• Pictured From left to right: Dr. Jamil Gabr, Unknown community member, Dr. Tarek Sobeih (Event Organizer), US Attorney for SC William Nettles, RCSD Deputy Sheriff Mohanad Gabr, Dr. Mohamed Elgeneidy, Unknown community member

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott is proud of the work that the personnel of the Sheriff’s Department are doing with all of our communities – Richland County is a very diverse community and the Sheriff has a passion and vision for the Department to work closely with each and every culture, religion and community group. For this reason he hires and assigns personnel to work closely with the diverse groups in the Midlands. The Sheriff knows that in order to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and business communities, deputies must understand everyone’s beliefs, desires and needs.

Sheriff Leon Lott added that one example of this outreach and partnership is with the Islamic Community and the US Attorney’s Office in South Carolina. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Department joined US Attorney William Nettles at Seven Oaks Park on November 10, 2012. The community event was part of the regular monthly gatherings, by the Muslim community in Columbia, where close to fifty (50) Muslim families attend to build unity. The gatherings include dinner, fun games for the youth and religious discussions. During the November meeting The US Attorney for South Carolina, Mr. William Nettles, attended and talked about civil rights and freedom of worship. He also answered some questions about the problems that face the Muslim community and planning future meetings with the Muslim Community and the Sheriff’s Department and US Attorney’s Office. 

By Sheriff Leon Lott

As your Sheriff for the last 16 years, I have proudly led the Department with the philosophy and management style set on the corner stone of “Building Unity in the Community” through professionalism, commitment, vision and passion.

The SC State Fair begins Wednesday October 10, 2012- this yearly event is filled with entertainment and fun for family and friends. But it is still imperative that citizens are mindful of ways to avoid becoming a victim of crime while visiting.

Sheriff’s Deputies will be working with the Fair Association, again this year, to provide a family friendly environment. Your Deputies will be patrolling the fairgrounds and a command post will be set up at the backside of grandstand; with another post set up at the Heath Building near the rocket for first aid and lost children. We are at the fair to interact with you, to help you and to make the fair a safe and fun environment.

I ask that you take the time, when you arrive, to point out the command posts to your children and tell them to trust and find a uniformed officer if they become lost or scared. Here are some other important tips:

Tell your children to always ask you or the adult in charge for permission before:

• going anywhere with anybody
• leaving the group
• going somewhere with somebody other than a uniformed officer or security personnel

Please make sure your children:

• tell you where they are going
• tell you how they are getting there
• tell you who they will be with

Have a secret code word to be used in case of an emergency and someone tells you that you need to come with them, you can ask them for the code word.

Parents please check in with your young adults or have them check in with you periodically (cell phones can come in handy for this process) – just make sure if they are calling you that they set an alarm on their phone as a reminder.

Staying safe should be a priority for everyone. At events like the State Fair (where there are large numbers of people in close quarters) there is the chance that criminals could see this as an opportunity to make you a victim. I ask that you remain alert and are aware of what is going on around you — by doing this you are less likely to be a target. By taking a few simple precautions, you can discourage criminals and reduce your chances of becoming a victim:

• Try and go to the fair in groups, this should help to prevent and potential predators waiting to commit a crime.
• Take small purses or bags inside with you and try to avoid using large purses and pocketbooks – unfortunately they’re good targets for purse snatchers and can fall off amusement rides.
• Do not flash you cash – this will only attracted unwanted attention and make you a target for robbery or pickpockets.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear an excessive amount of jewelry.

Taking a proactive approach can mean the difference between staying safe or being a potential victim.

Parking is available inside and outside the grounds, also use caution and be aware of your surroundings, and watch for who may be watching you. I recommend making sure all valuables are out of sight and that your car is locked.

Finally, I ask that if you see anything suspicious or seeing anyone causing problems at the fair, to please notify a deputy or security personnel immediately. They will be asked leave and may be subject to other enforcement action.

• For more safety tips visit www.rcsd.net and be sure to visit our booth in the Hampton Building by the North Gate.

Below is a link to a story by WACH Fox News.

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=811337

By Sheriff Leon Lott

As your Sheriff for the last 16 years, I have proudly led the Department with the philosophy and management style set on the corner stone of “Building Unity in the Community” through professionalism, commitment, vision and passion.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department personnel are involved year-round with several community focused efforts. However, the partnership between the Department and the Special Olympics South Carolina is particularly extraordinary.

Special Olympics South Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics South Carolina athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.

