Support the police - and pay them more
I have written several letters in the past concerning the pay and the benefits that our police officers receive here in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and surrounding jurisdictions. They are overworked, underpaid, and highly unappreciated and disrespected in many ways.
There is an outcry right now due to the violent activity involving the use of weapons in Myrtle Beach and Conway. Unfortunately, it takes situations like these to bring attention to the need for more officers and the compensation they deserve for the dangerous job they are required to do to protect us.
These incidents have shed a negative light on the Myrtle Beach tourism industry, which brings in a great deal of revenue to our local economy, and the state’s as well. It seems reasonable to assume that the public anger and demands for action and the need for more police officers is a direct result of the impact these incidents have had on the security and safety of our visitors and residents. It was a good thing to have an open dialogue about gangs, guns and the increased amount of violent behavior.
Our police officers need our support to control situations. If they have to use force to gain control of situations, well so be it. Don’t tie their hands behind their backs so they have to constantly look over their shoulders. Allow them to do the job and pay them a decent salary so that they don’t leave for other places or better paying jobs.
Everyone on Myrtle Beach City Council and Horry County Council know these officers are underpaid. Now is the time to look yourself in the mirror and do something about it. You’ve been dragging your feet way too long.
Myrtle Beach is a beautiful destination -for vacationers and locals to enjoy the wonderful things we have to offer. The time is now to take back control and clamp down on those criminals who are bringing negative publicity to our community.
Support our police... do what’s right.
The writer lives in Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published July 2, 2017 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Support the police - and pay them more."