How to Contact and Work With North Myrtle Beach Police

North Myrtle Beach Police Department basics

The North Myrtle Beach Police Department (NMBPD) is the law enforcement agency serving the city of North Myrtle Beach, located in Horry County along South Carolina's Grand Strand. The department handles patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing across the city's residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and beach areas. If you need police services in North Myrtle Beach—whether to report a crime, request a police report, or understand local enforcement—you'll work directly with this department rather than county or state police.

North Myrtle Beach is a coastal city that swells with seasonal visitors, and the police department adjusts staffing and priorities accordingly. Understanding how to reach the right division and what to expect from each type of request will save you time and get your issue to the right person faster.

Key Takeaways

• Call 911 for emergencies; call the non-emergency line at (843) 280-5555 for reports, questions, and requests that don't require immediate response.
• The department's main office is located at 3500 North Kings Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, and you can visit in person during business hours to file reports or request records.
• Police reports for insurance claims, background checks, or documentation can be obtained through the Records Division, either in person or by mail request.
• The department maintains a community policing program and publishes crime statistics and incident information on its official channels.

When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line

Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, a crime is happening right now, there's a traffic accident with injuries, or you need police response within minutes. The dispatcher will send officers and may ask you to stay on the line. Provide your location first, then describe what's happening.

Call the non-emergency line at (843) 280-5555 for incidents that have already happened, to report suspicious activity you've observed, to file a report days or weeks after an event, to ask questions about department procedures, or to request a police report for insurance or background purposes. Response times are longer, but you won't tie up emergency resources. Many people also use the non-emergency line to report quality-of-life issues like noise complaints or parking violations.

How to file a police report

You can file a report in person at the North Myrtle Beach Police Department's main office, located at 3500 North Kings Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Bring any documentation related to the incident—photos, receipts, witness contact information, or written notes about what happened and when. The Records Division can also process reports by phone or mail if you cannot visit in person.

When you file, have the following information ready: the date and time the incident occurred, the location, a description of what happened, any property or money involved, and the names and contact details of any witnesses. If someone was injured or a weapon was involved, mention that immediately. The officer or records clerk will create a report number, which you'll need for insurance claims, court cases, or background checks.

Obtaining police reports and records

The Records Division handles requests for copies of police reports, incident summaries, and other department records. You can request a report in person at 3500 North Kings Highway during business hours, by phone at (843) 280-5555, or by mail. Include the report number if you have it, or provide the date, location, and names of people involved so the Records Division can locate the correct file.

Some records are public; others are restricted by law. For example, reports involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or certain victim information may not be released. The Records Division will tell you what is available and whether there is a fee. Processing times vary depending on how old the report is and how busy the division is at that time.

Community policing and crime information

North Myrtle Beach Police Department participates in community policing initiatives, which means officers work to build relationships with neighborhoods and address concerns beyond emergency response. The department may host community meetings, attend local events, or work with neighborhood associations on specific issues like traffic safety or property crime.

The department publishes crime statistics and incident information through official channels. You can contact the Public Information Officer or check the city's website for crime reports, press releases, and updates on department activities. If you have a question about a specific incident or want to know about crime trends in your neighborhood, the non-emergency line can direct you to the right person.

Contacting specific divisions

The North Myrtle Beach Police Department has several divisions that handle different types of calls and requests. The Patrol Division responds to emergency and non-emergency calls throughout the city. The Investigations Division handles follow-up work on crimes like theft, burglary, and assault. The Traffic Division enforces traffic laws and investigates accidents.

For most inquiries, start with the main non-emergency line at (843) 280-5555, and the dispatcher will route you to the right division or officer. If you know which division you need—for example, you're calling about a traffic accident—you can mention that, and it may speed up the process. For complex issues or complaints about department conduct, ask to speak with a supervisor or the Internal Affairs Division.

What to bring and what to expect

If you're visiting the police department in person, bring a photo ID and any documents related to your request—a report number, photos of damage, witness statements, or insurance paperwork. Visits during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon) may involve a wait. Call ahead if you have a complex question or need to speak with a specific officer.

Police reports typically take several days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the incident and the current workload. If your report involves an ongoing investigation, the Records Division may not release certain details until the case is closed. For insurance claims, ask what information the insurance company needs and whether a preliminary report can be provided while the full investigation continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between North Myrtle Beach Police and Horry County Police?

North Myrtle Beach Police handles incidents within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach. Horry County Police handles unincorporated areas of the county outside city limits. If you're unsure which agency responded to an incident, call the non-emergency line and provide your address; the dispatcher will tell you which department has jurisdiction.

How long does it take to get a police report?

Reports can usually be obtained within a few business days if the incident is recent and the investigation is complete. Older reports or those still under investigation may take longer. Call the Records Division at (843) 280-5555 to check the status of a specific report.

Can I file a report online?

North Myrtle Beach Police does not currently offer online report filing for all incident types. Contact the non-emergency line or visit in person to learn whether your situation can be reported by phone or mail, or whether you need to come to the office.

What if I want to complain about an officer or department action?

Contact the North Myrtle Beach Police Department's Internal Affairs Division or ask to speak with a supervisor. You can also file a complaint in writing and mail it to the department's main office. The department will investigate complaints according to its procedures and notify you of the outcome when appropriate.

Is there a police report fee?

Some copies of police reports may have a small fee, while others are provided at no cost. The Records Division will tell you the cost when you request a report. Fees vary depending on the type of report and how it's delivered.