Larry Payne’s life’s work is reflected in his three decades of service to Richland County By W. Thomas Smith Jr. In January 2018, then-Lieutenant Larry Payne was one of three Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) deputies featured in a national POLICE1 article which examined the department’s unique and first-of-its-kind pre-PTSDContinue Reading
Mullikin celebrates law enforcement officers from across South Carolina By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources – and one of 60 of the most influential (impactful) military leaders from S.C. recognized during Veterans Month whosonthemove.com/ – was the keynote speaker forContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Leesville man is facing charges after narcotics agents discovered cocaine, firearms, and cash in his home, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Vincent Davis, 62, has been charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, Sheriff Jay Koon said. Agents,Continue Reading
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
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
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
Popular ON PATROL: LIVE star Captain Danny Brown honored during ceremony By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) Captain and U.S. Army 1st Sergeant Danny R. Brown Jr. was heralded as “a great leader and a true professional” by U.S. Army Brigadier General Jed J. Schaertl duringContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – An anonymous tip from the community helped Lexington County deputies locate and arrest a Batesburg man following a two-day manhunt. Cordell Wyman Clark, 26, was taken into custody Wednesday morning and charged with resisting arrest and failure to stop for a blue light, according to records fromContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 26 turned into a major drug bust last week after a Lexington County deputy pulled over a vehicle with an expired license plate. Aaron Daryl Maldonado, 31, of Columbia, faces multiple charges including trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, marijuana,Continue Reading
Trevor Grant Oty, age 22 of Newberry County, pled guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the First Degree, and one count of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor in the First Degree, on Thursday, July 10,Continue Reading