CHARLESTON — North Charleston city officials confirmed Monday that Police Chief Ron Camacho has resigned from his post, a sudden leadership change for South Carolina’s third-largest city's police department amid litigation and ongoing high-profile incidents that have drawn community attention.
Transition at the top
Assistant Chief of Police Scott Perry has been confirmed to take over the role of chief, the city said. Camacho, who was sworn in Dec. 9, 2024, had been selected from a field of 34 candidates to lead the department following a period of rapid turnover in the agency’s top ranks.
Camacho came to North Charleston from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and was the first Hispanic chief in the department’s history. During his time in the job he oversaw initiatives aimed at increasing public engagement and transparency, including the implementation of the CrimeWatch app to connect residents with the department.
"North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho resigned Monday, City officials have confirmed to ABC News 4."
Controversies and legal challenges
Camacho's tenure included several incidents that strained relations between the department and parts of the community. In September 2025, officers were captured on video in an altercation with a juvenile that sparked public conversations about bystanders filming police and the use of force. That episode drew sustained attention locally.
In December 2025, multiple violent incidents unfolded over a 36-hour span, leaving three people — including a four-year-old — and others injured, compounding concerns about public safety. In June 2026, an NCPD bureau commander filed a lawsuit against the city alleging retaliation during Camacho’s leadership. The commander asserted in her suit that the former chief proposed releasing videos showing juveniles — including footage from the September 2025 incident — being detained, a move she contended met resistance within the department.
In July, the department faced a complex, separate investigation tied to a July 4 block party in the Chicora neighborhood. Officials did not immediately link that probe to Camacho’s resignation, but the matter added to the list of challenges confronting the department in recent months.
- Dec. 9, 2024 — Camacho sworn in as NCPD chief.
- Sept. 2025 — Video shows altercation between officers and juvenile; public debate follows.
- Dec. 2025 — Series of violent incidents leave multiple injured.
- June 2026 — Bureau commander files lawsuit alleging retaliation.
- July 2026 — Investigation into July 4 block party incidents.
What this means for residents
The abrupt leadership change places Assistant Chief Perry in charge as the department continues to field public scrutiny and legal challenges. For residents, the transition raises questions about continuity of policing strategies, transparency efforts such as the CrimeWatch platform, and how the department will address outstanding investigations and internal litigation.
City hall did not release an extended statement Monday detailing the reasons for Camacho’s resignation or whether it was voluntary or part of an agreement. Officials confirmed only that Perry would assume the chief’s responsibilities.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 9, 2024 | Ron Camacho sworn in as NCPD chief |
| Sept. 2025 | Videoed altercation with juvenile sparks public debate |
| Dec. 2025 | Multiple violent incidents injure several people |
| June 2026 | Bureau commander sues city alleging retaliation |
| July 2026 | Investigation into July 4 block party incidents |
As acting chief, Perry will be responsible for steadying day-to-day operations while the city considers long-term leadership options. City officials and the department have not provided a timeline for selecting a permanent chief, nor have they outlined next steps for addressing the outstanding lawsuit and probes.
Residents seeking information on how the leadership change may affect patrols, community programs or ongoing investigations are advised to monitor official North Charleston communications and scheduled city meetings for updates.
