The J. Reuben Long Detention Center serves as the primary adult correctional facility for Horry County, South Carolina. Located in Conway, the facility holds pre-trial detainees, individuals awaiting bond hearings, and inmates serving short-term municipal or county sentences. To locate an inmate, post bail, schedule visitation, or deposit commissary funds, individuals must follow specific procedures managed by the Horry County Sheriff's Office.
Facility Overview and Contact Information
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is managed under the authority of the Horry County Sheriff's Office. Designed as a direct-supervision facility, it handles bookings from local police departments, including Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, and the Horry County Police Department.
Understanding how to navigate the facility's administrative systems ensures fast processing when attempting to locate or support an incarcerated individual.
Key Contact & Location Details
- Physical Address: 4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
- Main Telephone: (843) 915-5140
- Booking / Information Desk: (843) 915-5140
- Managing Agency: Horry County Sheriff's Office
- Facility Type: County Adult Detention Facility (Pre-trial & Sentenced Inmates)
Important Operational Note Processing times during inmate booking and release can vary significantly based on daily intake volume, court calendars, and verification checks. Initial intake and public court appearances occur under strict judicial timelines set by the Horry County Magistrate Court.
How to Conduct a J. Reuben Long Inmate Search
Locating someone currently held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center requires access to the county's public indexing system. The Horry County Sheriff's Office maintains a public online booking search tool updated throughout the day.
Steps to Find an Inmate Online
- Access the Public Roster: Visit the official Horry County Sheriff's Office Public Search web portal.
- Input Search Criteria: Search using the inmate's legal first name and last name. If available, entering a specific booking number or date of birth will narrow down search results.
- Review the Arrest Record: The database displays essential information, including:
- Full legal name and booking photograph (mugshot).
- Booking date and time.
- Pending criminal charges and statutory code violations.
- Assigned bond amounts or court appearance dates.
- Housing assignment status.
If an inmate does not appear in the online registry immediately after an arrest, they may still be undergoing the intake, fingerprinting, and medical screening processes. Processing can take anywhere from two to six hours before records populate on the public search index.
Posting Bail and Horry County Bond Court Procedures
Releasing a detainee on bail requires clearing the Horry County Central Magistrate Court bond process. Bond hearings at J. Reuben Long Detention Center are held twice daily, typically in the morning and afternoon, to determine release conditions for newly booked individuals.
Types of Bonds Issued
- Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on their promise to return to court without paying money upfront, though financial penalties apply if they fail to appear.
- Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid directly to the court or detention center in cash or cashier's check before release.
- Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman pays the bond on behalf of the inmate in exchange for a non-refundable fee (typically 10% under South Carolina law) and collateral.
Process for Posting Bail at the Facility
Bail can be posted directly at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center's administrative lobby.
- Verify Bond Amount: Confirm the exact bond amount and conditions using the online roster or by calling the facility directly.
- Present Valid Identification: The individual posting bond must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Submit Payment: Cash payments must match the exact amount required. Cashier's checks must be made payable to the Horry County Magistrate Court.
- Complete Release Processing: Once payment is accepted and verified, inmate discharge processing begins. Physical release typically takes between two and four hours depending on administrative workload and facility security conditions.
Inmate Visitation Rules and Scheduling
J. Reuben Long Detention Center strictly enforces scheduled visitation to maintain facility security and operational order. Visitors must adhere to registration deadlines and conduct rules to maintain visitation privileges.
On-Site and Remote Visitation Options
The facility offers both scheduled video visitation and remote online visits. Physical, contact visitation is generally restricted based on security classifications and housing assignments.
- Video Visitation: Friends and family must register an account through the facility's designated third-party telecommunications provider.
- Advance Scheduling Required: Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-in visits are not accepted.
- Identification Rules: All adult visitors must upload or present valid government ID during registration and check-in.
Visitor Dress Code and Conduct Guidelines
All visitors entering the facility premises or participating in monitored remote visits must follow strict standards.
- Prohibited Attire: Revealing clothing, halter tops, low-cut shirts, tank tops, short shorts, or garments displaying gang insignia, vulgar language, or contraband references are prohibited.
- Behavioral Rules: Disruptive behavior, failure to supervise minors, or attempting to introduce unapproved items will result in immediate termination of the visit and potential revocation of visiting privileges.
- Contraband Warning: Bringing weapons, drugs, electronics, or unauthorized items onto detention center property is a felony offense under South Carolina law.
