Pay for S.C. deputies isn’t about politics. It’s about caring for those that shield

By Sheriff Leon Lott
The State

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — “Northern California Sheriff proclaims indefinite suspension of daytime patrols citing catastrophic staffing scarcity.”

“Philadelphia Police to permit unarmed civilian visitors officers, supply recruitment bonuses to retain employees.”

These are simply two of the headlines concerning the affect of public security and our residents.

South Carolina is not any completely different. Businesses are all fishing from the identical pond, and those with the most important bait (wage) are profitable. Legislation enforcement is a novel career – it’s extra of a calling to serve. Not everybody generally is a peace officer. You should be prepared to sacrifice your well being and even your life to guard the residents. All of us perceive that obligation once we increase our proper hand and take our oath.

Sadly, I’m seeing the older, skilled deputies go away the career as a result of as they inform me, “I must look out for my household.” Candidates take a look at a beginning wage and base the place they’re starting their profession solely on cash, and I can’t blame them. Everyone knows once we change into cops our pay isn’t the reward we search. The reward helps individuals, however the pay has to assist their households.

I contemplate it a tragedy that I’ve deputies that must get authorities help to assist their household. I contemplate it a tragedy that Richland County Sheriff’s Division has a freezer at our headquarters with venison and pork that deputies can get to feed their households.

These are the identical deputies our residents and elected officers demand be at their finest when they’re wanted. Nonetheless, are we offering the perfect to those that put on the uniform of a Richland County deputy?

Politics ought to by no means intervene with public security. Residents don’t desire a Democrat, Republican, Impartial, and many others. deputy after they need assistance. They need a educated peace officer to assist them. That’s what we offer and can at all times present. Pay for our deputies isn’t about politics or energy; it is just about caring for the women and men that deal with our residents.

We’ll proceed to supply probably the most skilled service we will to our residents. The women and men at RCSD will give their coronary heart and soul to this career and our county. I’ll present the perfect coaching, tools, and assist. That’s my accountability and I’ll by no means waiver in advocating in your deputies.

Please pray for the women and men of the sheriff’s division who’re prepared to present their all for our residents. Keep in mind the names of Darral Lane, Ryan Rawl, Jerry Hurd, Allen Bennett, John Mark Dial, Joe Alva, Donnie Washington and Keith Cannon. These courageous males misplaced their lives serving the residents of Richland County.

The guy deputies of those courageous heroes on the Richland County Sheriff’s Division must have salaries which are akin to our surrounding companies. Not can we have to be fourth or fifth finest within the Midlands for salaries. Some contemplate us the perfect due to our deputies; allow us to present them assist and pay them what they deserve.

Leon Lott has been sheriff of Richland County since 1996. He has been in regulation enforcement for nearly 50 years.

RELATED: A letter to the American public: 3 common misconceptions about pay and rural policing

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