North Charleston Set to Welcome New Police Chief Ron Camacho on December 9, 2024

North Charleston Welcomes New Police Chief Ron Camacho!

The city of North Charleston is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to welcome its new police chief, Ronald Camacho, who is set to start on December 9, 2024. After a thorough six-month search that drew interest from many seasoned professionals, Mayor Reggie Burgess made the decision to bring in Camacho, a law enforcement veteran from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

A Thoughtful Selection Process

Mayor Burgess, who previously served as North Charleston’s police chief himself from 2018 to 2023, took a significant step in the selection process by contracting a national search firm known as the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). This approach not only broadened the pool of candidates but ensured that the process was comprehensive and transparent. In total, 34 candidates applied for the position, of which six finalists were selected for interviews, including three from the local area.

The impressive pool of candidates featured two internal deputy chiefs, Angela Johnson and Karen Cordray. Cordray has been with the department since 1992 and made history as the first female deputy chief, while Johnson, who joined in 1996, is noted for being the first African American woman to reach that rank. Despite their qualifications, Burgess felt that Camacho—and the experience he brings—was what the department needed to take it into the future.

What Sets Camacho Apart?

So, what has caught the attention of Mayor Burgess? The new chief comes to North Charleston with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience. Prior to his work in Chambersburg, where he served as chief, Camacho held positions with the York, PA police department and even worked as a police advisor in Afghanistan. He also spent time as a deputy program manager for the U.S. State Department in Mexico. Clearly, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.

Burgess noted, “It really doesn’t matter to me where you’re from, as long as you can do the job.” He further explained that while the deputy chiefs grew up in the department, Camacho’s experience brought a fresh perspective that he believes is crucial at this time.

Community Relations are Key

One of Camacho’s first tasks will be to foster relationships within the community. Mayor Burgess highlighted the importance of engagement, stating that Camacho is keen on building bridges before any crisis arises. In his recent role, Camacho implemented a Citizen Advisory Committee that empowered community leaders to share their views, particularly regarding policing in minority neighborhoods.

Additionally, Camacho has shown a commitment to the well-being of officers through the introduction of officer wellness programs that emphasize mental health. “I want a chief of police that cares so much about the men and women that serve in the city of North Charleston,” said Burgess.

Including Diverse Perspectives

The search process was a community effort, involving a survey among neighborhood presidents and a thoughtful panel of 10 community stakeholders to interview the finalists. Among various local leaders was even the wife of *Anthony Scott*, whose brother was tragically killed by a North Charleston officer in 2015. This setup provided a comprehensive view of community perspectives that helped shape the decision-making process.

As North Charleston gears up for the start of Camacho’s leadership, there’s a sense of hope and anticipation. With so much dedication poured into the selection process, there are high expectations for a new chapter in the city’s policing history.

What’s Next?

While the city continues to bask in sunny weather—Highs of 69°F and light winds ahead—there’s a palpable sense of excitement and optimism about the future of the North Charleston Police Department. The community looks forward to welcoming Chief Camacho and eagerly awaits the growth and changes he promises to bring. Get ready, North Charleston—new leadership is just around the corner!