Horry County Welcomes New Police Chief Kris Leonhardt
Horry County, S.C. is buzzing with excitement over the recent appointment of a new police chief, Kris Leonhardt. For the first time in eight years, the department has ushered in fresh leadership to tackle the challenges brought on by the county’s rapid growth.
A Busy First 50 Days
In an engaging chat, Chief Leonhardt shared that he is currently over halfway through a standard 90-day review period. Reflecting on his early days in office, he acknowledges that the biggest hurdle he faces is keeping up with the persistent growth of Horry County. “Horry County, really every division, every department within Horry County Government, our biggest challenge is growth,” he explained earnestly.
He elaborated, saying, “As we continue to grow, which is a great thing, but we’ll have to continue to focus on our level of service. How we continue to provide those level of services as we move forward. I feel it will be one of the biggest challenges.” It seems the chief is optimistic about facing this hurdle, especially given the strong community support around him.
Introducing a New Fifth Precinct
One exciting change on the horizon is the establishment of a brand new fifth precinct. “It’s going to be based sort of out of the Carolina Forest area… It will allow us to realign the sectors of our current precincts to provide better service to our community,” Chief Leonhardt said, filled with enthusiasm.
He mentioned that the precinct will bring in an additional seven officers per shift, including supervisors and patrol officers, enhancing overall policing services in a rapidly growing area.
Combatting Gang Crime
Another significant topic tackled in the interview was the ongoing challenge of gang crime in the county. Chief Leonhardt shared insights about a new initiative: “We instituted a new team. It’s our repeat offenders team slash gang unit, and we are continuing to hope to grow that.” He emphasized the importance of gathering intelligence concerning gang activities and said that they’ve been working hand-in-hand with the street crimes unit to target down these offenders.
In an optimistic tone, he remarked, “The more officers that are out there that are able to focus on these incidents the better.” This promising strategy reflects a commitment to tackling gang crime proactively and sustainably.
Enhancing Beach Safety
Horry County is known for its bustling beaches, especially during the peak season. To ramp up safety along the shore, Chief Leonhardt introduced a new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for beach patrol. “It’s a great resource for our beach patrol unit,” he stated, explaining how the UTVs would improve their ability to address issues quickly and efficiently during the busy season.
“These are a little bit more mobile. Being out there on the beach, we can get to issues that are in need of addressing a lot faster,” he noted. The department is kicking off with three UTVs and will evaluate the need for more as the season progresses. This move shows a proactive approach to keeping everyone safe and sound while having fun in the sun.
Final Thoughts
As Horry County continues to grow, the leadership of Chief Kris Leonhardt brings a wave of renewal and commitment to community service. With exciting plans in place for infrastructure enhancements, community safety, and combating local crime, residents can look forward to a more secure and connected community. Let’s all welcome the chief and wish him success as he navigates his new role!
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.
