Myrtle Beach Police officials say reaching full staff of uniformed street officers can be difficult due to turn over and long training periods.
In October, News 13 investigated why the Myrtle Beach Police Department was increasing its total staff by 20 officers; when from 1999-2014 the department only saw an increase of six positions.
With the help of a tax increase and a $1.25 million federal grant, the city had the money to increase the force.
The department says it is in the process of hiring.
“We currently have nine officers in the field training officer program one officer in the criminal justice academy,” said Lieutenant Joey Crosby.
Those ten extra officers will help, but Crosby says the department must also deal with employee turnover.
If the department loses an officer, it takes time to refill the position.
“We’re trying to get back to being fully staffed at this time,” said Lt. Crosby.
Crosby says the hiring process consists of several interviews, tests and a background check; and that is just to get hired
There is a lot more that follows.
“Once your hired then go through that process, we have to wait for an academy spot to be given to you through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. That could be several weeks to several months out in advance,” said Lt. Crosby.
Crosby says in some cases, from the time an applicant is hired to when they are on the street can take as long as a year.
He also says right now, the earliest opening for training at the police academy is August 29th.
Crosby says the nine officers in the field training program will be on the streets next month.
