CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey is calling it a career after 26 years on the force.
A West Virginia State University graduate, Dempsey has been chief since February 2024. His retirement, and the appointment of Deputy Chief Jason Webb to the role of police chief, were announced by Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin on Friday.
“The Charleston Police Department will always be home to me, and I want to thank Mayor Goodwin for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Charleston Police Department over the last several years,” Dempsey said. “I am excited about the future of the department under Deputy Chief Webb’s leadership. I have every confidence in his ability to lead, and I know the department will continue to set a high standard for law enforcement.”
Goodwin said that Webb is the right man for the job going forward, following in the footsteps of Dempsey.
“I am excited to name Deputy Chief of Police Jason Webb as the next Chief for the Charleston Police Department,” Goodwin said. “When we were going through the process of selecting our current Police Chief, I wasn’t just thinking about who would lead the department then. I was also thinking about its future. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand Webb’s character, his commitment to the department and his ability to lead. I’m thrilled to see him step into the role as Chief.”
Dempsey served as deputy chief from 2020-23 prior to rising to his current position. His last day will be October 22.
“Chief Dempsey has guided our police department with integrity, honor and leadership that should make every resident proud to call Charleston home,” Goodwin said. “He has overseen record low crime numbers, increased recruitment, helped guide the transition toward a new Public Safety Center, and lead the department with transparency and accountability.”
Webb, who got his start as a patrol officer, has been deputy chief since February 2024. He has two decades of experience in the department, including time in the drug team, SWAT team, and detective division.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the next Chief of the Charleston Police Department,” Webb said. “We have some of the most qualified and best-trained officers in West Virginia, and I look forward to building on the department’s success as we move forward. I am incredibly grateful to Mayor Goodwin for placing her trust in me and to Chief Dempsey for his leadership, guidance and mentorship over the years.”
Dempsey becomes the second veteran of the department to retire in as many months. Former Deputy Chief Tony Hazelett hung up his badge on September 4 after 27 years.