Randy Scott’s tenure as Columbia’s police chief will end May 1, he announced Monday, but too many questions regarding his work and resignation remain unanswered. After three weeks of taxpayer-funded leave and a $50,000 state-sponsored retirement package, Columbia residents deserve more complete explanations than officials have provided so far.
Officers filed lawsuits against Scott this year, and crime continues to plague Five Points. We’re worried there is more to Scott’s departure than has been announced so far. Though Scott’s time sheets, his application for retirement and several other documents were released, The Daily Gamecock’s request for emails sent to government officials regarding Scott’s conduct on the job were inappropriately dismissed.
We understand some private information is excluded from the Freedom of Information Act, but officials should redact sensitive information, not reject requests altogether. With a First Amendment lawyer agreeing the public deserves to know more, our requests should be reviewed again, and more information should be released quickly so we can understand Scott’s situation. It’s critical in this case and going forward — government officials claim to value transparency, but they need to demonstrate it.
Scott cited post-traumatic stress disorder for his departure, but we shouldn’t have to take his word for it. He was responsible for our safety for years, and he’s received lots of public money. He should be held accountable and so should public officials who are blocking information we deserve. The opacity is frustrating, costly and dangerous.