FRAUD ALERT!! The Police Department has received reports of a scam in the area involving fraudulent lottery and sweepstakes offers.  Victims have reported recieving a form letter and check drawn on the accouts of RBC FINANCIAL and DILLARD INC.  The form lertter and check, in the amount of over $4,000.00, offers the recipient the sum of $50,000.00 if they cash the check and deposit it into their account.  They must then mail a portion of the check’s funds to a “tax official”.  This is a variation of a common scam (lottery scams) and the public is advised to take any and all material to their local police department; DO NOT CASH THESE CHECKS.  The checks are fraudulent and the account holder will be held responsible for the balance of funds. 

Update!!  The first quarter of 2010 has been a busy one!  The first of the year is the time we look back and see what we have done and how we can improve our services.  There are several different activities that have taken place this quarter. 

We began our yearly policy mandated audits.  Audits review administrative areas such as Training, Citizen Complaints, Response to Resistance, Pursuits, Property & Evidence, etc.  We are currently completing these audits for 2009. 

We are in the process of completing our yearly defensive tactics training.  Our officers’ ability to protect themselves as well as use restraint when using force is an important part of our defensive tactics program. 

Several sworn and civilian employees recently completed water rescue training.  This is an important part of preparing to deploy our beach resources.  Everyone successfully completed their training and are ready for the beach.  As is often the case, one officer’s abilities were quickly put to the test.  On Friday, April 09, 2010 Beach Services Officer Sean Daly was involved in the rescue of a distressed boater in the ocean in the area of 7th Avenue South.  GOOD JOB OFFICER DAILY!!  A link to the news story can be found here http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=12279675

Beach Patrol Officers were deployed to the beach effective April 12, 2010.  Beach Patrol Officers work the beachfront and Ocean Boulevard in particular.  Officers patrol in either our beach patrol truck or 4-wheelers.  Most often patrol is with the 4-wheelers so the impact on the beach and visitors is lessened.  Our Beach Patrol Officers for 2010 are Corporal James Bender and Officer Kenneth Hofmann.  Both are very experienced officers and will provide the highest quality of service to the residents and visitors of Surfside Beach. 

In May our community services bike patrol officer will be deployed.  Many may know Officer David Turbeville.  Officer Turbeville had an excellent first year and as a result of the success of the bike patrol program, we have another trained bike patrol officer who will work intermittently throughout the summer. 

In 2008 the Police Department implemented an “Officer of the Year” program.  The 2008 Officer Of The Year was Cpl Christopher King.  This year, the 2009 Officer of the Year is Cpl Travis Bailey.  Cpl. Bailey has been with the department since 2007 and is a very important part of our team.  Cpl Bailey is hard working and has a positive attitude.  CONGRATULATIONS CPL BAILEY!!

The Police Department also has several new employees this quarter.  We welcomed Albert Sanabria and Kenneth Hofmann to the Patrol Division as Police Officers.  Ron Levesque and Sean Daly joined us as Beach Services Officers, and Jimmy Heavener joined our Parking Enforcement program.

As you can see, a great deal has been happening at the Police Department.  We are looking forward to 2010 and a great and safe season!! 

NEWS RELEASE!!  We need your help.  The Surfside Beach Police Department is searching for 2 subjects wanted for BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE, CONSPIRACY TO COMMITT BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE, AND ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT TO BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE.  Click Arrest and Wanted First Degree Burglary Suspects for the news release.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Detective Matt Prock at the Police Department (843) 913-6368. 

The Weekly Reports have returned to the Crime Watch page of the website.  The newly revised weekly reports are up.

The Police Department continues to receive reports of residential and vehicle break-ins.  Please take precautions to secure property by locking/securing doors and removing valuables from sight.  If you see suspicious vehicles or persons, please call dispatch at (843) 913-6368.

FRAUD ALERT!! The Police Department has received a report of a Craigslist related scam using rental properties.  Subjects are using services such as Craigslist to advertise and arrange properties for rent which they do not own.  Click the following →HERE to learn more.