Horry County Sheriff’s Office: 2026 Guide To Services, Inmate Search, And Law Enforcement Division Functions
Disambiguation Note: Horry County is unique in South Carolina for operating two distinct law enforcement agencies. The Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is an elected constitutional office responsible for court security, civil processing, and the detention center, whereas the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) is an appointed county agency handling primary patrol and criminal investigations in unincorporated areas.
Navigating public safety services in Horry County, South Carolina, requires a clear understanding of how the county’s local government structures its law enforcement resources. Serving a permanent population of over 380,000 residents—alongside millions of annual tourists visiting the Grand Strand—the Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) plays a vital role in upholding justice, managing the county detention infrastructure, and securing the judicial system.
This comprehensive guide details the operations, contact pathways, public record search procedures, and key services provided by the Horry County Sheriff’s Office in 2026.
Understanding the Dual Law Enforcement Structure of Horry County
Many visitors and new residents confuse the Horry County Sheriff’s Office with the Horry County Police Department. South Carolina constitutionally mandates the office of the Sheriff in every county, but Horry County also utilizes a separate, county-administered police force.
The division of labor is strictly defined:
- The Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO): Led by the elected Sheriff, this agency manages the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, secures all county courthouses, executes criminal warrants, processes civil papers, and manages the local registered sex offender registry.
- The Horry County Police Department (HCPD): Led by an appointed Chief of Police, this agency acts as the primary municipal-style law enforcement body for the unincorporated areas of the county, handling emergency 911 dispatch, traffic enforcement, patrol, and criminal investigations.
Key Services and Operational Responsibilities of the HCSO
The operational focus of the HCSO in 2026 is divided into three primary divisions: Judicial Services, Corrections, and Field Services. Each division utilizes specific technological standards and adheres to South Carolina state laws to ensure security and administrative efficiency.
Judicial Services Division
The Judicial Services Division is tasked with maintaining the integrity and safety of the Horry County court system. Deputy sheriffs secure the Horry County Government & Justice Center in Conway, along with various municipal and family court facilities.
- Courthouse Security: Screenings, contraband prevention, and custody control of defendants during trials.
- Civil Process Service: The legal delivery of subpoenas, eviction notices, foreclosure notices, and temporary restraining orders.
- Warrant Execution: Actively tracking and apprehending individuals with outstanding family court warrants, civil contempt orders, and criminal warrants.
Corrections Division: J. Reuben Long Detention Center
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is the central booking and detention facility for all individuals arrested within Horry County, including those detained by municipal police departments (such as Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway Police).
Field Services and Specialized Units
Beyond court and jail duties, the Sheriff's Office maintains specialized tactical and support units that assist local municipal agencies when requested. These include the K-9 Unit, the Beach Patrol support team, water rescue teams for the Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway, and the sex offender registry compliance team.
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Navigating the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in 2026
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center, located in Conway, South Carolina, is designed to house pre-trial detainees as well as individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less. Managing inmate communications, bail bonds, and visits requires strict adherence to security protocols.
Inmate Search and Arrest Inquiry
To locate an individual currently housed at the detention facility, the public can utilize the official Horry County Sheriff's Office Inmate Portal. This system updates in near-real-time and provides:
- Full legal name and booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned booking number and date of intake
- Specific criminal charges and corresponding statutory codes
- Bond amounts and bond types (e.g., surety, personal recognizance)
Visitation Policies and Scheduling
In-person visitation at J. Reuben Long has been transitioned entirely to secure video visitation systems to maintain facility safety. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Video Visitation Guidelines
All remote video visit sessions are subject to monitoring and recording. Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification card prior to starting a session. Profanity, state-defined contraband display, or inappropriate attire will result in immediate termination of the session and a permanent ban on the visitor's account.
Depositing Funds and Posting Bond
Securing the release of a detainee or funding their commissary account can be accomplished through certified electronic platforms authorized by the county:
- Lobby Kiosks: Located in the main reception area of the detention center, accepting cash, debit, or credit cards.
- Online Depositing Services: Approved third-party transaction systems authorized by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
- Bail Bond Submissions: Bonds can be posted 24/7 at the detention center’s booking window. Registered, licensed South Carolina bondsmen must present valid credentials and power of attorney documentation.