“It really is about “Heroes Helping Heroes,” says Captain Joe Pellicci, a Department leader in coordinating Special Olympics Events. “The great thing about the Law Enforcement/Special Olympics partnership is that every penny we raise goes to all aspects of what the athletes need to succeed. 100% of monies raised goes directly to our local athletes for training, equipment, and travel.”

Special Olympic athletes are true heroes and should be an inspiration to all of us. Thanks to donations the Special Olympics Athletes are able to participate in events, games and competitions year-round.

“It’s not whether the athletes win or lose- it’s about the friends they make and the self-esteem they gain,” Pellicci says. “That’s what makes this effort so meaningful to me.”

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is committed to the Special Olympics and participating in fundraising events like Bocce Tournaments, “Cops and Calabash” at Fatz Cafe, “Tip a Cop” at Red Robin and most recently “Cops on top of Doughnut Shops” with Krispy Kreme- which alone raised over $15,000.00. This unified, grassroots effort between Law Enforcement and the community helps the thousands of South Carolina Special Olympics’ Athletes.

The “Heroes Helping Heroes” theme is not only referring to Law Enforcement Officers helping the athletes. WE are learning and benefitting from knowing and spending time with the Special Olympic Athletes. They are the true Heroes of this effort.

I encourage all citizens to support Special Olympics. For more information, you can contact Captain Joe Pellicci of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3025 or jpellicci@rcsd.net or Sue Maner of, Special Olympics at (803) 404-5511 or smaner@so-sc.org .

As your Sheriff, I know the importance of providing our students the proper tools to identify drugs and alcohol and know how to say no. D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, aims to help students avoid drugs or other high risk behaviors.

The D.A.R.E. program is offered to students at no charge thanks in part to a partnership between D.A.R.E. America and the Mid Atlantic Recycling Bin Program (M.A.C.) – this year the partnership raised $28,000 to pay for materials like workbooks, pins, certificates, pencils and buttons to reinforce the message.

Each year, thousands of students in Richland County are taught the D.A.R.E. curriculum by School Resource Officers. I am proud of all of the D.A.R.E. instructors for making the commitment every year to make a positive difference in our students lives. It reinforces what can be done when a group is committed to helping young people succeed both inside the classroom and beyond.

For the last 16 years Richland County, I have proudly led the Department with the philosophy and management style set on the corner stone of “Building Unity in the Community” through professionalism, passion, vision and commitment.

In 2003, the D.A.R.E. program faced the risk of being terminated because of a lack of funding. I felt D.A.R.E. was too important and took on the program with no financial support. I helped in creating a D.A.R.E. training center assuming the role of Executive Administrator; making sure every D.A.R.E. instructor completes their 80 hours of required certified training. Over the past 8 years 112 officers across South Carolina have been trained to teach DARE and 78,348 children have been taught the D.A.R.E. curriculum.

Last month, I was honored to be named the 2012 National D.A.R.E. Executive of the Year by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and D.A.R.E. America. The award was presented in Atlanta during the 2012 D.A.R.E. annual international training conference by Charlie Parsons, President and CEO of DARE America and Agent in Charge DEA Atlanta Field Division Harry Sommers.

I am truly honored and pledge to continue this powerful program to help children understand the importance of staying on a positive life path.

The D.A.R.E. program is taught at schools throughout Richland County. There are several community events where you can lend your support for the life-changing curriculum. The next event is October 25, 2012 at the Baskin Robbins on Forest Drive. It’s the annual DARESCREAM night- a free, fun, and safe evening for kids to celebrate D.A.R.E.

For more information about D.A.R.E. please contact Deputy Arlene Sharpe at the SC D.A.R.E. Training Center, (803) 419-5318 or scdare@rcsd.net. http://www.rcsd.net/dare/index.html

By Sheriff Leon Lott

As your Sheriff, I understand the importance of keeping our youth on the right path. Without positive influences and role models our youth have a greater chance of making the wrong decisions and sometimes, they are unable to recover from those mistakes. This is why I am seeking energetic Volunteer Arbitrators to join The Richland County Sheriff’s Department team.

The Sheriff’s Department Arbitration Program has been in existence since the spring of 2007 and is still going strong with a success rate of over 90 percent. One mistake does not have to mean a lifetime of consequences. Youth Arbitration is a community-based program that provides fast track accountability for first-time youthful offenders charged with committing a nonviolent crime.

Since the inception of the Youth Arbitration program in Richland County there have been more than 1,300 youth referrals to the program with a recidivism rate of less than 11 percent.

Annual training is a must as we strive to keep positive energetic arbitrators in position to assist our young folks. This is your chance as a Volunteer Arbitrator to assist our young adults that have come in contact with law enforcement for misdemeanor crimes. We are the only law enforcement agency in the state to run a Youth Arbitration Program.

