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Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today that the number of homicides for 2008 are 44% lower than 2007.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that in 2007 there were twenty-five homicides committed and that in 2008 there were fourteen. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that although one homicide is one too many, the reduction proves that community involvement, community partnerships and proactive law enforcement work.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that the citizens continue to start crime watches, report crime and become involved in solving community issues on a day to day basis in Richland County. Sheriff Leon Lott added that departmental personnel continue to be proactive in their efforts to establish partnerships with the business and residential communities, which invariably lead to safer communities and schools. Sheriff Leon Lott further stated that departmental personnel, volunteers and partners are dedicated to proactive law enforcement efforts that consistently lead to preventing crime and also capturing those responsible for victimizing our citizens.

Sheriff Leon Lott added that strong efforts by the department in developing programs and initiatives (that includes hiring) within the diverse communities that make up the Midlands and the fulltime commitment of personnel to programs like "Crossroads" have caused significant impact on homicide rate. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that in 2008 there were less gang related homicides, verses 2007; specifically, in 2007 there were ten homicides during the summer months verses five homicides during the same time period. Sheriff Leon Lott attributes this reduction to efforts like the "Crossroads" program that directly impacts gang activity and youth crime. Sheriff Leon Lott continues to maintain the Department's direction of making sure that every person (no matter background, ethnicity or immigration status) receives service and support from the Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that in 2009 the Sheriff's Department will continue to adapt, grow and provide professional law enforcement services to our all citizens..

Year Homicides Committed Homicides Solved

2007

Homicides committed: 25

Homicides solved: 24

2008

Homicides committed:14

Homicides solved: 11