Former Columbia Police Chief Hired at Richland County Sheriff's Department

Former Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott — who announced his resignation just eight days ago — is returning to the Richland County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff. 

During a tearful resignation speech last week, Scott said he has been going through counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Scott starts at the Richland County Sheriff's Department on May 13, with the title of "inspector," Sheriff Leon Lott said. He will be paid $40,000 per year. Lott says that's just above the $35,000 starting salary for a person with no experience.

Before Scott was hired as Columbia Police Chief, he worked at the Richland County Sheriff's Department for 15 years.

His new position will involve working with the community and helping further develop the department's leadership training program.

Scott went on a personal leave of absence from the Columbia Police Department on April 2. He announced his resignation on April 22. That resignation went into effect Wednesday.