MAYOR GOODWIN NAMES JASON WEBB AS NEXT CHARLESTON POLICE CHIEF
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced today that she will name Deputy Chief Jason Webb as the next Chief of the Charleston Police Department (CPD). The announcement comes as current Police Chief Scott Dempsey prepares to retire, effective October 22, 2026. Webb will be sworn in as Chief of Police that day. Deputy Chief Kevin Oldham will remain in his current position.
"I am excited to name Deputy Chief of Police Jason Webb as the next Chief for the Charleston Police Department,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “When we were going through the process of selecting our current Police Chief, I wasn't just thinking about who would lead the department then. I was also thinking about its future. Over the years, I've seen firsthand Webb's character, his commitment to the department and his ability to lead. I'm thrilled to see him step into the role as Chief.”
"Chief Dempsey has guided our police department with integrity, honor and leadership that should make every resident proud to call Charleston home," said Mayor Goodwin. "He has overseen record low crime numbers, increased recruitment, helped guide the transition toward a new Public Safety Center, and lead the department with transparency and accountability.”
Deputy Chief Jason Webb has served on the Charleston Police Department for more than 19 years Before becoming Deputy Chief of Police in February 2024, Webb served as Commander of MDENT and SWAT and previously served as the Public Services Division Commander, Patrol District Supervisor, Criminal Investigative Division Detective, within the Accident Investigation Bureau, and as a Patrol Officer. Webb’s other assignments have included DIVE team member (2008-2009), SWAT team member (since 2009), SWAT sniper team member (since 2014), firearms instructor (since 2015), and field training officer/supervisor (Since 2008). Webb has been recognized as an Officer of the Year nominee for the Criminal Investigative Division (2012) and the U.S. Attorney Southern District Outstanding Drug Trafficking Cases Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Justice (twice) in 2023.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the next Chief of the Charleston Police Department,” said Deputy Chief Jason Webb. “We have some of the most qualified and best-trained officers in West Virginia, and I look forward to building on the department’s success as we move forward. I am incredibly grateful to Mayor Goodwin for placing her trust in me and to Chief Dempsey for his leadership, guidance and mentorship over the years.”
Chief Scott Dempsey was named Chief of Police on February 16, 2024. Prior to being named Chief of Police, Dempsey served as Deputy Chief of Police (2020-2023), the Warrants Division Commander, Housing Liaison Officer, Information Services Commander, Chief Firearms Instructor, Detective in the Criminal Investigation Division, along with various temporary assignments throughout his career. Dempsey is a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor in the State of West Virginia and is certified in homicide investigations, property investigations, fraud investigations, leadership techniques, and community service. Dempsey has been recognized for his work with CPD by several Federal Law Enforcement Agencies for his investigative work along with State and Federal Prosecutor Offices for many successful prosecutions. A graduate of West Virginia State University, Dempsey has a bachelor’s degree with a criminal justice emphasis.
“The Charleston Police Department will always be home to me, and I want to thank Mayor Goodwin for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Charleston Police Department over the last several years,” said Chief Dempsey. “I am excited about the future of the department under Deputy Chief Webb’s leadership. I have every confidence in his ability to lead, and I know the department will continue to set a high standard for law enforcement.”
