Atlantic Beach Relies on County Patrols During Ongoing Police Chief Search

The town of Atlantic Beach has been operating without its own active police force since March, leaving law enforcement coverage entirely to the Horry County Police Department. The department currently has zero officers following the departure of former Police Chief Joseph Cooper, who resigned in February after just two months in the role.

The vacancy is part of a longer period of leadership turnover for the small coastal municipality. Cooper was the third chief to leave the department since 2024. Former Chief Quentin Robinson left the post in 2024 following an arrest in a prostitution sting, a charge that was later dismissed. Subsequent interim Chief Carlos Castillo was terminated in October 2025 due to conduct and performance concerns. Since the department fully unraveled early this year, county officers have filled the coverage gap to handle public safety duties across the town.

Newly sworn-in Mayor Josephine Isom has identified rebuilding the police force as a top priority for her administration. Town leadership is currently evaluating several candidates for the head chief position, with one potential frontrunner already undergoing preliminary interviews. However, municipal officials have not yet publicly released candidate names or announced a final hiring decision.

Mayor Isom noted that town leaders are searching for a qualified leader capable of guiding public safety and supporting growth in the small community. Residents have expressed appreciation for Horry County's ongoing patrols while emphasizing the desire for dedicated local officers once a candidate is thoroughly vetted. Town officials have not established a firm deadline for when the position will be filled.