Myrtle Beach Appoints Chris Smith as Assistant Chief

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Swearing-in ceremony for Myrtle Beach Police Department's new Assistant Chief, Captain Chris Smith.

News Summary

Captain Chris Smith has been sworn in as the new Assistant Chief of the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) in a ceremony celebrating his leadership journey. With over 15 years of service, Smith aims to uphold public safety and enhance the department’s innovative strategies. Family, friends, and fellow officers attended the event, marking a significant milestone for both Smith and the community he protects. As the MBPD continues to prioritize safety, Smith is set to guide various divisions within the department, ensuring a safer Myrtle Beach for all.

Myrtle Beach Welcomes New Assistant Chief Chris Smith

In a heartfelt ceremony held at the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center, the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) proudly swore in Captain Chris Smith as their new Assistant Chief! Family members and fellow officers gathered to share this special moment on Friday, marking a significant new chapter for both Smith and the community he serves.

A Journey to Leadership

Captain Chris Smith began his journey with the MBPD back in 2007 when he was recruited as an eager blue uniform newbie. Fast forward 15 years, Smith has proven to be quite the asset, steadily climbing the ranks, earning his promotion to Captain just last year in 2022. His career has been defined by notable contributions that have shaped many aspects of the department, which includes the expansion of the K9 unit, a successful take-home vehicle program, and the development of an intelligence unit designed to tackle crime more efficiently.

Keeping the Community Safe

During the swearing-in ceremony, Smith expressed his unwavering commitment to uphold the traditions and legacies of the Assistant Chief position. He also highlighted the importance of integrating innovative strategies for the sake of public safety moving forward. Under the guidance of Chief Amy Prock and Assistant Police Chief Marty Brown, the MBPD is organized into five dynamic divisions: administrative, investigative, patrol, support services, and special operations.

Understanding the Divisions

The administrative division plays a vital role in the department’s overall function, focusing on crucial areas like crime prevention, training, and handling various regulatory needs to support the other divisions and the city as a whole.

Meanwhile, the investigative division consists of three key parts, each led by a dedicated sergeant. The street crimes unit emphasizes community policing and tackles auto theft, while the family services sector deals with juvenile crime and domestic violence cases. The major crimes team, on the other hand, takes charge of serious offenses such as murder and burglary.

Under the support services division, communication and detention operations are managed, ensuring that public information, FOIA requests, and inmate custody are handled in the most efficient manner.

24/7 Patrol Division

One of the standout features of the MBPD is its dedicated patrol division, which operates around the clock. This team includes not just emergency response officers but also animal control personnel and desk officers who are ready to assist the public at any hour!

Special Operations and Community Engagement

The special operations unit is where things get even more thrilling. This includes canine units, beach patrol, traffic enforcement, and community service officers. Each area of this division is expertly managed by a lieutenant, ensuring that every aspect of police work is covered while keeping the public safe.

Contacting Your Police Department

For those looking to reach specific members of the department, here is a list of some key contacts:

Captain Lester Cook: 843-918-1811, lcook@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Lieutenant Mike Quinn (Street Crimes): 843-918-1324, mquinn@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Captain Jeremiah Beam (Patrol): 843-918-1964, jbeam@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Lieutenant Vinnie Dorio (Patrol): 843-918-1803, vdorio@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Lieutenant Daniel Eddy (Patrol): 843-918-1903, deddy@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Lieutenant John Fullwood (Patrol): 843-918-1306, jfullwood@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

A Bright Future Ahead

As Myrtle Beach moves forward with Captain Chris Smith in the role of Assistant Chief, excitement fills the air. The department’s commitment to building a stronger community through public safety initiatives is more alive than ever, and Smith looks set to be a key player in that mission. Here’s to new beginnings and a safer Myrtle Beach!