Town of Hilton Head Island announces special meeting to discuss public safety matters

HILTON HEAD, Sc. (WTOC) - The Town of Hilton Head Island wrote that they will hold a special meeting on Thursday, July 9, for a discussion of public safety measures.

They wrote that a Special Town Council Meeting will be at 10 a.m. at Town Hall about “a Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services.”

This follows Saturday night’s shooting on Coligny Beach, where seven people were injured during the 4th of July festivities. All are expected to recover, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said the shooting followed a fight involving two groups of teenagers near the public volleyball court area on Coligny Beach.

Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry said the shooting is prompting a deeper discussion about expectations for public safety and how technology should support law enforcement. A possible conversation item could be whether the town should explore creating its own police department.