28-04-2025
Myrtle Beach police require ‘complex' investigation of all officer-involved shootings
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — In the aftermath of an officer-involved shooting, the Myrtle Beach Police Department launches a 'complex' investigation that pulls in multiple officials and arms of city government.
'It is the purpose of this procedure to make these difficult investigations less traumatic for all involved and provide a framework to ensure that a fair, consistent and complete investigation is completed,' the department's seven-page protocol says. 'The incidents present a unique set of circumstances, which make them more complex than routine investigations.'
Officials said Monday that three officers are on paid administrative leave following a Saturday night incident on North Ocean Boulevard that left 18-year-old Jarrius Davis dead from a gunshot wound fired by police.
One of the first steps taken after an officer-involved shooting is notifying city leaders including its attorney, manager and others as needed. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is also informed.
Deadly officer-involved shooting at least 25th instance of gun violence on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach since 2020
A police command post is established 'out of sight and sound' of the involved officers 'so that conversations regarding the management of the incident don't unnecessarily raise concern or the stress level of the officers.'
The on-scene supervisor is in regular contact with dispatch to 'ensure there is adequate manpower to cover all patrol and ancillary duties,' as the investigation unfolds in its earliest stages.
As for the involved officer, the following procedures are taken:
Narration on body-worn camera that they're no longer actively involved in the incident and are departing the scene
Immediate contact with spouse, partner or significant other and immediate family advising them of their role in an officer-involved shooting
Immediate deactivation of personal social media accounts and suggestion that family members do the same
Option to speak with an attorney before giving any statement that may be used in a criminal investigation
Provided updates on the subject's condition
It's standard procedure for officers involved in a shooting to be placed on administrative leave or temporarily reassigned until the investigation is complete.
'While the intent of this assignment is to limit the officer's integration with the public, the officer shall still have full arrest powers and may be armed unless otherwise stated by the Chief of Police,' the city's policy says.
Should an involved officer need to be in court, it's up to them to stay on top of their pending cases and dates.
It's not a simple process for an officer to get back into the field after a shooting. Within three days of any incident, officers are required to meet with a mental health professional compensated by the city.
From there, impacted officers are given the chance to attend a South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program-led critical incident seminar debrief.
Incident location visits are also required before an officer is reassigned with a duty weapon and given a psychological assessment.
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
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