Horry County, Myrtle Beach police announce changes as coronavirus continues to spread
Horry County’s and Myrtle Beach’s police chiefs say officers might change the way they respond to your door, but the police are still out trying to protect the community.
The changes were announced Monday as the area continues to deal with the spread of coronavirus. Three people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the area and are receiving treatment.
Horry County police Chief Joe Hill shared on social media that officers will work to reduce the spread through social distancing, while still trying to serve the public. For property or non-violent crimes, the community is asked to file a report through the county’s new reporting website.
Non-emergency calls can still be made to 843-248-1520 and officers may do follow-up interviews by phone.
Active crimes and emergencies should still be reported to 911.
When officers go to a home, they may ask a caller to step outside, Hill stated. Officers might also wear additional equipment, such as gloves or a respirator.
“It is our hope that, by adopting these practices that have shown success in other impacted areas, we may protect and promote the health of those in our own community,” Hill wrote on social media.
Myrtle Beach police chief Amy Prock also said crimes in the city that are not actively happening can be reported through the city’s webpage. Officers may conduct a follow-up interview by phone.
Emergencies should still go through 911 and dispatchers may ask more questions than typical during a medical emergency, such as whether the person has traveled internationally or if they have flu-like symptoms, Prock stated.
Like county officers, Myrtle Beach cops who respond to a home or business might ask people to step outside as an extra safety measure.
Surfside Beach police also announced changed to its procedures and stated that crimes that are not immediately happening might be initally handled with a phone call.
If there an emergency, Surfside Beach police say to still cal 911.
Dispatchers might ask more questions, such as if the person traveled, but that is so police know how to properly respond.
“I want to assure each of you that the safety and well-being of our community is of the utmost importance to the Surfside Beach Police Department,” Chief Kenneth Hoffman said in a news release. “These changes will not result in a decrease of available officers or less officers on the street.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 5:09 PM.
