(by David Waterman, WVOC)
Columbia officials are expected to decide soon whether the county sheriff should oversee the city’s police department.
Richland County and Columbia have combined firefighting operations for years, but words like “merger” and “consolidation” still make many nervous. The current proposal indicates that Sheriff Leon Lott would manage the Columbia Police Department.
There is now an interim police chief after the dismissal of Tandy Carter over his handling of a controversial investigation into an auto wreck involving Columbia’s new mayor. That episode revived past discussion about whether the city and county could benefit financially and administratively by having the sheriff oversee both law enforcement agencies.
Lott is well-liked, but some question what would happen if he is replaced by someone who is not so appreciated.
The sheriff is elected; the police chief, appointed.
County officials are also exploring whether they would be assuming any additional legal liability for city police officers.