Agency Comparison: Horry County Sheriff vs. Horry County Police
To prevent administrative delays or reporting errors, residents must contact the correct agency. Below is a comparative matrix outlining the jurisdictional boundaries and service domains of both county-level agencies.
| Service or Jurisdiction | Horry County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) | Horry County Police Department (HCPD) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Executive Leader | Elected Sheriff (Constitutional Officer) | Appointed Police Chief (County Administrator) |
| Active Emergency 911 Patrol | No (Except emergency mutual aid assistance) | Yes (Unincorporated county roads and neighborhoods) |
| Detention Facility Management | Yes (Manages J. Reuben Long Detention Center) | No (Transports arrestees to J. Reuben Long) |
| Courthouse Security & Escort | Yes (Exclusive statutory authority) | No |
| Civil Process / Evictions | Yes (Processes all court-ordered actions) | No |
| Traffic Accident Reports | No | Yes (On county-maintained roads) |
| Sex Offender Registration | Yes (Maintains county compliance database) | No |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Retrieve Public Records and Background Checks
Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), members of the public are entitled to access specific law enforcement records maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Follow these steps to submit a successful request.
Step 1: Identify the Record Custodian
Ensure the record you seek belongs to the Sheriff's Office. If you need a traffic accident report or an incident report for a property theft in an unincorporated area, you must file the request with the Horry County Police Department instead. For arrest records, booking logs, civil paper serves, or court security incidents, proceed with the HCSO.
Step 2: Submit a Formal FOIA Request
FOIA requests can be filed online through the official Horry County Government Public Records Portal or by mailing a written request directly to the administrative offices.
Horry County Sheriff's Office Attention: Records Division / FOIA Officer 1301 Second Avenue Conway, SC 29526
Step 3: Provide Specific Search Parameters
To accelerate processing times and avoid search fees, include exact identifiers:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Approximate date range of the incident or booking
- Case number or booking number (if known)
Step 4: Pay Applicable Processing Fees
While simple inquiries are often processed free of charge, extensive research or redaction services may incur reasonable fees as permitted under South Carolina law. The agency will provide an itemized deposit invoice prior to compiling large volumes of records.
Careers and Training Standards at the Sheriff's Office
The Horry County Sheriff’s Office continually recruits qualified personnel for careers as Deputy Sheriffs and Correctional Officers. The agency operates under rigorous standards established by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).
Employment Requirements
Applicants seeking a career with the HCSO must meet strict regional and state criteria:
- Minimum age of 21 for Deputy Sheriffs; 18 for Detention Officers.
- United States citizenship and possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Clean criminal history with no felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude.
- Successful completion of a physical agility test (PAT), background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation.
Training Academy Certification
All newly hired law enforcement deputies must complete the 12-week basic law enforcement training program at the SCCJA in Columbia, South Carolina. Detention officers undergo specialized correctional training focused on crisis de-escalation, defensive tactics, and constitutional jail standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Horry County Sheriff’s Office
How do I look up an inmate in Horry County?
You can search for active inmates online using the official Horry County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search portal. The search tool requires the individual's first and last name, providing real-time data on charges, mugshots, booking dates, and bond amounts.
What is the difference between the Horry County Sheriff and County Police?
The Sheriff's Office is a constitutionally mandated agency responsible for county jail management, court security, warrants, and civil paperwork. The County Police Department is an appointed municipal-style force that patrols unincorporated areas, responds to 911 calls, and investigates local crimes.
How do I pay a bond or deposit money into an inmate's account in 2026?
Bond payments can be made 24/7 at the booking lobby of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center via cash, certified check, or through licensed bail bondsmen. Commissary fund deposits can be completed using the secure kiosks in the facility lobby or through verified online processing partners.
Where is the Horry County Sheriff's Office located?
The administrative headquarters is located within the Horry County Government & Justice Center at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is located nearby at 4157 Industrial Park Road, Conway, SC 29526.
How can I register or check the status of a sex offender in Horry County?
The Horry County Sheriff's Office maintains the official Sex Offender Registry for the county. Citizens can access the public database online via the HCSO website, where they can search by geographical radius, name, or city to view compliance status and mapping details.
For emergency situations requiring immediate police dispatch or medical attention, always dial 911. For administrative inquiries, non-emergency dispatch, or detention center information, contact the Horry County Sheriff's Office directly through their established public administrative lines at (843) 915-5450.
