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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Fighting gangs is a priority for Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, and it shows.

Lott said Wednesday that his department's gang unit has been recognized as the top force of its kind in South Carolina.

Lott says his officers have put on more than 300 educational presentations over the past year. Deputies have also mentored more than 1,000 young people and conducted over 300 graffiti removals.

Officers have also investigated and closed multiple cases.