MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Representatives from the Department of Justice met with the Myrtle Beach Police Department and people who live in the area on Thursday night.
Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock introduced captains and officers from all five of the department’s divisions and they explained to the public exactly what exactly their roles are around the city.
She also introduced Walter Atkinson from the Community Relations Service at the Department of Justice who she asked to come and speak with the public.
“CRS is giving the mandate to provide services to communities that are in conflict or have the potential to be in conflict,” Atkinson explained.
He talked a lot about perception which seemed to be a topic on a lot of audience members’ minds.
“A lot of times when there is an incident, it’s the perception that the community sees,” he added.
While he didn’t specifically address this viral video from a Myrtle Beach McDonald’s, people in the crowd said they don’t like the negative perception it’s given others.
“When I saw the video on Facebook I said to myself: ‘Oh, I need to get more information on this before I can make a judgment in my own mind,” said Barbara Prescop. She came to the meeting because she was curious about the incident and what the police department would talk about with the public.
“I did learn a lot here tonight,” she said specifically about some of the new shifts and camera system the department has been using.
Captain Joey Crosby said the goal is to have more forums like this which will allow for an open dialogue between the people who live in Myrtle Beach and the officers who patrol in the city.
“Anytime that we have the opportunity to come together as a community and build relationships, that is a goal of ours,” he added. “Anytime the community can put a name with a face and whenever they have a problem, or concern, or a question they can reach out to someone they know and get their question answered.”
The next forum will be held in June with a heavy focus on hurricane preparedness.
