Isle of Palms Police Department braces for spring break season

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C (WCBD)– Spring break is approaching in Charleston and Berkeley counties, meaning beaches like the Isle of Palms will soon be packed.  

The Isle of Palms Police Department and several neighboring agencies will be working together to patrol and manage the large crowds. 

“Every year during spring break, we know we will see an influx of people, primarily young adults, coming to the beach, so we prepare for that by adding additional resources such as officers and staff members and calling in our partner agencies to help us patrol the beach and streets,” said Sgt. Matt Storen, Isle of Palms Police Department informational officer.

In April 2023, a shooting happened during spring break on the Isle of Palms, leaving many people injured and prompting law enforcement to reevaluate their crowd management. To ensure everyone’s safety, the Isle of Palms Police Department and several neighboring agencies plan to patrol on foot, ATVS, golf carts, and bicycles.

“We will do everything we can to ensure that never happens again. We have zero tolerance for violence put on the beach. You will be arrested and charged if we see any disturbance or violence taking place,” said Storen.

Students News 2 spoke to told us they are looking forward to spring break, and they hope with the extra officers on duty, they will have a good and safe time with friends and family. 

“I hope to get closer to my friends. I love God and the people he has given me, so I’m very excited to show my thankfulness,” said Jacob Aban, a beachgoer.

“I am honestly looking forward to hanging out with friends and family. You know it is all about fun; we are going to have some fun,” said Frank Cahoon, a beachgoer.

Officials from the Isle of Palms police department told News 2 they plan to start having extra personnel patrol the beach on April 11th, 2025.