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Atlantic Beach police report: officer departures, grant awards and vehicle options
Summary
Police Lieutenant Andrew Valentine reported two recent officer resignations (including his own upcoming Nov. 11 departure), said the Town has 105 October service calls, and announced two Office of Highway Safety grants totaling about $43,844 for body-worn and in-car camera systems; Council and staff discussed interim coverage and vehicle procurement options.
Lieutenant Andrew Valentine told the Town Council on Nov. 3 that staffing within the Atlantic Beach Police Department has declined and that he has submitted his own resignation, effective Nov. 11. "I have also submitted my resignation, as well, due to some extenuating circumstances and my final day will be November 11th of this year," Valentine said, urging the town to move quickly to secure interim coverage and recruit replacements.
Valentine reported 105 calls for service in October and described a transition in the State'level reporting systems that limited immediate access to historical citation data. He said the Town received two Office of Highway Safety grants in October: $9,908.86 for six Axon body-worn cameras and $33,935.93 for in-car video systems. "None of this money can be used for anything but what the award was for," he said, adding that the state will release funds into a secured account to be paid to the vendor.
Because the Police Department relies on older, heavily used vehicles, Valentine and Town Manager Adrian Jones discussed lease options for new, fully outfitted patrol SUVs (2026 Durango or equivalent). Jones and Valentine described multi-year lease proposals to replace the Town's aging fleet and limit maintenance costs; estimated annual costs vary with fleet size and contract length and will require further competitive quotes before Council action.
Town Manager Adrian Jones said he has been designated as the primary point of contact with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to help manage the department's transition while the Town pursues hiring a new chief and additional officers. Council members asked staff to return with written quotes for lease and procurement options and to coordinate interim coverage with Horry County Police as needed.
