Law enforcement city/county consolidation

[krazeeboi]

In the wake of former police chief Tandy Carter's firing for refusing to turn the investigation of the accident involving mayor-elect Steve Benjamin over to the state highway patrol, there has been serious discussion about having Richland County sheriff Leon Lott oversee both departments. Lott rejects the term "consolidation," instead describing an agreement that would have him manage both departments. That's similar to the way fire service works in Richland County: The county contracts with the city.

[Spartan]

Or they could just hire a better manager. County Sheriffs are elected.

[CorgiMatt]

It's interesting how Sheriff Lott had the foresight to call in a another agency when his secretary's daughter was in a fender bender, but former Chief Carter didn't get the "appearances" concept regarding the mayor elect's situation.

[krazeeboi]

Or they could just hire a better manager. County Sheriffs are elected.

[waccamatt]

I'm in favor of total city-county consolidation.

[krazeeboi]

^That would be ideal, but I suppose baby steps have to be taken first. But expanding the tax base with a total consolidation like that would be really great, especially for downtown.

[Spartan]

You mean a better city manager? Well, Columbia legislators are really trying to get the council-manager form of government changed to a strong mayor form.