7 Shocking Ways The Myrtle Beach Police Department Is Using AI And Proactive Policing To Fight Crime In 2025

The Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) is undergoing a significant, technology-driven transformation as of December 10, 2025, moving far beyond traditional policing to secure one of South Carolina's most popular tourist destinations. This shift is characterized by a massive increase in officer-initiated activity and the implementation of intelligence-led strategies, directly addressing the city’s unique challenges from a large seasonal population and a persistent violent crime rate that remains higher than the national average. The department’s current focus is on proactive policing and community engagement, evidenced by a dramatic increase in officer activity and a commitment to data-driven decision-making, aiming to build a safer environment for both the city's over 30,000 year-round residents and its millions of annual visitors.

Chief Amy Prock: The Architect of MBPD's Modern Strategy and Command Staff Profile

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is led by Chief Amy Prock, a veteran officer whose career spans nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Horry County community.

• Name: Amy Prock
• Current Role: Chief of Police, Myrtle Beach Police Department
• Career Start: Began service with the MBPD in 1996.
• Key Roles: Throughout her career, Chief Prock has served in various critical roles, including positions within the Patrol Division, Special Operations Division, and the Administrative Division.
• Major Accomplishments: She is credited with spearheading the development of the cutting-edge Real Time Crime Unit (RTCU). Her collaborative policing efforts have been linked to a significant 15% reduction in violent crime in the area.
• Education/Recognition: In 2018, she was honored as the Psychology Alumni of the Year by Francis Marion University's Department of Psychology.

The MBPD Command Staff, working closely with Chief Prock, includes Assistant Chief Chris Smith and several Captains: Jeremiah Beam, Traci Chanaca, Paul Morrell, John Bertang, and Lester Cook. Together, they oversee the department's more than 300 officers and staff.

The 7 Pillars of Proactive Policing: MBPD's 2025 Crime-Fighting Initiatives

The Myrtle Beach Police Department has made a decisive move toward proactive, intelligence-led strategies to combat crime, with several key initiatives defining its operations in 2025. This approach focuses heavily on stopping crime before it happens and leveraging data to deploy resources efficiently.

1. Surge in Self-Initiated Calls: In a major sign of increased proactive policing, MBPD officers logged over 86,000 self-initiated calls in 2024, marking a 10.1% increase from the previous year. This high volume of activity includes frequent business checks and officer presence in high-traffic areas.
2. Intelligence-Led Strategies (ILS): The department utilizes data-driven approaches to prevent and reduce crime, a strategy known as ILS. This involves analyzing crime patterns and deploying resources to specific "hot spots" rather than relying solely on reactive response.
3. The Real Time Crime Unit (RTCU): A cornerstone of the department’s modernization, the RTCU provides immediate, actionable intelligence to officers in the field, leveraging technology to monitor and respond to incidents as they unfold.
4. Improved Crime Clearance Rate: Despite the challenges of a transient population, the department maintained a strong crime clearance rate of 48% in 2024. This figure demonstrates the effectiveness of their investigative processes and data analytics.
5. Targeting Part 1 Crimes: Chief Prock has publicly announced that Part 1 Crimes—the most serious offenses, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault—are down. This reduction is a direct result of the focused, proactive strategies implemented across the city.
6. Software Initiatives for Investigative Analytics: For the 2024–2025 period, the MBPD is prioritizing software initiatives designed to improve investigative analytics. These tools will further enhance the ability of the Investigative Division and Cold Case Team to process complex information and solve cases more quickly.
7. Focus on Quality-of-Life Issues: The specialized Community Team within the department actively addresses quality-of-life concerns, including identifying and managing illegal camps for removal and cleanup. This initiative aims to improve the overall environment and safety for residents and tourists alike.

MBPD's Specialized Divisions and Community Outreach Entities

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is structured into five core divisions, each with specific units to manage the complex needs of a coastal city that sees a massive influx of tourists. This structure ensures comprehensive coverage and specialized expertise across all facets of law enforcement.

Core Operational Divisions

The operational backbone of the MBPD is divided into five key areas:

• Administrative Division: Handles internal affairs, training, and strategic planning.
• Investigative Division: Responsible for follow-up on serious crimes, including the Cold Case Team.
• Patrol Division: The largest division, providing 24/7 uniformed response and deterrence. Units include Uniform Patrol, the Waterfront Unit, the Traffic Unit, the Beach Patrol Unit, and the Street Crimes Unit.
• Special Operations Division: Manages high-risk and specialized tasks. This division includes the Marine Unit, the K-9 Unit, the SWAT Team, and the Community Service Unit.
• Support Division: Provides essential services like records management and communications.

Key Community Outreach Programs

In addition to enforcement, the MBPD places a high value on community collaboration, hosting various Community Outreach programs to bridge the gap between law enforcement, residents, and the business community. These programs are vital for fostering trust and gathering local intelligence.

• Citizens Police Academy: An educational program that offers residents an inside look at police operations and procedures.
• International Student Outreach Program (ISOP): A critical program that assists the large population of temporary international workers who come to Myrtle Beach for the tourist season.
• Community Ambassador and TEAP Programs: These initiatives focus on improving communication and providing support to various community segments.
• Community Service Officer Program: Established to reduce the workload and response time for sworn officers by utilizing civilian staff for non-emergency tasks.

The multi-faceted approach of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, integrating advanced technology like the Real Time Crime Unit with a dramatic increase in proactive street presence and robust community engagement, signals a clear and modern commitment to safety for 2025 and beyond. While the city still faces challenges, the data shows a positive trend in crime reduction, driven by dedicated leadership and a strategic shift toward intelligence-led law enforcement.