No recruitment crisis: How Sheriff Leon Lott built a department deputies won't leave

Policing Matters

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.

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.