Police Department

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The police department currently employs 458 sworn police officers and 117 civilians. The department also has a reserve police officer program. Providing a high level of public service is the police department's mission.

The department, headed by Chief Luther T. Reynolds, has many resources and specialized personnel at its disposal. The Charleston Police Department was the first municipal law enforcement agency in the State of South Carolina to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Social Media

Charleston Police Department would like to invite you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for important information about the department and activities within the City.

            CPD Security Camera Registrations   

            Police Data Initiative website

Police Data

As a participant in the White House Police Data Initiative (PDI), created under President Obama, the City of Charleston and the Charleston Police Department are committed to making data related to policing activities publicly available. The City of Charleston currently provides raw data on calls for service (911), field contacts, electronic citations, and arrests. Additionally available in PDF format are weekly Compstat reports and monthly reports on officer use of force and investigations conducted as a result of citizen complaints.

Learn more about the Charleston Police Data Initiative.

Police Citizens Academy

The Charleston Police Department (CPD) would like to extend an invitation for you or someone you know to attend a 6-week Police Citizens Academy! Once a week, citizens are invited to attend a 2-hour class that has been specifically designed to educate and increase the public's understanding of police policies and practices. Instructors will include the Chief of Police, Luther Reynolds, and a variety of CPD commanders and officers throughout the department.

 Participants that attend at least five classes will be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony scheduled for the end of the six week period. Tentative start date is the 3rd week in October 2018.

 If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the Community Outreach Office by emailing Mrs. Jessica Watkins. No background checks will be completed without a follow-up confirmation email and or phone call. 

Citizen Academy Brochure(PDF)

Download a printable application (PDF).

Photo Gallery

View the Charleston Police Departments photo gallery.