Myrtle Beach Police Arrests: 5 Shocking Trends And How To Access The Latest 2025 Records

The landscape of law enforcement activity in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is constantly evolving, with recent data from the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) showing significant shifts in crime and arrest trends. As of December 10, 2025, the city is reporting a notable decrease in major "Part 1 Crimes," a category that includes serious offenses like burglary, assault, and homicide. This positive trend, highlighted in the MBPD's 2024 Year in Review presented to the City Council in early 2025, suggests that new, intelligence-led strategies are having a tangible impact on public safety along the Grand Strand. This comprehensive guide delves into the most current statistics, common reasons for arrest—especially for tourists—and provides step-by-step instructions on how you can access up-to-date public arrest records and mugshots via official portals like the Police to Citizen (P2C) system and the Horry County J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both residents and the millions of annual visitors to this popular coastal destination.

The Latest Myrtle Beach Arrest Trends and 2025 Crime Data

The Myrtle Beach Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Amy Prock, has made a concerted effort to reduce crime through proactive policing and data-driven strategies. This focus has resulted in several key trends that define the current state of arrests in the city.

1. Surprising Decline in Major Crime Categories

The most significant recent update is the reported decrease in Part 1 Crimes throughout 2024, a trend that is expected to continue into 2025. For instance, the burglary crime rate in Myrtle Beach saw a noticeable drop, falling from 1,973 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 1,633 per 100,000 people in 2024. This indicates that while the city remains a high-volume area for calls for service, the severity of criminal activity has been trending downward.

2. A Rise in Proactive, Self-Initiated Policing

A major factor contributing to the crime reduction is the MBPD's shift toward proactive engagement. In 2024, officers logged over 86,000 self-initiated calls, representing an increase of more than 10% from the previous year. These actions, often driven by intelligence-led strategies, allow police to address potential issues before they escalate into major incidents, which can lead to a higher number of minor, preventative arrests or citations while simultaneously reducing serious crime.

3. Focus on Narcotics and Street Crimes

The Investigative Division, particularly the Narcotics and Street Crimes Unit, remains a high-activity area for arrests. These units are focused on disrupting drug distribution networks and addressing quality-of-life issues that affect public safety. The continued effort in this area is a core component of the MBPD’s strategy to maintain control over the city’s high-traffic tourist zones.

4. The Distinction Between City and County Arrests

It is important to differentiate between arrests made by the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) and those made by the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). Myrtle Beach is an incorporated city, and its police force handles incidents within city limits. Arrests throughout the greater Grand Strand area, including North Myrtle Beach and unincorporated Horry County, are often handled by other agencies. All individuals arrested in these areas are typically processed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

5. High-Profile Federal and Financial Crime Arrests

While misdemeanor arrests dominate the daily log, recent high-profile cases have involved federal drug conspiracy charges and arrests for financial crimes such as tax evasion and failure to file tax returns. These complex cases often involve collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies, demonstrating a broad scope of police activity beyond typical tourist-related offenses.

The Most Common Reasons for Arrest in Myrtle Beach, SC

Due to its status as a major tourist hub, Myrtle Beach sees a high volume of arrests related to public order and alcohol-related offenses, particularly during the peak summer season. These misdemeanor charges often involve visitors unfamiliar with South Carolina's stringent laws.

Tourist-Related Misdemeanor Offenses:

* Public Intoxication/Disorderly Conduct: This is a frequent charge, often resulting from intoxicated behavior in public spaces, especially along Ocean Boulevard and the boardwalk. * Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP): South Carolina has a strict legal drinking age of 21, and underage drinking is aggressively policed, leading to numerous MIP arrests. * Open Container Violations: Consuming alcohol in public areas, including beaches, streets, and parking lots, is illegal in Myrtle Beach. An arrest can occur even if the container is simply open in a vehicle. * Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Despite a general crime reduction, DUI arrests remain a constant focus for the MBPD, especially late at night and during holiday weekends. * Simple Drug Possession: Misdemeanor drug charges, particularly for possession of small amounts of marijuana, are common. * Unlawful Carry of a Weapon: This charge often involves individuals carrying firearms without the proper South Carolina permits or in prohibited locations. * Resisting Arrest: Even a minor infraction can escalate rapidly if an individual fails to comply with an officer’s instructions, leading to a charge of resisting arrest.

How to Access Myrtle Beach Police Arrest Records and Mugshots

Transparency is a stated commitment of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, and they provide several official avenues for the public to access arrest records, incident reports, and mugshots. This information is considered public record under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

1. The MBPD Police to Citizen (P2C) Portal

The most direct method for searching city-specific arrest information is the MBPD's online P2C portal. * What it provides: This online service allows neighbors and the public to search for incidents, view recent arrests, and obtain information regarding inmates booked by the MBPD. * How to use it: Users can search by name, date range, or specific incident type. It is the primary tool for finding a recent arrest made within Myrtle Beach city limits.

2. J. Reuben Long Detention Center (Horry County)

Since all individuals arrested in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding Horry County area are typically transported to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, their website is the ultimate source for current inmate and booking information. * What it provides: The Detention Center's website provides a comprehensive "Booking & Releases" search function. You can find mugshots, bond information, and the specific charges filed against an individual. * Key Entity: The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is the central holding facility for the entire county.

3. Formal Public Records Requests (FOIA)

For detailed reports, such as full incident reports or criminal histories, a formal request may be necessary. * Process: The Myrtle Beach Police Department has a dedicated process for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This is typically required for official legal or background check purposes. * Where to submit: Requests can often be submitted online through a dedicated public records portal like JustFOIA, which tracks the status of your request.

MBPD’s Proactive Initiatives for Crime Prevention

The reported decline in serious crime is not accidental; it is the result of specific, ongoing programs and strategies implemented by the Myrtle Beach Police Department. * Intelligence-Led Strategies: The MBPD employs data-driven approaches to focus resources on specific crime hot spots and high-risk individuals. This involves continuous analysis of crime patterns to predict and prevent future incidents. * Investigative Analytics Software: The department is investing in new software initiatives to improve investigative analytics, helping detectives solve cases more efficiently and increase the clearance rate. * Community Policing and National Night Out: To foster neighborhood solidarity and public safety, the MBPD actively participates in community events like National Night Out, emphasizing crime prevention and building trust with residents. * Enhanced Training: The department ensures its officers are highly trained in specialized areas such as Crime Scene Unit protocols, blood spatter analysis, and the use of modern technology like AFIS and FARO scanners. The current trend in Myrtle Beach police arrests reflects a dual strategy: a successful reduction in serious Part 1 Crimes through smart, data-driven policing, coupled with a constant vigilance against the high volume of misdemeanor and public order offenses that are inevitable in a bustling tourist city. For anyone visiting or residing in the area, understanding the public records access points and the most common charges is the best way to stay informed and ensure a safe experience on the Grand Strand.