Police Chief

Appointed in January 2023, Dana Crowell became the eighth Chief of Police for the City of North Myrtle Beach since its incorporation in 1969. She leads a department of 153 dedicated employees, including 124 sworn officers. Chief Crowell places a strong emphasis on public safety and community engagement, firmly believing that policing is most effective when it’s a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. She is committed to ensuring that North Myrtle Beach remains a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.

With over 23 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Crowell began her career with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department in 2002 as a Uniform Patrol Officer. She went on to serve as a Field Training Officer and K9 Handler before transitioning to the Criminal Investigations Narcotics Unit in 2011. Over the years, she has held the ranks of Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, and has supervised nearly every division within the agency—including Uniform Patrol, Community Services, Internal Investigations, Beach Patrol, Special Events, Support Services, Communications/Jail, and Training. Her diverse operational background provides her with a broad and practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both the department and the North Myrtle Beach community.

Chief Crowell is a graduate of the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute 134th Administrative Officers Course. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina, and an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

President of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, representing law enforcement leaders across the state and advocating for the profession’s advancement.

Chief Crowell is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Southern Police Institute Alumni Association, the North Myrtle Beach Rotary Club, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Chief Crowell is a faith filled woman who enjoys spending time with her family and is passionate about giving back to the community she proudly serves.