5 Critical Updates On The Charleston Police Department (WV): Inside The 2025 Staffing Crisis, New Leadership, And High-Profile Cases

The Charleston Police Department (CPD) in West Virginia is currently navigating a period of significant change and intense public scrutiny as of December 2025. Aggressive recruitment efforts are underway to combat persistent staffing shortages, a top priority for department leadership, while simultaneously managing high-profile incidents and preparing for a major infrastructure upgrade with a newly selected police headquarters. This comprehensive overview provides the most current information, recent developments, and key figures shaping the future of law enforcement in the state capital. The department, which serves the City of Charleston, West Virginia, remains dedicated to enhancing public safety through community policing initiatives, even as it faces the complex challenges of modern urban law enforcement in Kanawha County.

CPD Leadership and Organizational Structure

The Charleston Police Department operates under the direction of the Mayor's Office and is led by a dedicated team of veteran officers. Their focus is on strategic recruitment, community engagement, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the city's residents.

Key Personnel and Command Staff

• Chief of Police: Scott Dempsey
• Deputy Chief: Jason Webb
• Deputy Chief: Tony Hazelett
• Mayor: Amy Shuler Goodwin

Chief Scott Dempsey has made the revitalization of the department's ranks a central theme of his tenure, acknowledging the crucial need to maintain adequate staffing levels to effectively police the city. Deputy Chief Jason Webb, an 18-year veteran, has also been a prominent figure, previously serving as the MDENT Commander. Deputy Chief Tony Hazelett has also been involved in representing the department's initiatives, such as the "Protecting Those Who Serve" presentation.

The 2025 Focus: Staffing, Infrastructure, and Community Engagement

The year 2025 has been marked by a concentrated push on three major fronts: resolving the ongoing staffing crisis, preparing for a new police headquarters, and strengthening ties with the local community.

Aggressive Recruitment and Staffing Challenges

The struggle to maintain full staffing levels is a continuing challenge for the Charleston Police Department. Chief Scott Dempsey has publicly stressed the department's aggressive recruitment efforts, which include swearing in new classes of police officers. This drive is critical for the CPD to meet the demands of a city where crime rates have historically been higher than both the state and national averages.

Excitement for a New Police Headquarters

A significant infrastructure project is underway with the selection of a new police headquarters. Chief Dempsey has expressed considerable enthusiasm for the new facility, viewing it as a major step forward for the department's operational capabilities and morale. This move is anticipated to modernize the police station and provide officers with the resources necessary to perform their duties more effectively.

Deepening Community Policing Initiatives

Community outreach remains a core component of the CPD’s strategy. The department’s Public Services Division coordinates several vital programs aimed at fostering collaboration and trust between officers and residents. Key initiatives include the long-running Neighborhood Watch program and the Citizens Police Academy, which offers residents an in-depth look at police operations.

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Furthermore, in the first half of 2025, the CPD hosted a session that saw 156 participants in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ Office. The department also participated in the 2025 WV 988 & CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Summit, underscoring its commitment to mental health response and crisis management.

High-Profile Incidents and Legal Scrutiny in 2025

The department has faced significant legal and public challenges this year, highlighting the intense environment in which the police force operates.

Officer-Involved Shooting at CAMC General Hospital

In August 2025, the Charleston Police Department was involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting at the CAMC General Hospital emergency room. The incident occurred after a man allegedly pulled a knife, leading to the use of deadly force by officers. Such events immediately trigger internal and external investigations, placing the department under intense public and media scrutiny.

Lawsuit Against the City and Supervisors

Adding to the legal complexities, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Charleston and three CPD supervisors. While details of the suit are subject to ongoing legal proceedings, these actions often involve allegations of misconduct or policy violations, further emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within the police force.

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Managing the Cost of Crime

The overall projected cost of crime in Charleston for 2025 is estimated to be over $36 million, translating to approximately $461 per resident. This figure, which accounts for both violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, assault) and property crimes (burglary, theft, vehicle theft), highlights the economic and social impact of public safety challenges that the Charleston Police Department is tasked with addressing.

The Future of the Charleston Police Force

Looking ahead, the Charleston Police Department is clearly focused on resilience and modernization. The leadership under Chief Scott Dempsey is determined to overcome the current staffing shortages through strategic recruitment, aiming to strengthen the police force and improve its ability to serve the community. The planned new police headquarters represents a tangible investment in the future, promising a more efficient and capable operational base. The CPD’s ongoing collaboration with entities like the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department, Metro 911, and the West Virginia State Police is vital for a coordinated approach to public safety. By balancing aggressive law enforcement with proactive community policing and crisis intervention training, the Charleston Police Department is working to fulfill its goal of making the City of Charleston a safer place to work and live. The department's ability to navigate the legal challenges and successfully execute its recruitment and infrastructure plans will define its success in the coming years.

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