Charleston s new police chief, Chito Walker, has worked at the department his entire career, slowly rising from roles in the background to become the top cop.
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By Lauren Petracca lpetracca@postandcourier.com
GOOSE CREEKÂ â Law enforcement in this fast-growing suburb is quietly undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a trailblazing top cop whose agenda has drawn both raves and resentment from the rank-and-file.
L.J. Roscoe, the Charleston regionâs first female and openly LGBTQ police chief, took the helm nearly two years ago with a mandate to reshape a police department that hadnât seen a new leader in three decades. And bring about change she has.
Under Roscoe, the Goose Creek Police Department has markedly expanded community policing, getting officers out of their cruisers and into neighborhoods to interact with residents. Sheâs helped build bridges between police and the cityâs growing minority populations. Sheâs boosted diversity in the department, improved officer training and updated police practices. During her first year on the job, violent crime tumbled more than 14 percent.