Myrtle Beach Ambassador program finds supporters who’ve seen it work elsewhere

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The city of Myrtle Beach launched a new ambassador program set to start July 1st.

It will hire eight people to patrol some of the busiest areas of the city on foot and serve as the eyes and ears for law enforcement.

News13 spoke to several people who say they’ve seen similar programs work in other places.

Russell Schenck splits his time between two major tourists destinations, St. Thomas and Myrtle Beach.

Schenck said the ambassador program he’s seen there could and should be replicated here to help tourists.

“Like here in Myrtle Beach, they have questions, unanswered questions; and then these young kids, ambassadors, try to guide them the right way, where to go there, where is the museum, where there are activities,” said Schenck.

Sheila Hayes Grubbs is visiting the area from Anchorage, Alaska which has a similar ambassador program.

“The people policing people yeah!” exclaimed Grubbs. She said it’s an idea she really supports.

“I applaud the city of Myrtle Beach and the state of South Carolina. Safety of the tourists, safety of residents should take priority in any city,” said Grubbs.

Rob Geiger is on vacation from Cincinnati, Ohio, and said he was an ambassador himself.

“We walked all through the neighborhoods and we would have a two-way radio and also summon the police when we saw crime taking place,” said Geiger.

Geiger served his community for two years and he said he was really able to make a difference.

“Where people would hang out and loiter, that was causing problems and break-ins; and we were able to get them to disperse after about two weeks,” said Geiger.

Myrtle Beach police will train the ambassadors who will also carry radios as they patrol 16th Avenue North down to 3rd Avenue South.

They won’t have the power to make arrests or write tickets.

“But if they see something very wrong, someone gets robbed, somebody gets broken into their car of course they call the cops. That’s a good thing, not a bad thing. They’re not spies, they’re being helpful,” said Schenck.

Some business owners commented that public safety is still a concern. Patrick Gleason said he’s seen a lot of fights and people stealing.

Gleason said he’d like to see a more robust police presence downtown as opposed to the ambassadors.

“I think it would be better to have someone who could really do something about it,” said Gleason.

The hiring process is a joint effort between the city, DRC and Myrtle Beach police. Positions remain open, click here if you’d like to apply.