Ralph Draper — Instructor Profile

About Ralph Draper

Sergeant Draper is a 23-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as the Recruitment Unit supervisor with the North Charleston Police Department (SC). In his capacity supervising the Recruitment Unit, Sgt. Draper is responsible for applicant screening, background investigations, and the interview process for all civilian and certified positions. He is also responsible for the coordination of the agency’s recruitment initiatives.

He previously served as a Patrol Sergeant, supervising a team of eight officers and one Corporal. As a School Resource Officer Sergeant, supervising a team of twelve SRO’s and fourteen area schools. And as a supervisor in the Training Unit where he coordinated and implemented all in-service training for all 350 NCPD officers, pre-academy training, and managed the Field Training Program. During his time in Training, Sgt. Draper helped spearhead the establishment of the North Charleston Police Department Reality Based Training Center located on the Trident Technical College campus.

Sgt. Draper previously served as an Officer in Uniform Patrol, the Neighborhood Resource Officer Unit, and as a member of the NCPD Honor Guard. Born and raised in North Charleston, SC, Sgt. Draper began his career as a civilian with the NCPD before becoming sworn with the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department where he served as a member of that agency’s Bike Unit. After relocating to Florida, Sgt. Draper first worked with the St. Petersburg Police Department, and then spent six years as a Deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. During his time with Pinellas County, Sgt. Draper served in Uniform Patrol and as a member of the Contract City Squad.

Sgt. Draper is a certified Basic Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, CRASE Instructor, and is a certified FTO Manager and Training Manager through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Sgt. Draper holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts Degree from The College of Charleston and The Citadel joint Graduate Program. He is completing a second master’s degree from Charleston Southern University in Fall, 2025. Sgt. Draper has attended several supervisory development courses, including the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Series, earning the Trilogy Award.