“Building Unity in the Community” -- Traveling the World Collecting Knowledge; Helps Better Serve Our Communities Here at Home

My belief is that no matter how old you are education comes before success – at your Sheriff’s Department this holds very true. Additionally, because of the diversity that is Richland County we must constantly strive to stay informed on the different cultures and beliefs that exist in our communities.

Therefore, as your Sheriff, I live by the adage that knowledge is power, and that the best way to build the strongest Sheriff’s Department is to collect as much knowledge as possible from all areas of the world. I see the importance in also sharing what we’re doing right here in Richland County, with other law enforcement agencies and governments; to help them implement successful strategies and procedures. I have a vision and passion for creating the best communities -- we can only do this by constantly striving to improve.

For years we have been exchanging knowledge and expertise with other law enforcement agencies in the United States and beyond. Sharing information, resources and ideas with places like Israel, Germany, Iraq, Australia, Sweden, England, India and Korea. During these travels (which are more often than not, are without expense to our taxpayers) myself, and Sheriff’s Department personnel, share our philosophies and operations and how we continue to create “Unity in the Community”. We also gain a vast understanding of just how small the world really is and how important it is to stay in tune with our diverse citizens here at home. I am proud to say that many of the procedures we follow in areas including public relations, crime prevention, and investigation are due in part to the exchanges with other areas of the world.

Sheriff’s Department personnel have made 15 trips to overseas communities – with groups like Rotary International paying for some, while others are paid for by the participating exchange agencies or private citizens.

Recently, I partnered with the Rheinland Polizei, Germany and the local South Carolina United FC soccer club to do a cultural, youth athletic and police exchange with Captain Chris Cowan. Captain Cowan is no stranger to oversea trips – having shared knowledge and gained expertise in exchanges to England, Australia and Germany.

“The world is a small place and the things we are doing right here in Richland County are being noticed as setting high standards, across the globe. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, there are always things you can learn and share toward making our own communities safer” says Captain Chris Cowan. “Every time I’ve gone, we have brought back valuable information and ideas,” says Captain Chris Cowan, a 20 year veteran of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. “From policy and procedures - to new, innovative ideas the Sheriff has been able to meld those ideas into his current vision for the Department.”

Captain Cowan states that the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff Lott’s leadership, has grown to be known world wide as a leader in developing partnerships, supporting our youth and in having a high standard of professionalism and accountability. Captain Cowan added that the recent exchange with Germany allowed us to show our day to day involvement in building character and success for our youth on the athletic field and in life -- while the exchange allowed the Department to connect with the German Police in areas of operational command and media relations.

As your Sheriff, I understand that there are people all over the world doing things we can learn from and that knowledge is not only obtained during a trip to visit another agency. That’s why, during these trips, we are staying in people’s homes - spending time learning about them and their culture. Richland County is a very diverse place and through these experiences we are able to provide specified services to all of the different ethnicities and demographics within our communities here in Richland County.

For example, last summer the Queensland Police Service paid for Captain Cowan to travel to Australia and teach our mission, vision and operating procedures of Professional Accountability, Coordination and Teamwork to public safety professionals from all over the Pacific Rim. In turn, we learned about programs never done in the USA – for example, a new procedural justice study that centered on surveying citizens on officer’s performance as they interact with citizens during driver’s safety checkpoints. "The procedural justice program asks for citizens input and opinions about their communities,” says Cowan. “The citizens report back to a neutral third party – in our case the University of South Carolina.”

Another example of the benefit of these exchanges was during my recent trip to Iraq; where the Iraqi Police were astounded by the elevated status and efficiency of women in the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The exchange allowed me to observe first hand the beliefs and cultures of the Muslim community (of which we have a tremendously growing population) and also to better understand the issues facing our world today.

As your Sheriff, I see these exchanges as a way for my vision, commitment and passion for Richland County to grow. As I work every day to better serve you, I will strive to create “Unity in every Community” by providing well-trained officers that will be able to help everyone in this diverse County and around the world. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department will “Build Unity in the Community through Professionalism, Passion, Vision and Commitment”.

Power of Focus and Commitment

I believe that our Nation was created and built on the strength of our military and the commitment of our police forces to make our communities safe. I know our service men and women have used the power of their bodies and minds to protect our Country from its enemies and that our military prides itself in training their minds and bodies to meet any challenge. Often, our Nation's law enforcement does not subscribe to this philosophy; nor do they constantly train their mind and body to be the professional they could be.

As Sheriff for the past sixteen years, I worked to create the most professional and the best educated and physically prepared Department by implementing educational and fitness training/requirements for all deputies. My belief is that a higher physical and mental standard is a journey and not a destination. It's a constant evolving process.

I encourage our Deputies to constantly strive to better themselves by training and competing against other law enforcement and the military. Recently, two Richland County Deputies challenged themselves compositing in the Army’s annual “PFC Boyd Junior Top Cop Competition” held at Fort Jackson (PFC Boyd Junior was a Military Policeman who was killed in the line of duty).

I am extremely proud that Deputy Scott Puckett and Corporal George Norton received the “Best Civilian Police Team” award and that Deputy Puckett placed 3^rd overall in the Soldier Category. That award recognizes the winners of the two-day long competition; which is based on a point system. In the Police Team category there were ten, two person teams from around South Carolina.

That competition is both mentally and physically demanding – just like the day to day responsibilities of our men and women who wear the badge and work to make our communities safe. I am very proud of all of the personnel at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department who work every day to improve the quality of life in our communities.

“Life Scripts: RCSD and Hospice Care of Tri-County partner to protect seniors

We recently announced a new partnership with Hospice of Tri-County to support a new initiative called “Life Scripts”.

I realize that in the case of an emergency time is of the essence and every second counts. This project was designed for those with serious medical conditions to include life-threatening allergies or other safety concerns. It is completely voluntary and the information provided inside the vial is to better protect you when emergency medical personnel arrive at your home.

This new program will have seniors in Richland County place a plastic vial (bottle) inside the top shelf of the refrigerator with medical information. A magnet will be attached on the outer door of the refrigerator that says look inside fridge.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Precious Elderly) is a program designed to assist seniors who don’t have the luxury of having family and friends to rely on. Project H.O.P.E. serves more than 600 elderly residents. Project H.O.P.E. visits senior citizens and disabled citizens each month. During these visits deputies perform a variety of functions, safety checks, of the home, checking smoke detectors, making sure street numbers are attached to the home for emergency personnel and other program such as Meal on Wheels, providing fans to those in need, help seniors identify the services needed to include finding rides. Project H.O.P.E works closely with organizations and agencies to assist our seniors, volunteers make weekly calls to seniors to check on their well-being.  

Deputies with Project HOPE will pass “Life Scripts” out to seniors in Richland County or residents can pick them up at the Sheriff’s Department Headquarters located at 5623 Two Notch Road or Richland County Sheriff’s Department Victim Services office at 1931 Pineview Road.

For more information please contact Kimberly Pollard, Hospice Care of Tri County at 803-400-1177 or Captain John Edwards, Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 803-576-3109.

“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.