Navigating Horry County 911 Calls: Access, Public Records, And Emergency Protocols In 2026

Accessing public safety information and understanding emergency dispatch procedures in Horry County, South Carolina, requires familiarity with local government structures, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and regional emergency response systems. This guide clarifies that "Horry County 911 calls" refers strictly to public safety dispatch records, emergency communication protocols, and records requests managed by Horry County Government and its municipal law enforcement partners, rather than commercial entities or private security firms. Whether you are a legal professional, a local journalist, or a resident researching community safety, navigating the channels of the Horry County Department of Emergency Communications demands strict adherence to local compliance guidelines and operational timelines.

The Architecture of Horry County Emergency Dispatch

The Horry County Department of Emergency Communications serves as the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for a vast and rapidly growing geographic region encompassing Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and unincorporated areas. Managing hundreds of thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls annually requires an advanced Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and tight coordination between emergency medical services (EMS), fire-rescue units, and municipal police departments.

When a caller dials 911 within Horry County, call takers triage the emergency using standardized protocols to determine urgency, location, and required resource allocation. The integration of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology allows the dispatch center to ingest digital data, including cellular geolocation coordinates and text-to-911 transmissions, vastly improving response times across coastal and rural sectors.

Public Records Accessibility: Requesting 911 Audio and CAD Logs

Public access to 911 recordings and CAD dispatch logs is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). While CAD logs and certain dispatch records are generally public, the release of raw 911 audio files involves statutory exemptions designed to protect personal privacy, ongoing criminal investigations, and juvenile identities.

To successfully obtain records from the Horry County 911 communications center, requesters must navigate a formalized submission process. Understanding what is accessible versus what is legally redacted prevents administrative delays.

• Submitting a Formal Request: Requests must typically be submitted in writing to the Horry County FOIA Office or the specific municipality's police department (e.g., Myrtle Beach Police Department if the incident occurred within city limits).
• Information Required: Requesters must provide the exact date, approximate time of the incident, street address or nearest intersection, and the phone number associated with the call if known.
• Statutory Response Timelines: Under South Carolina law, public bodies have 10 business days to determine whether to comply with a public records request for records older than 24 months, and 15 business days for records less than 24 months old.
• Cost Structure: Agencies are legally permitted to charge reasonable fees covering the direct cost of search, retrieval, and redaction of audio files or documents.

Comparative Overview of Horry County Public Safety Agencies

Different jurisdictions within Horry County operate distinct record-keeping systems. Submitting a request to the wrong agency will result in administrative rejections or prolonged delays. The following matrix outlines the primary dispatch authorities operating within the county boundaries.

Exemptions and Legal Restrictions on 911 Call Releases

Not all 911 calls or associated records are immediately or fully accessible to the public. South Carolina FOIA outlines specific exemptions where public disclosure is either prohibited or discretionary.

When evaluating a request for Horry County 911 records, the legal custodians review the material for sensitive content. Calls involving ongoing criminal investigations, sexual assault, domestic violence, or juvenile victims routinely undergo redaction or are withheld entirely until the legal threshold for public release is met. Furthermore, personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, private medical data, and unlisted callback numbers are routinely scrubbed from CAD narratives and audio transcripts to comply with state and federal privacy statutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing an Official FOIA Request for Dispatch Records

Securing accurate documentation requires a systematic approach. Follow these procedural steps to streamline your records request with Horry County or its municipal counterparts.

1. Identify the Exact Jurisdiction: Determine whether the incident occurred within unincorporated Horry County or inside a municipality like Myrtle Beach or Conway to ensure the request goes to the correct records division.
2. Draft a Precise Written Request: Clearly state that you are requesting records pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Avoid vague descriptions; specify "CAD logs, incident reports, and 911 audio recordings associated with incident [Case Number or Date/Time/Location]."
3. Submit via Designated Channels: Utilize the official online FOIA portal provided by Horry County Government or send your certified written request to the designated municipal records officer.
4. Acknowledge and Pay Fees: Review the agency's fee estimate upon receipt. Prompt payment prevents processing bottlenecks and ensures the records are compiled and delivered securely.
5. Review and Appeal if Necessary: If a request is denied or heavily redacted, review the statutory citation provided by the agency. You have the legal right to challenge wrongful denials through the South Carolina circuit court system.

Operational Tip for Legal and Media Professionals: When requesting 911 audio, always request the corresponding CAD event history report simultaneously. The CAD text log provides the chronological time stamps of dispatch, arrival, and clearance, which contextualizes the raw audio recordings and speeds up independent analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all 911 calls in Horry County available to the general public?

No, while many CAD logs and basic dispatch records are open to the public under South Carolina FOIA, 911 audio and transcripts containing sensitive personal data, juvenile identifiers, or information tied to active criminal investigations are restricted or heavily redacted.

How long does Horry County retain 911 audio recordings?

Horry County typically retains 911 audio recordings and digital dispatch logs in accordance with South Carolina state records retention schedules, which often mandate a minimum holding period of one to three years, depending on the severity of the incident.

Can I listen to Horry County 911 calls live online?

Live streaming of emergency dispatch channels is restricted due to tactical safety and privacy concerns, though public scanner applications and websites sometimes broadcast delayed or unencrypted VHF/UHF radio transmissions from local first responder channels.

What is the difference between a CAD log and a 911 audio recording?

A CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) log is a text-based chronological record generated by dispatchers detailing the timeline of an emergency call, units assigned, and actions taken, whereas a 911 audio recording is the actual verbal conversation between the caller and the emergency operator.

How much does it cost to obtain Horry County public safety records?

Fees vary based on the labor time required for staff to search, retrieve, and legally redact audio or video files, calculated in accordance with standard Horry County administrative fee schedules authorized by state law.

Who should I contact if I need emergency assistance in Horry County?

Always dial 911 for immediate, life-threatening emergencies requiring police, fire, or medical dispatch. For non-emergency inquiries, contact the Horry County non-emergency dispatch line directly to keep emergency lines open for critical life safety events.