Horry County, South Carolina, December 18, 2025
A legislative proposal in Horry County, introduced by Representative William Bailey, aims to dissolve the Horry County Police Department and transfer its control to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. This significant shift raises questions about public accountability and community representation in policing. The proposed law reflects ongoing concerns regarding departmental autonomy, historical context, and recent allegations of misconduct that have emerged within the county’s law enforcement framework. As discussions unfold, the implications for public safety governance and community trust are profound.
Horry County, South Carolina
A legislative proposal to fundamentally restructure law enforcement in Horry County, South Carolina, continues to draw significant attention as discussions regarding the future of the Horry County Police Department intensify. The bill, introduced by North Myrtle Beach Representative William Bailey, seeks to abolish the existing county police department, transferring its responsibilities and operational control to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. This prospective change, deliberated in recent weeks, represents a pivotal moment for public safety governance in the region, bringing into sharp relief questions of accountability, departmental autonomy, and community representation in policing.
Proposed Shift in Law Enforcement Authority
The core of Representative Bailey’s legislative effort is the dissolution of the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). Should the bill pass, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office would become the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Bailey’s rationale centers on enhancing public accountability, arguing that an elected sheriff is more directly answerable to the electorate and better positioned to advocate for departmental budgets. This perspective suggests a belief in the inherent strength of direct democratic oversight for essential public services.
The potential implications of this legislative shift are broad, particularly concerning the existing autonomy of the Horry County Council. The bill, if enacted, would remove the county council’s authority to set up its own police department. This power dynamic traces its roots back to Act 21 of 1959, legislation that helped create the Horry County Police Department.
Context and Allegations
Discussion surrounding the bill has also touched upon allegations of misconduct within the Horry County Police Department. These concerns have, in some instances, led to requests for the Horry County Sheriff’s Office to reopen certain cases, including a death investigation. While the Horry County Police Department presently serves as the county’s principal law enforcement agency, the Sheriff’s Office already manages significant aspects of the judicial process, such as bookings and releases at the Reuben Long Detention Center.
Broader Legislative Landscape
This legislative initiative is not an isolated effort by Representative Bailey concerning local public safety. In recent months, he has also drafted a bill addressing restrictions on vehicles on beaches within Horry County, a measure prompted by a deadly incident involving a beach patrol vehicle. Such actions collectively reflect a dedicated legislative focus on refining and strengthening the mechanisms of public safety within his constituency.
The potential transition prompts a deeper consideration of the distinct roles played by municipal police departments and county sheriff’s offices within the broader framework of state law enforcement. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) offers quality manpower and technical assistance to various law enforcement agencies, underscoring the interconnectedness of these bodies in maintaining public order and safety across South Carolina.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Representative Bailey’s bill transcends mere administrative rearrangement. It touches upon the very fabric of community trust, the efficacy of local governance, and the profound responsibilities borne by those tasked with upholding the law. As Horry County deliberates, the choices made will resonate deeply, shaping the protective landscape for its residents for years to come. The quiet contemplation of these matters speaks to a fundamental human yearning for order and justice in the shared spaces of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Representative William Bailey’s bill?
The bill seeks to abolish the existing county police department, transferring its responsibilities and operational control to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.
Which department would take over law enforcement if the bill passes?
The Horry County Sheriff’s Office would become the primary law enforcement agency for the county.
What is Representative Bailey’s reasoning for introducing the bill?
Bailey’s rationale centers on enhancing public accountability, arguing that an elected sheriff is more directly answerable to the electorate and better positioned to advocate for departmental budgets.
How would the bill impact the Horry County Council?
The bill, if enacted, would remove the county council’s authority to set up its own police department.
What historical context is relevant to the Horry County Police Department?
The power dynamic traces its roots back to Act 21 of 1959, legislation that helped create the Horry County Police Department.
Have there been other concerns related to the Horry County Police Department?
Discussion surrounding the bill has also touched upon allegations of misconduct within the Horry County Police Department. These concerns have, in some instances, led to requests for the Horry County Sheriff’s Office to reopen certain cases, including a death investigation.
What is the current role of the Horry County Sheriff’s Office?
The Sheriff’s Office already manages significant aspects of the judicial process, such as bookings and releases at the Reuben Long Detention Center.
Key Features of Law Enforcement Structure in Horry County
| Feature | Current State (Horry County Police Department) | Proposed State (Horry County Sheriff’s Office) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Law Enforcement Authority | Horry County Police Department (HCPD) | Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) |
| Oversight & Accountability | County Council autonomy to set up its own police department | Elected Sheriff, directly accountable to voters |
| Budget Advocacy | Administered through county council framework | Elected Sheriff can better argue on behalf of the department’s budgets |
| Historical Basis | Created, in part, by Act 21 of 1959 | Would absorb functions established under previous acts |
| Jail Operations | Separate from HCPD operations | Sheriff’s Office manages bookings and releases at Reuben Long Detention Center |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
