Carl Ritchie, Chief (SC)

Chief Carl Ritchie began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a police officer with the City of North Charleston Police Department. In 1989, Chief Ritchie accepted a position as a police officer with the Mount Pleasant Police Department rising through the ranks to his current assignment as Police Chief.

His previous assignments included Major of the Operations Bureau, 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 being used in all Charleston County Schools designed to expedite and make more efficient the response to a school crisis.

He has been responsible for the operational planning of many high profile events that have received national attention and include 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.

Chief Ritchie is very active in the community and has been involved in coaching recreation football teams over the years and 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.