Charleston Police Department staffing and facilities
Charleston
Summary
Councilwoman Snodgrass warned that Charleston police remain $5-$8 per hour behind neighboring agencies — a $10,000-$16,000 annual gap — as the department keeps losing officers, and said current incentive pay falls far short.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
Closing the gap would cost roughly $10,000-$16,000 more per officer annually.
Officers and residents if retention and coverage improve.
Residents facing slower response as department numbers drop.
Mentions & discussions (8)
City Council - Oct 19, 2026
Councilwoman Pharr warned the police department is down to its lowest staffing in decades, losing its fourth chief in eight years, and questioned hiring Chief Webb without a national search.
City Council - Oct 5, 2026
Councilwoman Kerns says the department is down 36 officers, with the city paying $5-6 an hour less than nearby agencies. She asked what happened to the proposed DROP retirement program meant to keep veteran officers on the force.
Public Safety Committee - Mar 16, 2026
The police department has been running below full strength — 152 officers against a target of about 173 — which affects response times and coverage across the city. The department was also planning a new Public Safety building. Monday's report may update where hiring and construction stand.
City Council - Mar 16, 2026
The PBA's staff rep described deplorable conditions at the police department — mold, code violations, poor sanitation — and urged council to tour the building and restore janitorial service.
City Council - Mar 2, 2026
Councilwoman Snodgrass warned that Charleston police remain $5-$8 per hour behind neighboring agencies — a $10,000-$16,000 annual gap — as the department keeps losing officers, and said current incentive pay falls far short.
City Council - Jan 20, 2026
Councilmember Snodgrass flagged that the city pays police officers less than the state and county do, and asked for an update on the Public Safety building. She argued competitive pay is essential to keeping and attracting officers.
City Council - Jan 5, 2026
Councilmember Snodgrass warned that CPD is down to about 153 officers against 174 budgeted, with the state's 'Blue to Green' transfer program luring officers away. She urged the administration to boost police pay in the upcoming budget before the city hits a recruiting crisis.
Commentary: Attorneys are right to demand accountability from Charleston Police
Commentary: Attorneys are right to demand accountability from Charleston Police West Virginia Watch
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Charleston
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.