CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The Charleston Police Department has added the most officers to the force at any one time since 2005 with the adding of 12 probationary officers Tuesday.
A swearing-in ceremony was held at Charleston City Hall Tuesday morning.
Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey said the boost takes the force to 158 officers. CPD is budgeted for 173 officers.
Dempsey said he likes this class of new officers. He said there’s one key thing that makes for a good officer.
“Integrity, by all means we want someone who has integrity. We want someone who has compassion and we want someone who is dedicated. If have someone that can follow those three characteristics then you are going to have a good candidate,” Dempsey said.
When it comes to recruiting, Dempsey said the best tool is word of mouth.
“It’s our officers talking to young men and women out here who express an interest,” Dempsey said.
But the chief is also excited a new recruiting video unveiled for the first time Tuesday. Dempsey said it was a goal of his when he was named chief in 2023.
“That was a goal of ours immediately. Young men and women are visual now—to get a video out to them to showcase our talents and what we can offer them is vitally important,” Dempsey said.
The probation officers that took the oath Tuesday will spend the next four weeks learning about the Charleston Police Department before heading to the State Police Academy in early September for early September.
“We’re excited to train these young men, get them out there, get them road ready, that way we can have plenty of police protection for the city,” Dempsey said.