“It’s all about what the kids get out of it,” says Lieutenant Kim Myers the Director of the Youth Arbitration Program. “Some kids find hidden talents and discover a dedication to a particular area of the community. Some even discover an interest in a particular career path.”

I am extremely proud of the active trained volunteer arbitrators dedicated to helping our youth… several of them have been with us from the beginning.

“It’s my hope that I can somehow help to get these kids back on track. If I can help just 1 or 2 kids- I see that as a success,” says Pat Klatt. She started as a volunteer and was eventually hired part-time to work with Youth Arbitration. Klatt is mainly responsible for running things behind the scenes as a Case Manager. She also heads into the field as an Arbitrator. “I think it’s a wonderful program. These kids deserve a second chance and I want to do my part to help.”

The success of the program depends on community participation and volunteerism. I am thrilled we are able to work with countless partners including the Department of Juvenile Justice, Alvin S. Glen Detention center, the Coroners Office, Homeworks Project, and Solicitor Dan Johnson at the Richland County Judicial Center to help mentor our youth and offer them a second chance.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer please visit our website at www.rcsd.net underneath programs/services dropdown to obtain application. Forward application to 5623 Two Notch Road Attention: Youth Arbitration or email Lieutenant Kym Myers for electronic application kmyers@rcsd.net for more information call Lieutenant Kym Myers, Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 736-0429

Arbitration training is held during the month of October 2012 for a total of 24 hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings 6pm-9pm and one Saturday) Training dates will be announced upon receipt of applications at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 6429 Bishop Avenue Columbia, South Carolina, 29203

For more information about the Youth Arbitration Program visit www.rcsd.net/prog/arbitrationprogram.htm.

It is the mission of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to improve the quality of life for ALL citizens.  As your Sheriff, I have made it my duty to build unity between the Sheriff’s Department and the community; joining our high standards of excellence with our vision for safer communities. This is done all year long- but celebrated during our annual National Night Out events.

National Night Out held the first Tuesday of August is designed to encourage communities to interact with each other, interact with law enforcement and to send the message to criminals that we will not tolerate their behavior.

While one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence— National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs everyday of the year.

I encourage ALL neighborhoods to use National Night Out to unify for a great cause and evaluate your neighborhood to determine what things can be done to improved your safety. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is prepared to assist each community with making it safer and to reducing crime overall.

Through passion and commitment we will maintain a high standard of professional accountability and will reduce the fear of crime and the fear of retaliation by the criminal element.

It is my goal is to have 100% participation from all neighborhoods in Richland County on National Night Out, and have a crime watch in every neighborhood and business community. Neighbors can organize themselves as well as business owners and tenants to talk about crime prevention in their neighborhood and business community.

Some of this year’s events include:

• Richland Village Apartments - 1234 Universal Drive
• Summit Community - The Summit Clemson Road
• Lake Carolina - Town Center
• Woodlands Forest Greens Neighborhood Association - 9 Baldur Court
• Lower Richland High School – 2615 Lower Richland Boulevard
• Carriage House Apartments - 110 Amsterdam Drive
• Newcastle Neighborhood - 202 Newcastle Drive
• St. Andrews Pointe Apartment - 1510 St. Andrews Road
• Courtyards at Providence Plantation – Providence Crossing

The Sheriffs Department Community Action Team specializes in helping individuals start and maintain their crime watch. I ask that each neighborhood contact the Community Services Division at the Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3191 for ideas on how to help prevent crime.

 More on National Night Out: The yearly event began in 1984 in an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts; it was felt that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie.

By Sheriff Leon Lott

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”.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott held a press conference today to announce a jurisdictional agreement that will improve the County/City services; ultimately improving the quality of life for ALL citizens.

Sheriff Leon Lott and Chief Randy Scott were joined by deputies and officers from the two departments as they signed a formal written agreement that ensures public safety and the prevention of crime in the City and County. The formal agreement solidifies the Sheriff’s and Chief’s commitment to our citizens and to making our neighborhoods safe.

Sheriff Leon Lott has stated for years that citizens do not care what color the uniform is that an officer wears, just that a professional service is being provided. The Sheriff stated that he is committed to making sure that jurisdictional lines do not hinder deputies or officers from performing their sworn duty. Sheriff Leon Lott reiterated his commitment to providing effective and efficient programs, services and personnel to ALL citizens. The Sheriff added that through passion and commitment we will maintain a high standard of professional accountability and will reduce the fear of crime; that the Department’s mission will be accomplished by building unity between the Sheriff’s Department, other law enforcement agencies and the community.

