Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker highlights first three months on the job

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Its been almost three months since Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker took the Oath of Office on November 1, 2023.

On Thursday, the chief sat down with News 2 to detail what the first few months have been like for him.

“It’s been very fast paced, but very, very gratifying. So, I’m just blessed. So, I don’t take it for granted,” the chief said.

Communication is a major focus for Chief Walker in his early days on the job. From professional staff, to sworn officers, the chief said he spent his first month hearing from the department and their needs.

“Staffing for the most part. Just mobility, you know, having a different variety of options. Just resources. You know, that’s been internal, but the biggest thing is expectations, what they expect from me, expect where we’re going as an agency,” explained Chief Walker.

The effort extends beyond the walls of CPD headquarters.

“Got a couple neighborhood associations, couple of speaking engagements here and there. Just riding, being accessible, being in the neighborhoods, stopping by businesses, you know, answering requests for the most part,” Chief Walker added.

The role of chief hasn’t been challenge-free. Walker has learned it makes for a very full calendar.

“I think the challenge for me is navigating my schedule. That’s been one of the biggest challenges,” the chief told News 2.

A recently released External Review and Assessment report showed how the Charleston Police Department implemented recommendations from a 2019 Racial Bias Audit. The ERA found about 80% of the recommendations were implemented.

The work, however, is not over yet.

“This is a continuation. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ve owned this for almost five years. We will continue,” Chief Walker said in part when asked about the remaining recommendations.

As for areas needing improvement in the department, Chief Walker said staffing.