Services
The Police Department offers numerous services to the community. Listed below are some of the services you may find helpful.
SPEED/RADAR PATROL
While officers heavily patrol business and residential areas, they cannot be everywhere at once. To maintain safe streets and neighborhoods, the Police Department offers directed speed enforcement for problematic areas. The department has a digital speed trailer available for placement on streets where speed is a problem. The department also routinely deploys officers to perform moving and static radar speed enforcement. If you feel you need these services, please contact Captain Arron Miller at (843) 913-6345 or amiller@surfsidebeach.org
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS
Surfside Beach is proud of its beautiful beachfront and we work hard to keep it clean and enjoyable for everyone. To ensure our beach is accessible to everyone, the Police Department has special beach wheelchairs. The beach wheelchairs are free to use and can be picked up at the Police Department. If you would like to use a beach wheelchair, contact us at (843) 913-6368. Due to limited supply and high demand, chairs are only available to town residents and visitors to locations within town.
KEEPCHECK PROGRAM
Going out of town? The Police Department offers a keepcheck program to help protect property while owners are away. Town residents and businesses may sign up for a few days or a few weeks (if needed). While patrolling, officers will conduct special checks of the properties and report any problems. Keepcheck addresses are kept confidential and private.
GOLF CART REGISTRATION
The Police Department started a new program in 2009 to register golf carts for town residents. There are many advantages to registering your golf cart. Registered golf carts are documented in the department’s computer database where the VIN number, description, owner information, and a photograph are listed. In the event the cart is stolen, the department will have immediate access to essential information. Once registered, owners will receive a sticker that is good for 2 years. The stickers cost $2.00 and serve as a parking permit. The sticker additionally lists the state law regulating the operation of golf carts as a reminder to residents and visitors. You will need your state registration sticker and proof of insurance to register your golf cart. You will also need to bring your golf cart to the Police Department to be photographed. If you have any questions, please call (843) 913-6368.
OPERATION RESCUE
The town of Surfside Beach is home to people of diverse needs, age, and special circumstances. Operation Rescue is designed to provide specialized assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation. Town residents may request to be signed up for services. In the event of an evacuation, the department will attempt to personally notify listed residents to ensure they are aware and are able to comply. The department will also help with preparing for the evacuation and arranging for transportation.
VICTIM SERVICES
The Surfside Beach Police Department recognizes the financial, emotional, and mental affect crime has on victims. To assist victims during this difficult time, the department has a specially trained member of staff, the Victim-Witness Advocate.
The Victim-Witness Advocate consults with and is available to assist victims of a wide range of crimes including:
- Arson
- Assaults
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Child Abuse/Neglect
- Criminal Domestic Violence
- Criminal Sexual Conduct/Sex Offenses
- DUI/Reckless Driving Related Accidents
- Felony DUI
- Grand Larceny
- Harassment/Stalking/Threats
- Homicide/Manslaughter/Murder
- Indecent Exposure
- Kidnapping
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Lynching
- Malicious Damage to Personal or Real Property
- Purse Snatching
- Robbery
Providing victim services begins with the filing of an incident report. An eligible victim, which is defined by state law, is provided with a victim’s bill of rights. This form explains a victim’s rights and protections under the law. Victims who have requested VA assistance are mailed reports and letters explaining their rights. The victim-witness advocate is available Monday thru Friday during normal business hours and is on-call for emergency situations.
Victims of crime often require assistance in different ways. The victim-witness advocate is trained to offer several routes of assistance to our victims. This can include emotional support, transportation to shelters and safe-havens, information about the criminal justice system and court, and assistance with financial support and restitution.
Victims of crimes have a legal right to:
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Be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse
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Be informed about what steps can be taken for protection against intimidation and harm
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Be kept informed about various phases of their case, including the investigation, charges filed, prosecution, trial, and sentencing
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Be present and provide information and input — written or in person — into the criminal justice process, especially at key points such as bond hearings, plea-bargaining, bond reduction or modification, sentencing and parole release hearings
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Notification from officials about an arrest, release of defendants, time and location of legal proceedings and trials, continuances or delays in trial proceedings, sentencing and parole hearings
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Be informed about eligibility for victim compensation, when applicable, and the right to be helped in completing application forms in a timely manner, when applicable
- Information about victim assistance and other community resources
If you would like to learn more about the Victim-Witness Advocate in Surfside Beach, you may reach them at (843) 913-6356 or msarvis@surfsidebeach.org If you would like to learn more about victim advocacy in general, you may obtain more information from The State Office of Victim Assistance or SOVA at www.govoepp.state.sc.us/sova/ .
