Businesses Recruited to Fight Crime in North Columbia

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – After receiving an inundation of complaints from residents in parts of North Columbia, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is trying to curb crime by implementing a grassroots approach.

“Rather than just going out and stopping a bunch of cars and making arrests, what is the problem?” Senior Deputy Josh Duerkop said. “What’s bringing these people here? Why are they staying here? And solving those issues from the ground up, stead of just an unguided missile.”

Deputies have been working the area of town, around North Main Street, Farrow and Fairfield Roads near I-20, for the past couple weeks.

“A lot of these people in this neighborhood just want to live a safe and happy life,” Duerkop said. “Let their kids play in their yard, and things like that.”

If you’re a business in North Columbia under the jurisdiction of RCSD, you can ask for a free survey from the sheriff’s Community Action Team. just email sheriff@rcsd.net or call 803-576-3095.