04/14/2026
*NEWS RELEASE*
The City of Myrtle Beach officially begins its search for the next chief of police at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, April 14) with the launch of a community survey, inviting the public to share input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the city’s next police chief. All survey responses are anonymous.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JB762DC
The city retained Public Sector Search & Consulting to conduct a nationwide search following the retirement of Police Chief Amy Prock, effective April 2. Assistant Chief Chris Smith is serving as interim chief.
Public Sector Search & Consulting specializes in law enforcement executive searches and has placed more than 120 police chiefs nationwide. The firm will evaluate both internal and external candidates and will manage all information gathered through the online survey and public input sessions as part of the selection process.
In addition to the online survey, the Myrtle Beach community is invited to attend in-person public input sessions to help shape the selection of the next chief of police. The sessions will not be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube page to encourage open, in-person participation. In addition to gathering feedback from residents and the business community, the firm will also meet with members of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, City Council and city staff to identify the qualities and leadership style best suited for the city’s next police chief.
Residents, business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the online survey and attend one (or all) of the following public input sessions:
🎤Community Input Sessions
Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, 971 Canal St.
6 p.m., Monday, April 20
Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA, 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Drive
6 p.m., Tuesday, April 21
General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, 800 Gabreski Lane
6 p.m., Wednesday, April 22
🎤Myrtle Beach Business Community Input Session
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St.
11 a.m., Monday, April 20
Upon completion of the public input phase, the firm will develop a position profile and recruitment brochure to begin advertising the position nationwide. City Manager Fox Simons said the process is designed to be thoughtful and transparent and is expected to continue through early to mid-summer.
The survey will remain open for roughly one month. It will close at 11:59 p.m., Friday, May 15.
Myrtle Beach Police Department
