COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Mixed reactions came out Tuesday as District IV residents shared their thoughts on a possible concept that would put the Richland County Sheriff's Department in charge of the Columbia City Police.
“I am just amazed that he [Lott] is going to be able to find the spare time to be able to do anything other than the Richland County Sheriff's Department,” said resident George Crouch.
If approved, Columbia Police Department would no longer be under the direction of a chief, hired by the city manager. Instead, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott would oversee the force.
“We are looking at a proposal to contract with Sheriff Lott to manage the Columbia Police Department, so it would be a contract for services,” said District IV Councilwoman Leona Plaugh.
According to Plaugh, Sheriff Lott would manage the Columbia Police Department for 18 months, the length of his current term as sheriff.
“I have had the pleasure knowing Sheriff Lott his entire police career,” says resident Leigh Leventis. “I know what kind of police officer he is and what kind of leader he is, and I think the City of Columbia would benefit tremendously by having his leadership.”
Plaugh adds that combining departments allows for efficiency and delivery of more services, but not everyone agrees with her way of thinking.
“I think they should leave it alone,” says resident Cindy Johnson, “and I think they need to hire somebody to be the police chief.”
Plaugh says council members would like to make a decision on the proposal sometime in September, but before they do, they want to hear all sides.
Residents are encouraged to attend one of the remaining meetings:
-District III is August 25, 5:30 p.m. at the Capital Senior Center.
- District II is August 31, 6 p.m. at the Cecil Tillis Center.
-City-wide meeting is September 1, 6 p.m. at City Hall.
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