Description
Chief of Police
City of Myrtle Beach, SC
The City of Myrtle Beach is conducting a national search for an accomplished and forward-thinking law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly visible, full-service municipal police department in one of the premier coastal tourism destinations in the southeastern United States. Myrtle Beach is a vibrant oceanfront community of approximately 42,000 residents spanning just over 24 square miles and welcoming nearly 18 million visitors annually. The City places a strong emphasis on public safety, quality of life, community engagement, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department operates with a budget exceeding $56 million and is authorized for 249 sworn officers and 125 civilian personnel. The Department provides comprehensive policing services through Administrative, Investigative, Patrol, Special Operations, and Support Services Divisions. MBPD operates in a technology-rich environment supported by a Real Time Crime Unit, citywide camera systems, license plate recognition technology, gunshot detection systems, crime analysis capabilities, and body-worn cameras. The Department responds to more than 127,000 calls for service annually, reflecting the complexity of policing in a high-demand tourism environment requiring proactive leadership, operational coordination, and strong community relationships.
Operating under a Council–Manager form of government, the Chief of Police serves as a member of the City’s executive leadership team and reports to the Assistant City Manager. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong operational expertise, visible and approachable leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills. The next Chief must be prepared to lead in a fast-paced environment while addressing crime reduction, staffing and retention, morale, organizational alignment, quality-of-life concerns, and meaningful community engagement. The City seeks a collaborative leader who values professionalism, accountability, transparency, and long-term organizational improvement.
Requirements
Candidates should possess a minimum of ten years of sworn law enforcement experience, including at least five years in supervisory or command-level leadership positions within a full-service law enforcement agency of similar size and complexity. Experience managing complex public safety operations, coordinating large-scale events, or working in communities with significant visitor populations is highly desirable. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred. Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership programs is highly desirable, including the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, PERF-SMIP, or a similar advanced leadership program.
Certification
The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain within the required timeframe, South Carolina Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
This at-will executive position offers a salary range of $215,000 to $225,000, depending on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive executive benefits package and relocation assistance. The position remains open until filled, with optimal consideration given to candidates who apply by June 26, 2026. Early submission is encouraged. To apply, submit a cover letter, résumé, and references to [email protected]. To view and download the full brochure for the position, click here.
For confidential inquiries, contact:
Public Sector Search & Consulting
Ron Walsh, Senior Consultant (Ret. Police Chief and City Manager)
(916) 789-9990 (Office)
(516) 672-5031 (Mobile)
