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Leading a law enforcement agency is no easy task — especially in today’s challenging climate. But Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina, has cracked the code. Now in his eighth term, Lott oversees nearly 900 personnel with an annual budget of $48 million. His leadership has earned him national recognition — and built a department where officers stay, without the recruitment struggles plaguing other agencies.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Sheriff Lott to discuss the leadership strategies that keep his agency thriving, the key to officer retention, and why he believes the term “peace officer” better reflects modern policing. Sheriff Lott also shares insights from his international work, including training security forces in Iraq and his role in global crime prevention efforts through Crime Stoppers.
Richland County is also one of the agencies featured on “On Patrol: Live,” a reality show that gives viewers a firsthand look at law enforcement in action. Sheriff Lott discusses how the show has impacted recruitment and community relations.
Tune in to discover:
- How Sheriff Lott has built a fully staffed department without a dedicated recruiting team.
- Why leadership — not salary — plays the biggest role in retention.
- The innovative branding decision that changed the way his community sees law enforcement.
- How he balances community trust with holding deputies accountable.
- His international work training officers in Iraq and fighting crime on a global scale.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
Learn more about the Richland County Sheriff’s Department:
- Sheriff Leon Lott again makes S.C. newspaper’s ‘Power List’
- Midlands Gang Task Force: Battling evolving threats in central South Carolina
- Netflix series ‘MISSING: Dead or Alive’ renews for Season Two
- New Netflix series to feature South Carolina investigators
- Sheriff’s department in South Carolina pledges to ‘do no harm’
- Coach Dawn Staley and Sheriff Leon Lott: Two unlikely, but very good friends
Key takeaways from this episode
- Leadership drives retention: Sheriff Lott emphasizes that while competitive pay matters, creating a culture where officers feel valued, supported and heard is the real key to retention. His agency has maintained full staffing for years without a dedicated recruitment team.
- The power of a “peace officer” mindset: Rebranding uniforms and vehicles to include “peace officer” wasn’t just a cosmetic change at RCSD — it reinforced a philosophy of proactive community engagement rather than just law enforcement.
- Accountability builds trust: Sheriff Lott has fostered a culture where deputies hold each other accountable and misconduct is addressed openly. His transparent approach with the community strengthens trust and credibility.
- Mental health and officer wellness are non-negotiable: From peer support to a wellness program that goes beyond physical fitness, Lott ensures his deputies know it’s OK not to be OK — and that help is always available.
- Leadership is about developing others: With no single “number two” in his command structure, Sheriff Lott empowers multiple leaders, fostering a culture where teamwork and shared responsibility drive success. Many of his former command staff have gone on to become chiefs and sheriffs themselves.
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