Politics & Government

Town Swears in New Police Chief Today

Carl Ritchie takes helm as Chief Harry Sewell retires.

Mount Pleasant will have a new top cop for the first time in 22 years today when police Maj. Carl Ritchie is officially pinned as chief of police.

A 2 p.m. retirement party will allow employees and the public to say goodbye to outgoing Chief Harry Sewell. At 2:40 p.m., Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails will host a pinning ceremony for Ritchie. The events will be held at Town Hall Gym on Ann Edwards Lane.

"It is with great pleasure that we will pin a collar brass on our new Chief of Police, Carl Ritchie," said Mayor Swails in a town news release.

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"Chief Ritchie is the perfect fit for Mount Pleasant. He brings to the position 24 years of experience in law enforcement, a deep understanding of the department and staff and superlative police skills. We are very fortunate to have him step-in this leadership role.”

About Police Chief Carl Ritchie

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Chief Carl Ritchie began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a police officer with the City of North Charleston Police Department. In 1989, he joined the Mount Pleasant Police Department rising through the ranks to Major of the Operations Bureau. His previous assignments included Uniform Patrol, Traffic, Narcotics, Criminal Investigation, Administrative Services and S.W.A.T.

Prior to entering civilian law enforcement, he served in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member while on active duty and a Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations as a Reservist.

Chief Ritchie developed and instituted the first fully functional Special Weapons and Tactics Team for the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

He introduced and implemented the Emergency Placard System used in all Charleston County Schools and designed to expedite and facilitate the response to a school crisis.

He has been responsible for the operational planning of many high profile events that have received national attention including the opening ceremonies for the new Ravenel Bridge, the Blue Angels visit, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention and the security of high profile visitors.

He is very active in the community and has been involved in coaching recreation football teams for many years. He is a member of the Church at Life Park.

Chief Ritchie received his CCAF Degree in Criminal Justice from the United States Air Force Air University. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Institute for Departmental Management and Leadership, the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations Academy, Bowmac Educational Services Advanced Leadership and Strategic Planning, International Association of Chiefs of Police SWAT Management and SCTOA SWAT Commander Course.


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