Lott on CPD Takeover: “I would do it”

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — For the fifth time in his 18 years as sheriff of Richland County, Leon Lott is being asked if he would be willing to take over the embattled Columbia Police Department. Rather than exercise his right to remain silent on the issue, he’s speaking out. “Yes I would take it over but I would have to be in control.” That’s Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott responding to Columbia city councilman Cameron Runyan’s request to have Lott assume authority at the embattled City of Columbia Police Department. “I look at the citizens of Columbia as my people already, because I am in charge of keeping them safe. So, if it’s the best thing for Columbia and the residents, yes I’ll do it,” said Lott. “I won’t run away from it.” In an announcement this morning, Runyan requested city manager Teresa Wilson put her current search for a new police chief on hold so council may debate a new partnership with Lott. This would be the second time in four years such a discussion would take place. Runyan believes it’s irrelevant that Wilson’s decision on a new police chief hire is expected within days. “It’s about partnering to bring assets, a state-of-the-art crime lab with DNA analysis, a tactical training facility for officers, over 700 additional vehicles, aircraft, gangs and narcotics special response units all to bear in the fight against crime in Columbia.” Runyan says Lott’s nearly 20 years as sheriff quality him to lead the police department, which is plagued with scandal and what he calls a revolving door at the chief’s office. He thinks it’s irrelevant that Wilson is just days away from announcing a hew hire for police chief. He claims citizens and officers are suffering. “They give their best to this city each day and they deserve nothing less from us.” In reference to Councilman Runyan’s request that City Manager Teresa Wilson pause her search for a new police chief, she had this to say: “The decision to place the Columbia Police Department‘s operations under the Richland County Sheriff‘s Department is not within my purview as city manager. A decision of that nature is a policy decision that would have to be addressed by city council, and it is not appropriate for me to comment at this time.” At least one council member is commenting. Council member Tameika Isaac Devine, who is known to frequently butt heads with Runyan, released this statement: “For the last five months the City Manager Teresa Wilson has conducted an inclusive, yet exhaustive search for a new police chief. Numerous candidates have been interviewed and the search is now in its final stages. I along with several of my colleagues in City Council are confident in the city manager‘s police chief candidate selection process. I would not be opposed to evaluating City Council member Runyan‘s proposal to consolidate the departments, but this requires several steps that includes a formal request, benefit cost analysis, public hearings and vote before council. If Mr. Runyan was truly serious about this proposal he could have put this proposal forward months ago. I am not sure if this is just a case of bad timing in the 11th hour of the search or Mr. Runyan has employed the tactic of ‘bait and switch‘ denying the residents of Columbia a say in how public services are delivered, undermining the democratic process, and creating a hostile work environment for the incoming police chief. All Columbia residents are interested in the performance and morale of their city government, therefore we‘re all in this together and need to continue to work together. I encourage Council member Runyan to allow the city manager to complete her search and choose the best candidate to lead the great men and women of our police force.”