Cops and kids can coexist – and Richland summit will show how

Cops and young people – can they get along? An upcoming summit says “yes” and aims to help law enforcement and communities bridge cultural gaps.

The seminar is slated for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 and 7 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. in Columbia, Richland County officials said. County government and the Sheriff’s Department are two primary sponsors of the event.

“These positive relationships are what lift us all to a better quality of life and set our young people on better pathways to success,” said County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson, who will host the event.

Sheriff Leon Lott said the event springs from an Oct. 26, 2015, confrontation at Spring Valley High School between a school resource officer and a female student.

Glen Luke Flangan

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 2:24 PM.