Richland County expanding youth offender program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia and Richland County officials are offering the media a glimpse of a new program they hope will keep non-violent offenders out of the state’s criminal justice system.

Reporters are getting a chance Tuesday to watch training sessions for an expanded youth arbitration program.

The program is run by Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Solicitor Dan Johnson and Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott. Officials hope the program will help change the way that schools handle violent crime. They’re also aiming to restore safety within schools and prevent at-risk students from getting in trouble with the law.