Photograph becomes “Photo of the Week” in top national publication By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Sheriff Leon Lott (on the far right wearing a pink shirt with sheriff’s stars on his collar) was photographed with a group of Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) senior leaders, investigators, and administrative personnel inContinue Reading
IRMO – The Irmo Police Department has arrested Sulaymaan Benoit for the second time in less than a year. Benoit, a former employee of Green Charter School of the Midlands, was taken into custody on October 28, 2025, and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 1st Degree.Continue Reading
Sheriff Lott honors retired Deputy and Vietnam veteran James L. Taylor Sr. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Mr. James L. Taylor, Sr., a 92-year-old retired deputy sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) was presented his retirement credentials, during a special ceremony at the RCSD headquarters, Tuesday, Oct. 21.Continue Reading
IRMO — Reverend Dr. Eric Skidmore offered a prayer of blessing for community first responders during Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church’s First Responder Appreciation Service held October 12. The annual service recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of local law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who serve the community.Continue Reading
Lott says his Richland County Sheriff’s Department has changed the public narrative through new and emerging technologies as well as RCSD’s “peace officer” branding By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott addressed members of the Spring Valley Rotary Club at Columbia’s Northeast Presbyterian Church, Thursday,Continue Reading
First Responders Charity Softball Tournament held at Columbia’s Segra ParkBy W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’sDepartment (RCSD) defeated both the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division(SLED) and the Columbia Police Department (CPD) in a double-elimination softballtournament which raised funds for localContinue Reading
Event Supports Community-Police Relationship-Building Programs Across the Carolinas COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sept. 10, 2025) – Serve & Connect, a South Carolina nonprofit dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, will host its 3rd Annual Serve & Connect Golf Tournament on Monday, Nov. 17 at the WoodlandsContinue Reading
A 21-year-old Lexington woman has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting Tuesday night in West Columbia. Lexington County deputies responded to a home in the 2700 block of Leaphart Road following a 911 call about a gunshot wound. Authorities say the victim, identified by Lexington CountyContinue Reading
Inspired by a century-old Texas Rangers’ prayer, W. Thomas Smith Jr. crafted a modern invocation for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, reflecting faith, courage and service in 2025 By POLICE1 Staff [A version of this story was published in POLICE1, August 13, 2025] Recently when South Carolina writer W. ThomasContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Gilbert man is facing multiple charges after Lexington County narcotics agents say they found fentanyl, meth, and ammunition in his home. Gary Edward Ware Jr., 38, is charged with trafficking fentanyl, distributing meth, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to arrest warrants.Continue Reading
Columbia, S.C. – If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a firefighter, now’s your chance to answer the call. The Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) has reopened its application period for new hires. Both entry-level applicants and experienced firefighters are encouraged to apply. Candidates with prior experience and the necessary certifications mayContinue Reading