Mayor John Tecklenburg announces selection of Chito Walker as next Chief of Police
October 5, 2023
During a 1 p.m. press conference in Washington Square, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg announced the selection of Chito Walker as the city of Charleston’s next Chief of Police.
The announcement marks the conclusion of the city’s formal search process led by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
A member of the Charleston Police Department since 2000, Chief Walker has served in many capacities, including as patrolman, detective, SWAT team operator and supervisor. Promoted to Deputy Chief in March 2020, Chief Walker served as Deputy Chief of the Procedural Justice and Community Policing Bureau and was most recently named Interim Chief of Police as the city’s formal search was conducted.
Chief Walker said, “Serving the citizens of Charleston as a member of the Charleston Police Department has been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Tecklenburg for entrusting me with this responsibility. There’s no question that our department is home to the finest law enforcement professionals in the country, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as its next leader. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the remarkable men and women of our department to build trust, promote transparency and keep our community safe.”
City Council will vote to confirm Chief Walker’s appointment during their next meeting scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
