PASSION. Are you passionate about law enforcement? In 2021, Sheriff Lott was named South Carolina Sheriff of the Year and National Sheriff of the Year. He believes that his success as a Sheriff is only possible when the deputies he leads are successful themselves. Sheriff Lott is proud of the family-like atmosphere that he has fostered at RCSD and knows that it is important for deputies to love not only what they do, but where they work.
PURPOSE. If you see any of our 550+ uniformed deputies, you’ll notice that the patches on our uniforms have unique language. The patches identify us as “Deputy Sheriff” and “Peace Officer.” You will also find the words “Peace Officer” on our patrol vehicles. But what does it mean? RCSD believes that not every call for service needs to end with an arrest. Our deputies ensure that the needs of our citizens are met and often that can be accomplished by deescalating the situation and providing available services. Our purpose is to keep the peace and provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Richland County.
PROGRESS. RCSD is proud to be a progressive agency. Sheriff Lott stays ahead of the curve in this ever-changing profession. He invests in his deputies and ensures that we have all the tools necessary to excel in law enforcement. Sheriff Lott ensures that our deputies receive top-notch training, equipment and benefits, paid health care for employees and take-home vehicles for patrol deputies. At RCSD, you will have a wide variety of career opportunities and tremendous potential for advancement.
If there are any questions concerning the hiring process, please contact M/D Jay Evans by email or phone: 803-576-1488.
To become a Deputy Sheriff with Richland County, you must meet the following qualifications:
1. For Deputy Sheriff positions, candidate must have a high school diploma, GED, have military experience, or be a currently certified law enforcement officer.
2. Minimum of 21 years of age.
3. No criminal history.
4. Valid driver's license with limited violations.
5. Drug-free background.
6. Satisfactory background, including financial stability.
7. Pass a polygraph examination, drug testing, physical fitness test and staff interviews
8. Meet physical fitness standards. Including a pre-employment PT Test.
9. Successfully complete training at the Criminal Justice Academy.
• An application under oath on a format prescribed by the Director of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
• Evidence that the candidate has completed high school and received a high school diploma; equivalency (military or other) recognized and accepted by the South Carolina Department of Education or South Carolina.
• Evidence that the candidate is physically fit to fulfill the duties of a law enforcement officer. Such proof must be in obtaining a complete medical history by a licensed physician or medical examiner and a complete medical examination.
• The candidate has not been convicted of any criminal offense that carries a sentence of one year or more or a criminal offense that involves a crime of moral turpitude. The forfeiture of bond, a guilty plea, or a plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction.
• Candidate must be a person of good character as established by an in-depth background investigation. In determining good character, consideration must be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions, prior history of alcohol and drug abuse, etc.
• Candidate must have a valid and current state driver's license with no record during the previous five years for suspension of the driver's license as a result of driving under the influence, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, or leaving the scene of an accident.
• A credit check with favorable results
• Fingerprints and a check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division the candidate has no felony convictions.
• The candidate must be photographed.
• Evidence that the candidate's present age is not less than twenty-one years. This evidence must include a birth certificate or another acceptable document
• If the candidate has successfully completed a course of law enforcement training by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or another law enforcement training Academy, copies of the documents must be obtained.
• No convictions for criminal domestic violence.
