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.