Exciting Changes in North Charleston: New Police Chief Announced
The city of North Charleston is buzzing with excitement as Mayor Reggie Burgess introduces the new chief of police, Roland “Ron” Camacho! After a thorough search that spanned across the nation, Burgess revealed that Camacho has accepted the role not just as a new chapter in his career, but also as the city’s 11th chief of police.
A Leader with Experience
With decades of law enforcement experience under his belt, Camacho comes to North Charleston after serving as chief of the Chambersburg Police Department in Pennsylvania. Earlier this week, he took the plunge and accepted the position on the spot — talk about excitement!
Mayor Burgess noted that the competition to find the perfect candidate was fierce, with many talented individuals in the running for the coveted position. However, during the selection process, Burgess felt a strong connection with Camacho’s vision for the department. “I even spoke with him and he told me some of his initiatives. I said, ‘Wow.’ We’re like-minded thinkers,” Burgess expressed, reflecting on the qualities that made Camacho stand out among the rest.
Shared Priorities
Having worn the badge himself for several years, Burgess and Camacho share some common goals: a commitment to community engagement and ensuring that the needs of police officers are met. “That’s my number one priority—to the citizens of North Charleston. That’s my number one priority and he has the same mindset,” Burgess shared, indicating a bright future for the city’s police department under Camacho’s leadership.
Overcoming Challenges
To even be considered for this prestigious role, Camacho had to navigate a detailed background check by an esteemed nonprofit, the Police Executive Research Forum. While his career has generally been on an upward trajectory, it hasn’t been without its bumps. In 2006, he was named in a lawsuit related to the arrest of a Planned Parenthood protestor, who claimed their freedom of speech was violated. However, the city settled the lawsuit without any admission of liability from Camacho or the department.
Addressing this past, Burgess confidently stated, “If Dr. Camacho was doing something wrong, he would not be at this point to be considered as chief of police.” He emphasized that challenges are a part of law enforcement and as long as lessons are learned, that’s what truly matters.
Looking Ahead
Camacho, reflecting on the setbacks and how they have shaped him, feels he has grown personally and professionally. He maintains that he did nothing wrong in the case mentioned. As a seasoned officer with over 16 years in managerial roles and relevant experience from consulting overseas, Camacho brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. It’s no surprise that he holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in criminal justice!
Feeling incredibly optimistic, Camacho expressed his eagerness to start this new adventure in North Charleston. He acknowledges that the job ahead will require long hours and dedication, but he assures residents that it will be worth it to learn about the community he will serve and call home.
A Competitive Selection Process
It’s worth noting that Camacho was chosen from six finalists, who had been narrowed down from a pool of an impressive 34 candidates. With such a competitive field, it’s clear that the City of North Charleston was serious about finding the ideal candidate for the role of chief of police.
As North Charleston moves forward under new leadership, the future of community safety and engagement looks promising with their new chief at the helm. Residents can look forward to seeing firsthand the positive impact that Roland Camacho brings to the police department. Stay tuned, North Charleston—there’s a new chief in town!
