New county police chief pledges to reduce crime, lift agency morale

Joseph Hill, incoming police chief for Horry County, acknowledges that he has a tough challenge when next month he takes over the department that’s battling a high crime rate and increasing drug use in the community, along with morale issues within the police agency.

But during his first meeting with the Horry County Council Tuesday night, Hill expressed optimism that he was taking over a united department with dedicated law enforcement officials.

Hill says they are eager to get past the S.C. Law Enforcement Division investigation and several lawsuits that have haunted the agency, and heal the department’s relationship with the community.

“We’re going to put this behind us,” Hill told reporters after the meeting, where he was formally introduced to the council. “We are going to cooperate with the SLED investigation, it’s the only way to do it, that is the way to do it. Once we’re clear, we’re moving full steam ahead.

“Nothing against the media, you print what is out there, and officers have made mistakes in the past, but we’re moving forward, we’re talking about the good things our officers are doing.”

Once he takes the helm on Sept. 26, Hill said he plans to create a chief advisory council made up of community leaders to get to the root of crime issues in Horry County and to find solutions.

Dealing with a high vacancy rate will also be a primary focus, as 27 department positions are vacant and only 11 future officers are in training to fill those posts.

“I’ve got to get the trust of the community back to support the police, and when that happens, we’ll get plenty of support at these meetings here, to advocate for fair compensation for officers,” Hill said.

“We’re a little bit out of whack when it comes to other agencies up and down the strand,” Hill said of the pay scale, noting that North Myrtle Beach officers are paid more than county police.

To eliminate turnover, Hill said officers need more pay, but also need a supportive environment and training. He said new recruitment efforts will focus on former military members, as well as graduates of historically black colleges.

“Coming to a finely run professional police department is key,” Hill said.

Mark Lazarus, Horry County Council chairman, said he was very impressed with Hill’s background with the Fairfax County Police Department, where he served for 28 years, and looked forward to working with the future chief.

“You and I both have a lot of work to do,” Lazarus said.

Added Councilman Paul Prince: “Welcome, and I hope you are the one we’ve been waiting here for.”

Hill was one of four finalists from four states to be considered for the position. Horry County leaders say they selected him because of his demeanor, background and commitment to community policing.

Hill replaces former Chief Saundra Rhodes who announced her retirement in May amidst a number of lawsuits against the agency, charging that a former detective sexually abused or assaulted women whose cases he was tasked to investigate.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 8:53 PM with the headline "New county police chief pledges to reduce crime, lift agency morale."