Welcome to the PIPD

Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is a town that enjoys a thriving summer community. It is a place that grows from its 100 or so year round residents to over 5,000 visitors and residents during the summer season. Ensuring the safety and protection of the community are the dedicated members of the Pawleys Island Police Department. Although the town's motto is "arrogantly shabby", the police department is proud of its professional law enforcement image.

The Pawleys Island Police Department was created 1993 with a chief, two officers and one vehicle. Since then the department has expanded to a total of a chief, three full time officers and three part time officers. Currently led by Chief Guy Osborne, the officers patrol the 3.8 mile barrier island, its beaches and the waters surrounding it with three 4x4 vehicles, a 4-wheel all terrain vehicle and a personal watercraft. The department's personnel have a vast experience in law enforcement, over 100 years of total police experience in fact. This experience is widely varied from command staff through investigations including previous assignments in Horry County, Georgetown County, City of Columbia, City of Myrtle Beach, City of Detroit, and New York City. They also have the honor of counting among their ranks a recipient of the prestigious J.P. Strom Award for Outstanding Police Recruit from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Academy.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Pawleys Island and please let us know if there is anything we can help you with.

©Photo courtesy of Tanya Ackerman, Coastal Observer

Message From The Chief

Thank you for visiting the best little police police department in South Carolina. I am confident that our officers will be able to assist you with whatever situation you may require their expertise. I am very proud of this agency and the town we serve. Please feel free to contact me with any comments, suggestions or difficulties you may have.   Sincerely, Chief Guy Osborne

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Pawleys Island Police Department to preserve the public peace, prevent crime, detect and arrest violators of the law, and protect life and property. We will uphold the Consitution of these United States, enforce the laws of the State of South Carolina and the ordinances of the Town of Pawleys Island.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where is Pawleys Island? The town is located along the Atlantic Ocean about 22 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 70 miles north of Charleston. Click here for a map.
• Office Hours - Town Hall is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The Police Department office is not staffed full time although there is generally an officer on duty. In An Emergency Call 911, for other inquiries call town hall (843-237-1698) for information. If you need to speak with an officer immediately call 843-237-3008 and the dispatcher will contact one.
• Parking - There is a limited amount of parking on the island so please plan your visit accordingly. Parking regulations are strictly enforced. Here is a list of the public parking and beach accesses.

- Georgetown County Lot located at the south end of Springs Avenue.

- First Street Beach Access

- Second Street Beach Access

- Third Street Beach Access

- Shell Road Beach Access

- Adjacent to the boat landings at Pritchard Street, Shell Road and Third Street.

In addition to these public parking locations, you may park a vehicle along the side of the road within five (5) feet of the edge of the pavement unless otherwise posted or restricted. NO VEHICLES MAY PARK ON THE PAVEMENT IN THE RIGHT OF WAY.

• Town Court - The town's court is held the second Thursday of every month at 5:00 PM at Town Hall unless otherwise noted on the summons.
• Dogs on beach - You may bring your dog to the beach. From May 1 through September 30 dogs must be on a leash from 8:00AM to 8:00PM. Dogs must be under immediate control and voice command at all times. Please clean up after your dog... waste bags are provided throughout the island.
• Alcoholic beverages - Alcohol may be consumed on the beach. Public intoxication and underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Pawleys Island is a family community and any disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. You must have proof of age and identity readily accessible if consuming alcohol in public.
• Fires on beach - Open fires are prohibited, however you may obtain a permit at town hall for a fire pit on the beach under the following circumstances. No free-standing barbeques are allowed, charcoal fires only in a hole dug in the sand. Absolutely no open flames. Permit holder is responsible for any damages caused by the fire. No fires within 5 houses of a marked turtle nest.
• Fireworks - Absolutely No Fireworks are permitted on the island.
• Golf carts - Golf carts, both electric and gas driven, are prohibited within town limits. This includes "low speed vehicles" as defined under Section 56-2-100 of the SC Code of Laws.
• Tents & chairs - Please remove your tents, tent frames & beach chairs when you leave for the beach for the day to deter vandalism. We also ask that you fill in large holes in the sand. These items impede the nesting process of sea turtles.
• Commercial Enterprises - The incorporated town is strictly residential. Commercial enterprises, other than those previously grandfathered, are prohibited on Pawleys Island.
• Surfing - Surfing is not restricted to a particular section except surfing is prohibited within 100 yards of the pier under SC Code 50-21-180. Surfing is also prohibited by law between sunset and sunrise (50-21-820). Surfers are also prohibited by law to engage in conduct that endangers others (50-21-840).

Crime Prevention

To ensure that Pawleys Island remains a very safe place, we would like to make it less inviting to thieves and criminals. We ask that you lock your vehicles at all times and do not leave any items of value in view. Please secure doors and windows of residences whenever possible. Store bikes, kayaks and other valuables in a safe place.

For your Safety

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - While walking or jogging along the road please go against the flow of vehicular traffic and wear bright clothing after dusk. Rules for safe walking & jogging: click here

BICYCLE SAFETY - While riding a bicycle on the road you must obey the same traffic regulations as automobiles. Please do not ride multiple bicycles abreast causing vehicles to cross the double yellow lines. The use of a bike helmet and reflective gear is recommended. Rules for safe riding: click here

WATER SAFETY - One of the most dangerous problems we encounter during the summer season are situations where people are not familiar with ocean swimming and find themselves caught in the rip currents. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some safety guidelines for swimming in the ocean. Click Here

Annual Events

© 2008 - Pawleys Island Police Department