(Columbia, SC) -- Richland County is facing a potential public safety crisis due to ongoing staffing shortages.
County Administrator Leonardo Brown recently presented a report outlining nearly 580 unfilled positions across five counties, including the Sheriff's Department, Emergency Services, Public Defenders, Court-appointed special advocates, and the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Brown said the county is struggling with both hiring and retention. She recommends increasing salaries for existing and future employees as soon as possible to avoid a "public safety crisis."