Mail, Phone Calls, and Communication Rules
Maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones is restricted to approved communications channels. All incoming and outgoing communications—except privileged legal mail—are subject to monitoring and recording.
Postal Mail Regulations
To suppress contraband, physical mail policies require all regular correspondence to be formatted correctly or sent through digital scanning services.
- Mailing Address Format:
- Inmate Full Name & Housing/ID Number
- J. Reuben Long Detention Center
- 4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue
- Conway, SC 29526
- Prohibited Items: Do not send stamps, blank paper, envelopes, cash, personal checks, polaroid photos, stickers, or glitter. Standard incoming letters are scanned and delivered electronically to inmates via facility kiosks or tablets.
Inmate Phone System & Electronic Messaging
Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. To make outgoing calls, inmates must use the contracted phone provider system.
- Prepaid Accounts: Family members can establish a prepaid phone account or accept collect calls from the inmate.
- Electronic Messaging: Text-based messaging is available through approved electronic kiosk platforms. Messages are fee-based and subject to administrative review before delivery.
Commissary Deposits and Account Funding
Inmates can buy personal hygiene items, snacks, stationery, and over-the-counter medicine through the inmate commissary system.
Ways to Deposit Money
- Online Services: Funds can be deposited using a credit or debit card through the official contracted electronic vendor portal.
- Lobby Kiosk: A secure payment kiosk in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center lobby accepts cash and debit/credit cards 24 hours a day.
- Telephone Deposits: Account funding can be processed over the phone via the automated payment system linked to the facility's vendor.
Money deposited into an inmate's account is applied immediately, minus any applicable administrative processing fees or existing court-ordered restitution balances.
Comparison of Inmate Support Services
The table below outlines the primary methods for supporting an inmate at J. Reuben Long Detention Center, including delivery speed and key operational requirements.
| Service Category | Approved Provider / Channel | Processing Time | Primary Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inmate Search | Official Horry County Sheriff Website | Real-time / Daily Updates | Legal Name or Booking ID |
| Bail/Bond Payment | Lobby Cashier / Licensed Bondsman | 2 to 4 Hours | Government ID, Exact Funds |
| Phone Funding | Approved Telecom Vendor | Immediate | Account Setup & Debit/Credit Card |
| Video Visitation | Approved Kiosk System | 24-Hour Advance Booking | Valid Visitor Registration |
| Inmate Mail | U.S. Postal Service (Scanned) | 1 to 3 Business Days | Standard Paper Mail, Correct ID Format |
| Commissary Funds | Lobby Kiosk / Online Portal | Immediate to 24 Hours | Inmate Booking Number |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Attempting Walk-In Visits: Visiting an inmate without registering through the official electronic portal at least 24 hours in advance will lead to immediate denial at check-in.
Sending Prohibited Items in Mail: Including cash, hardback books without direct vendor shipment, or decorated stationery will cause the entire mail item to be rejected and discarded.
Calling for Immediate Inmate Transfers: Staff members cannot deliver personal messages to inmates or transfer incoming phone calls to housing units due to strict security protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out when an inmate has a court date?
Inmate court dates are listed on the official Horry County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal alongside charge details. You can also contact the Horry County Clerk of Court or Magistrate Court directly for docket scheduling information.
What hours are bond hearings held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center?
Bond hearings are conducted daily by Horry County Magistrates, typically twice per day (morning and afternoon sessions). Specific times may shift depending on daily booking volume and judicial scheduling.
Can I drop off clothing or medication for an inmate?
Personal clothing is generally not accepted; inmates wear issued uniforms. Essential prescription medications may be accepted through the medical department, provided they are in original pharmacy bottles and verified by facility medical staff.
What happens if an inmate's bond is set as "Cash or Surety"?
A "Cash or Surety" bond means you can either pay the full cash amount directly to the court (which is refunded upon completion of court appearances, minus court fees) or hire a licensed bail bondsman to secure release for a fee.
How long does it take for an inmate to be released after bond is posted?
Release processing typically takes between 2 and 4 hours after final approval from the magistrate and verification of funds. Delays can occur during shift changes, meal times, or period lock-downs.
Navigating County Corrections Responsibly
Managing affairs involving an incarcerated individual requires following official county protocols closely. Whether looking up an inmate's status, scheduling a video visit, or transferring commissary funds, using official channels maintained by the Horry County Sheriff's Office ensures processing moves smoothly and securely. For direct assistance regarding specific booking rules or emergency medical concerns, contact the J. Reuben Long Detention Center main administration desk directly at (843) 915-5140.
