OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is dedicated to the task of providing professional law enforcement services in a fair and impartial manner for our residents and visitors. The Office of Professional Standards is charged with maintaining the Police Department’s high standards and integrity; therefore, we investigate all complaints in a fair and unbiased manner.

We are committed to the fair treatment of our community. Both compliments and complaints regarding officer’s performance should be directed to the Office of Professional Standards. If you have questions regarding this process you can make contact with the Office of Professional Standards staff at (843) 918-1330 or ops@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.

The OPS department hosts two Citizen Police Academy (CPA) classes each year. The CPA is for persons 21 years of age or older who are interested in gaining a greater insight into police practices, police services, and how the police department works with the community. The CPA offers an “inside look” at policing but does not offer any certification or arrest powers. For more information about the Citizens Police Academy, please visit the CPA page. 

Filing a compliment or complaint

In Person:

You may file your compliment/complaint in person at the Office of Professional Standards Office, located at 3340 Mustang Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 08:00 a.m. through 05:00 p.m. Complaints may also be filed in person with the shift supervisor at the main police department at 1101 N. Oak Street, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By Mail:

If you choose to file a compliment/complaint by mail, please complete the form in its entirety.  Mail your complaint to:

Myrtle Beach Police Department
Office of Professional Standards
1101 North Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

Online:

Click on this link to complete an online Complaint form.

Steps Involved in the Complaint Process

  1. File a complaint online, in person, or via U.S. mail (appointments are not necessary).
  2. The complaint will be investigated by the Office of Professional Standards or directed to a shift supervisor.
  3. The Office of Professional Standards Staff will interview the complainant, the affected employee(s) and witnesses.
  4. The Office of Professional Standards Staff will then prepare a report that includes these interviews and all other pertinent information.
  5. The report is forwarded through the chain of command for review.
  6. A final decision to determine if the complaint is sustained, not sustained or unfounded.
  7. Once the case is finalized, the complainant will receive a letter advising the disposition of their complaint.

Please note: While the department encourages citizens to report legitimate complaints of misconduct, filing a false report is a violation of the law.