact information: smcmanus@rcsd.net , 803-576-2215

Community Action Team Deputy Aubrey Torres atorres@rcsd.net , 803-518-8438

Region 6

Commander: Captain Roxana Meetze

Contact: rmeetze@rcsd.net , 803-865-8011

Community Action Team Deputy Chris Potter epotter@rcsd.net , 803-309-6668

Region 7

Commander: Captain Scott Plexico

Contact: splexico@rcsd.net , 803-576-1421

Community Action Team Deputy Travis Roberts troberts@rcsd.net , 803-513-3440