Freedom of Information

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is committed to transparency of government action and operation, along with open access to public documents, as provided for in the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), below.

Written requests may be delivered via letter, facsimile, e-mail or other transmission means. Written requests should be precise and as specific as possible regarding details (names, dates, topics, etc.) to ensure an accurate response. A FOIA Request Form is provided for the public’s convenience, but the use of the form is not required to make a written request under the FOIA. Submit written requests using www.myrtlebeachsc.justfoia.com and/or the FOIA Form to the FOIA Coordinator, Lydia Chichester at: 1101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, mbpdfoia@cityofmyrtlebeach.com or 843-918-1325 (fax). If you have any questions please contact Lydia Chichester at 843-918-1535.

In general, the FOIA gives public bodies 10 working days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, to reply to written requests and make a determination about the release of documents and records. The FOIA grants access to the information in the most convenient and practical manner for the requestor if that also is most convenient for the public body. It does not require public bodies to make copies of documents or to create new records summarizing public records. The city may impose reasonable rules concerning time and place of access.

FOIA requests which are particularly voluminous or time-consuming may result in charges to the requestor to recover the cost of public resources spent in fulfilling the request. Such charges shall not exceed the actual cost of searching for and/or providing access to or copies of the requested documents. An estimate of the cost will be provided on request, and a deposit may be required. A schedule of standard fees for various services is provided at the left.

Under South Carolina Code of Law, FOIA cannot be used for commercial purposes. SC 30-2-50(A) A person or private entity shall not knowingly obtain or use personal information obtained from a state agency, a local government, or other political subdivision of the State for commercial solicitation directed to any person in this State.