CONWAY, S.C. — New Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt, in his 23rd year with the department, said he is excited and humbled to be able to tackle the new leadership role.
Leonhardt, who was sworn in on Oct. 1, said everything has gone according to plan since he took on the role following the retirement of Joseph Hill, who was the chief for eight years.
“My vision is to continue to grow,” he said. “Look at those units that we continue to enhance, to help the quality of life for our citizens in Horry County. I’m very transparent. I love being transparent, getting out into the community. I want our teams to be a part of our community, serve our community, get to know them.”
Newly added repeat-offender and gang-unit groups will help keep the county safe, Leonhardt said.
After a recent incident of a 13-year-old boy being allegedly physically assaulted and yelled at by the suspect using racial slurs at a basketball court on Clearwater Drive near Surfside Beach, Leonhardt said it’s those kinds of cases that the department takes seriously and will do everything they can to help.