Police Recruitment

Hiring & Recruiting

Become a Horry County Police Officer

A career with the Horry County Police Department is more than a job—it's an opportunity to serve one of South Carolina's fastest-growing communities while building a rewarding career with a department committed to professionalism, training, and community engagement.

Whether you're just beginning your law enforcement journey or you're an experienced officer looking for your next chapter, we'd love to hear your story.

Apply Today

View current openings and submit your application through the Horry County employment portal:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/horrycountysc

Applications are accepted only when positions are posted.

Starting Salary

Patrol Officer (Class I)

Starting Salary: $61,800 (Effective July 2026)

Experienced, certified officers may qualify for lateral entry opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for employment, applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years old

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED

  • Have a valid South Carolina driver's license (or be able to obtain one) with no DUI convictions, guilty pleas, or pleas of nolo contendere within the previous five years

  • Be in good physical health

  • Successfully complete:

    • Comprehensive background investigation

    • Polygraph examination

    • Psychological evaluation

After You're Hired

New recruit officers will:

  • Attend and successfully complete training through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA)

  • Meet all certification requirements established by the SCCJA

  • Demonstrate and maintain proficiency with department-issued firearms

Certified & Lateral Officers

Already certified?

  • South Carolina Class I Certified Officers are not required to attend basic academy training.

  • Out-of-state certified officers may be eligible for lateral transfer by completing the SCCJA reciprocity process, including required testing and proficiency demonstrations.

Why Choose HCPD?

We invest in our officers by providing competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits include:

  • Take-home patrol vehicle

  • Competitive health, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Paid vacation and sick leave

  • South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System

  • Employee Wellness Center for covered employees, spouses, and retirees

  • Foreign language incentive pay

  • Recruitment incentives (when applicable)

  • Extensive training and career advancement opportunities

  • Specialized units and assignment opportunities

  • Abundant overtime and extra-duty opportunities

See What It's Like to Serve

Want to learn more about life at HCPD?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for an inside look at our officers, specialized units, community events, and recruiting updates.

Questions?

Our Hiring & Recruiting Unit is ready to answer your questions about the application process, training, and career opportunities.

Lt. Justin Miller
(843) 915-7994

Sgt. Becky Phillips
(843) 915-8044