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5 Critical Updates On The Charleston Police Department WV: New Chief, Lawsuits, And The Recruitment Crisis

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The Charleston Police Department (CPD), the primary law enforcement agency for the capital city of West Virginia, is currently navigating a period of significant change and challenge, with major developments impacting its leadership, staffing, and public standing as of December 2025. From a high-stakes recruitment drive to address critical staffing shortages to the appointment of a new permanent Chief, the department is actively reshaping its approach to public safety and community engagement in Kanawha County. This in-depth report cuts through the noise to deliver the most current and essential information on the CPD’s recent activities and future focus.

The department, located at 501 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301, is central to maintaining order and safety across the city, tackling issues ranging from routine traffic enforcement to the ongoing, severe opioid crisis that plagues the region. Understanding the current status of the CPD is crucial for residents and stakeholders concerned about the future of law enforcement in the Mountain State.

Leadership Profile: Chief Scott Dempsey and Key Staff

The Charleston Police Department is led by a dedicated command staff, with a new permanent Chief recently taking the helm to steer the department through its contemporary challenges.

  • Chief of Police: Scott Dempsey
    • Appointment: Officially appointed as the City of Charleston’s newest Chief of Police by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin.
    • Background: Dempsey previously served as the Interim Chief before his official appointment.
    • Focus: His leadership is immediately focused on aggressively addressing the department's significant staffing shortages and enhancing community relations.
  • Deputy Chief of Investigations: Jack Weiss
    • Responsible for overseeing the investigative bureaus and major crime units within the department.
  • Deputy Chief of Operations: Dustin Thompson
    • Oversees daily police operations, patrol divisions, and resource deployment across the city.
  • Deputy Chief Jason Webb
    • A key figure in addressing major public safety events, such as the recent mass overdose incidents.
  • Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin
    • The Mayor has been directly involved in the selection and swearing-in of the new Chief and new police officers, underscoring the city's commitment to law enforcement.

The Critical CPD Staffing and Recruitment Crisis

One of the most pressing issues facing the Charleston Police Department is a significant and sudden dip in staffing levels, which Chief Dempsey has described as having happened "quickly." This shortage impacts everything from response times to the capacity for proactive community policing initiatives.

The department has launched an aggressive recruitment campaign to counteract this trend. The goal is to rapidly boost the number of sworn officers to ensure adequate coverage and public safety for the city's residents.

In a positive sign of these efforts, the Mayor and Chief swore in 11 new police officers in early 2025. These recruits began their initial training at the Charleston Police Department Training Division before moving on to the rigorous program at the West Virginia State Police Academy in January 2025. This push for new blood is vital for the long-term health and operational capacity of the CPD.

The challenge remains attracting and retaining qualified candidates in a competitive environment, making the CPD's recruitment strategy a top priority for city leadership.

Recent High-Profile Incidents and Legal Challenges

The Charleston Police Department has been in the news for several high-stakes events and legal developments, highlighting the complex environment in which modern law enforcement operates.

Lawsuit Filed by Female Officer (September 2025)

In a major legal development, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Charleston and three CPD supervisors in September 2025. The suit was brought on behalf of a female Charleston Police Officer, suggesting internal issues that have risen to the level of legal action. Lawsuits of this nature often prompt internal reviews and can influence departmental policy and supervision practices.

The Overdose Crisis Response

The opioid epidemic continues to be a devastating force in West Virginia, and the CPD is on the front lines. The severity of the crisis was underscored by a shocking incident where Charleston saw 35 overdoses in less than 24 hours.

Deputy Chief Jason Webb confirmed an arrest was made following this mass overdose event, demonstrating the department's commitment to both emergency response and criminal investigation in drug-related cases. The CPD's role in this crisis involves not only enforcement but also collaboration with public health services to address the root causes of addiction.

Core Operational Focus: Community Policing and Public Services

Beyond the high-profile news, the Charleston Police Department's daily operations are structured to provide comprehensive public safety through specialized divisions and community-focused programs.

Community Policing Bureau

The Community Policing Bureau is a cornerstone of the department's strategy, aiming to build strong relationships between officers and the community. This bureau is essential for gathering intelligence, fostering trust, and proactively addressing neighborhood-specific issues before they escalate.

Public Services and DUI Enforcement

The Public Services Division plays an active and critical role in maintaining road safety. A key focus is DUI enforcement, with officers working diligently to support citywide initiatives that ensure Charleston’s streets are safe for all commuters and residents. This division's efforts are crucial for reducing traffic accidents and fatalities across the city limits.

Collaborative Efforts and Safety Goals

The CPD emphasizes a collaborative effort with other agencies and community groups. Their stated goal is clear: to make the City of Charleston a safer place to work and live in. This collaborative model is increasingly necessary for tackling multifaceted problems like homelessness, mental health crises, and the drug epidemic, which require more than just a traditional law enforcement response.

In summary, the Charleston Police Department is undergoing a dynamic transformation under Chief Scott Dempsey’s leadership. While facing significant internal challenges, including a lawsuit and a critical staffing shortage, the department is aggressively moving forward with recruitment and remains dedicated to tackling the region's most severe public safety threats, particularly the ongoing opioid crisis. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the success of the CPD's aggressive strategies to restore full operational strength and enhance community trust in West Virginia’s capital.

5 Critical Updates on the Charleston Police Department WV: New Chief, Lawsuits, and the Recruitment Crisis
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charleston police department charleston wv

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