Myrtle Beach paid almost $350K in last 2 years to outside police agencies. Here’s why
Myrtle Beach Police spent more than $300,000 in payments over the last two years to outside departments for help in covering large events and holidays in the coastal city.
The payments ranged from April 2024 through July 2025 and were revealed through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Information shows that the police department employed outside assistance for Memorial Day weekend, Myrtle Beach Bike Rally, Carolina Country Music Festival and July Fourth holiday.
In 2024, the city paid $138,967 to such law enforcement agencies as South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Benedict County, the City of Florence, Charleston police and Horry County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center. In 2025, $206,596 was paid to many of the same agencies with the addition of the city of Columbia.
More than 100 officers were listed for both years as assisting Myrtle Beach Police. However, that number could be higher as some of the payments listed for an overall agency and the number of officers from that department were not shown. Officers received between $35 to nearly $70 an hour for their time.
SCHP officers received $69 per hour and charged $19,481 for 281 hours on June 26, 2025, and $19,967 for 288 hours on June 30, 2025. It is unclear from the ledger what officers were assisting with on those dates as it appears no executive orders were issued during that time.
It is not unusual for the city to request assistance from outside agencies.
For the last 10 years, Myrtle Beach’s city manager has issued an executive order ahead of Memorial Day weekend, one of the city’s busiest weekends, giving the police chief the authority to request assistance from federal, state and local governments to assist in public safety.
The city usually sees its population swell to more than 100,000 people over the holiday. In addition to facing additional visitors to the city, the department has faced an officer shortage in the last few years. As of January, the department reported that it was down more than 30 officers. Last year, that number was at 50.
The list of payments provided does not include the amount of overtime paid to Myrtle Beach Police officers for these events or summer public safety.
Myrtle Beach Police spokesperson Randolph Angotti said it took more than 1,000 people to provide public safety during the Memorial Day weekend last year. That includes making sure there was enough staffing for both daytime and at night.
This year’s Memorial Day weekend has several events happening, including holiday-related events such as the parade, Atlantic Beach Bike Fest and families who will be coming for vacation now that some schools are out, Angotti said.
“What could be better than a weekend in Myrtle Beach at the beach, enjoying the weather,” Angotti said.
While Myrtle Beach does put out requests to outside agencies for help, Angotti said agencies also reach out because it’s an unique opportunity to work at the beach.
Some agencies, such as SCHP and SLED, have been offering assistance to the city for years.
“SLED agents can be requested to provide manpower and technical assistance to support local communities for events, such as the Carolina Country Music Festival,” according to an email from SLED’s public information officer. “With the CCMF specifically, SLED has been requested to assist by the Myrtle Beach Police Department since the festival started in 2015.”
In addition to hourly pay, the city also assists in finding officers lodging, which is also paid by the city. That information was not included on the ledger provided to The Sun News.
Angotti was not sure how the payment process worked and referred questions to the city.
Agencies are paid through the accommodations and hospitality tax funds, said City of Myrtle Beach spokesperson Meredith Denari by email. The police department budgets annually for the expense, she said. The officers are also paid for lodging “while they’re here to serve our community,” Denari said.
Since SLED is an assisting agency, it falls under its mission of providing quality manpower and technical expertise to help in maintaining public safety at such a large event, the email said.
Last year, the city faced several violent incidents downtown during the summer, including a deadly mass shooting that involved a police officer. One person was killed and 11 others injured.
The city has taken measures to try and alleviate the crowds and traffic along Ocean Boulevard, which is primarily the busy tourist district.
Ahead of this year’s Memorial Day weekend, the city once again has issued an executive order that includes traffic changes and the approval to hire outside help with public safety.
All golf carts, except for law enforcement, will be prohibited south of 29th Avenue North along Ocean Boulevard beginning 12:01 a.m. May 22 through May 25.
In addition, southbound-only traffic patterns will be in place along Ocean Boulevard between 29th Avenue North and South Kings Highway. The public will not be able to drive northbound along Ocean Boulevard while the traffic pattern is in place. Pedestrian access along Ocean Boulevard will remain open to continue supporting local businesses throughout the weekend, the order said.
