Richland County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Leon Lott

Do you have a question for The Sheriff?
	Email Sheriff Lott

Announcements and Information

Special Property Check Request Form

Lake Murray Special Property Check Request Form

Fingerprinting Civilians

Congratulations to our Recent Academy Graduates

RCSD Resources page

RCSD Social Media

More information on the Sheriff’s Alert System

Traffic Stop Safety
for Citizens

Graffiti Removal Line
576-3468

Midlands Crimestoppers:
1-888-crime-sc

Welcome to Richland County Sheriff's Department
Building Unity in the Community
through Professionalism, Passion, Vision and Commitment

Located in the heart of South Carolina, Richland County is home to Columbia, the Capital City, six universities and colleges, the nation's largest military training base and a pristine array of lakes, rivers, forests and parks. Richland County covers 756 square miles and has a population of over 393,000 making it the second most populous county in South Carolina.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department is built on the cornerstone of a rich and proud law enforcement tradition that spans over 200 years. The Department currently employs over 700 uniformed officers and 140 non-sworn personnel, making it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the State.

It is the mission of the Richland County Sheriff's Department to improve the quality of life for ALL citizens. 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.

This mission will be accomplished by building unity between the Sheriff's Department and the community; joining our high standards of excellence with our vision for safer communities. Everyone will employ effective Community Policing strategies and problem-solving techniques; all supported by aggressive enforcement of Federal, State and Local Laws.

In keeping with our mission and vision, we have high standards of excellence and expectations of actions for our Department.

Special Events

School is in: do you know when to stop for a school bus?
click here for more information

Crisis Management 101: “Prevention STARTS with Preparation”

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department works tirelessly every day to stop crime and capture criminals. We do this by not only employing the most innovative crime prevention techniques and tools but by partnering with you.

We want to provide you with the most up to date information that will empower you; and simply we need you to have a plan.

Have a plan at your home, church, school and business for the event of natural disasters, acts of violence and your safety.

We have educational opportunities for your home, church, school and business from personal safety and armed robbery prevention to crisis management and preparation. Resources and personnel are available to assist in your crisis management planning. The following pdf files are examples.

Crisis Prevention and Preparedness Overview
Crisis Prevention and Preparedness (presentation)

Free women’s self defense classes: (click here for more information)

Be sure to check the Community Meeting Schedule for your neighborhood or community meeting.

The Sheriff's Department offers free Crime Prevention presentations on the topic of your choice to your community, church or civic organization.