Chief Randy Scott stated that Criminal investigations have no boundaries. The Chief stated that with the City of Columbia encompassing Richland, Lexington and Kershaw Counties we must have cooperation within our City between law enforcement agencies. Chief Scott added that these relationships are key components to assisting crime victims who are a priority to the Columbia Police Department. The Chief is looking forward to maintaining such a partnership with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that the agreement will allow police officers from the City of Columbia to work out in the County without limits placed by jurisdictional lines – that if a call for help from a citizen goes out across the street, outside the City limits, a police officer will be able to provide service to a City of County resident.

Chief Randy Scott stated that in addition to the jurisdictional agreement, he has formally asked Sheriff Lott to partner and train officers in multiple areas of his Department. Victim’s Services, Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Fugitive Apprehension, Warrant Services and Training are examples of this step toward making our communities safer and bringing down a heavy hand on those that would threaten our citizens.

Sheriff Leon Lott was proud to announce, during a press conference today, that local community activist Elaine Gillespie had a vision to partner the Animal Mission and Natural Balance Dog Food together with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department – all in an effort to provide quality dog food to the K9 Deputies who serve our communities with distinction and honor every day.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that our K9 Teams work 24/7 to locate missing persons, eradicate drugs from our communities and apprehend fugitives from justice. Sheriff Leon Lott added that the K9 Teams are exposed to high stress, high intensity situations every day which are both physically and emotionally demanding (for the dog and handler). The Sheriff stated that the dogs require a quality, often expensive diet, to maintain their high work rate. The new partnership created by Elaine will support the K9s need to maintain a superior level of operational readiness. The financial support and generosity of the Animal Mission will allow the Department to purchase enough food to maintain the individual health of each K9. The generosity of Natural Balance will allow the Department to purchase a large quantity of food at an extremely reduced rate. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that both of these organizations are to be commended for their commitment to improving the quality of life for our citizens.

“The Animal Mission is happy to help feed these amazing service dogs. They are working everyday, supporting the Sherriff’s Department and protecting us. They deserve the best and that is exactly what Natural Balance will provide,” said Jim Sonefeld, Animal Mission board president.

“These hard-working service dogs deserve the highest quality nutritian available and Natural Balance is the industry leader in premium food. We are proud to help provide the Richland County Sheriff’s Department with food for these dogs, “ said Mark Gumola, Natural Balance Assistant Operations Manager East Coast Distribution Center.

Sheriff Leon Lott is excited about this new partnership and adds that together we are Building Unity in the Community through Professionalism, Passion, Vision and Commitment – making Richland County a great place to live work and play.

- For more information on the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s K9 Unit please go to www.rcsd.net or see below:

The purpose of the K-9 Unit is to provide the citizens of Richland County with trained police service dogs to protect the deputies and communities, building searches, help locate drugs, apprehend fleeing felons, detect explosive devices and find lost/missing persons. To accomplish this, the unit utilizes seventeen police service dogs.

Presently the unit has 14 Belgian Malinois, one Bloodhound and one Dutch Shepherd. The dogs, except the Bloodhound, are dual purpose dogs, meaning they are trained in two or more specialties — each dog has proven on numerous occasions to be an asset to the department and the community making over 130 apprehensions in 2011 and seizing of over $530,000 in narcotics.

All of our dogs are constantly subjected to different types of situations; which may include criminal apprehension, building/area search, tactical tracking, and Special Response Team deployment/applications. Each of our dogs requires/consumes approximately 40 to 45 pounds of food per month. Nutritional intake is monitored and based on periodic evaluations of individual health and weight requirements and to ensure the dogs diet is not changed affecting their performance.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott believes 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. The Sheriff knows that 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.

However, for the past sixteen years Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has had a passion for creating the most professional and the best educated and physically prepared Department. The Sheriff has implemented educational and fitness training/requirements for all deputies. The Sheriff’s belief is that a higher physical and mental standard is a journey and not a destination — It is a constant evolving process.

Under this leadership, Richland County Deputies constantly strive to better themselves by training and competing against other law enforcement and the military. Today, two Richland County Deputies challenged themselves and represented Richland County 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).

Sheriff Leon Lott is proud to announce 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. The Sheriff stated that the award recognizes the winners of the two-day long competition; which is based on a point system. Sheriff Leon Lott added that Deputy Puckett and Corporal Norton competed and earned points in physical fitness trials, domestic violence and medical training and active shooting. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that in the Police Team category there were ten, two person teams from around South Carolina.

The Sheriff stated that the 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. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that he is extremely 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 – that both Deputy Scott Puckett and Corporal George Norton epitomize what every law enforcement professional should strive to become.