Charleston County swears in sheriff-elect, Carl Ritchie

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston County swore in its sheriff-elect, Carl Ritchie Tuesday afternoon who brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience to the new role.

Ritchie was welcomed by county officials and law enforcement. He served as Mount Pleasant’s police chief, and was a member of the Mount Pleasant Town Council.

One of his first initiatives includes reviewing the Al Cannon Detention Center’s contract with its current medical provider.

“I want to ensure those inmates that are in there are getting the medical care they’re supposed to get, and we’re not missing something. That includes discussion we had about screening before they get in there,” Ritchie said. “If they’ve got serious health conditions, there’s got to be a way to work with our judges and our fellow agencies, so we don’t have them sitting in jail. So, they’re out there getting the care they need with their families versus inside.” 

He also added that he will bring a new jail administrator, who has an experienced background, and is transitioning in his position. However, the sheriff will not be changing everything. He plans to continue to educational program that former sheriff Kristin Graziano started.

“There’s an opportunity where we can continue education so we can get out of that system, you can be a protective citizen. So, I’m anxious to do that. I’ve met with the team,” Ritchie said. “Seemingly the adult side, anything we can do to partner with some of the training. So, they can get some hands-on training, where they can get out and go to work for a Boeing or a Volvo, and be productive. Believe or not that can happen in the jail system.”

One of his long-time goals is also adding more security in the schools. He said one of his commitments is making schools safe and hopes to work with district leaders on this initiative.

“That was a huge commitment of mine all through my career, was our SROs. From Columbine on, I had put in the different processes for lockdown schools. I’m the one that brought this to Charleston County many years ago when I was still a lieutenant. That is a priority of mine, we’re actually working on a grant right now to get two more SROs,” Ritchie said.