Horry County Arrest Records Search Guide: Access 2026 Public Booking And Criminal History Data
Horry County arrest records are official documents that detail the detention, booking, and criminal charges of individuals processed by local law enforcement agencies. These records are maintained by county and state authorities under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to access these public records in 2026, offering clear instructions for searching jail rosters, retrieving police reports, and requesting official criminal background checks.
Whether you are conducting a routine background check, searching for a family member, or verifying public safety data, knowing which agency holds the records you need is essential. In Horry County, public safety operations are split across several municipal departments, the Horry County Police Department, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, which manages the primary county detention facility.
Direct Access Portals for Horry County Arrest Data
To locate arrest records efficiently, you must identify whether the individual is currently detained or if you are looking for past criminal histories.
J. Reuben Long Detention Center Inmate Search
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is the primary correctional facility for Horry County. Located in Conway, South Carolina, this facility houses individuals arrested by the Horry County Sheriff's Office, the Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and municipal police departments such as Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway.
The Horry County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal. This public tool is updated continuously throughout the day and provides real-time information regarding bookings, bond amounts, and active charges.
When searching the online inmate roster, you can generally access the following data points:
- Full Name and Aliases: The legal name of the arrestee and any recorded pseudonyms.
- Booking Details: The exact date and time the individual was admitted to the facility.
- Mugshot: The booking photograph taken during processing.
- Specific Charges: Detailed legal descriptions of the alleged offenses, including felony or misdemeanor classifications.
- Bond Information: The financial requirements set by a magistrate judge for the individual's release, as well as the status of the bond (e.g., set, cash-only, surety, or personal recognizance).
- Arresting Agency: The specific department that executed the arrest.
Horry County Police Department vs. Sheriff's Office Records
It is a common misconception that the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) are the same entity.
The Horry County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of the county. They respond to active calls, investigate crimes, and write incident reports. If an arrest occurred in an unincorporated area, the HCPD generated the initial arrest report.
The Horry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for court security, civil process service, and the operations of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. If you need booking logs, custody status, or jail records, you must request them through the Sheriff’s Office.
How to Retrieve Official Arrest and Criminal Records
Accessing certified public records in Horry County requires following specific administrative pathways. Below is the structured workflow for retrieving these records depending on your specific requirements.
Step 1: Query the County Public Index (Court Records)
If an arrest occurred in the past and has already entered the judicial system, the Horry County Public Index is the most comprehensive free tool available. Managed by the South Carolina Judicial Department, this online portal allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or filing date.
By searching the Public Index, you can trace the trajectory of an arrest from the initial booking to the final court disposition, including sentencing details, plea agreements, and court fees.
Step 2: File a South Carolina FOIA Request
For detailed police incident reports, body-worn camera footage, or internal arrest logs that are not published on public search engines, you must file a formal FOIA request.
- Identify the Custodian: Direct your request to the agency that made the arrest (e.g., Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, or Horry County Police Department).
- Submit the Request in Writing: Utilize the specific agency's online portal or mail a physical request to the records department. Clearly describe the records you seek, including the names of the individuals involved, the date of the incident, and the case number if known.
- Review Potential Fees: Under South Carolina law, agencies can charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records.
- Await Response: By law, agencies have specific timeframes (usually 10 to 20 business days depending on the age of the record) to determine if the records are public and to notify the requestor of their decision.
Step 3: Conduct a Statewide SLED Background Check
For an official, certified criminal history check that encompasses arrests and convictions throughout the entire state of South Carolina, you should use the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) CATCH system.
This statewide database requires a fee of $25.00 per search (waived for certain charitable organizations) and searches by name, social security number, and date of birth. The SLED system provides a verified criminal record that is widely accepted for employment, housing, and licensing purposes.
Horry County Mugshots April 17th, 2023 | Flipboard
Comparing Official Record Channels
The table below outlines the primary methods for searching arrest records in Horry County, including costs, processing speeds, and the level of detail provided.
| Search Resource | Provider Type | Access Cost | Turnaround Time | Record Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Reuben Long Inmate Portal | County Government | Free | Instant | Recent bookings, active holds, current bond status |
| SLED CATCH Background Check | State Government | $25.00 per search | Instant (Online) | Comprehensive statewide criminal history and convictions |
| Horry County Public Index | County Court System | Free | Instant | Court dispositions, criminal case filings, sentencing |
| FOIA Request (HCSO/HCPD) | Local Law Enforcement | Variable | 10 to 20 business days | Full incident reports, officer narratives, arrest logs |
Legal Rights, Expungements, and Privacy in South Carolina
Public records access is balanced by strict state and federal laws regarding privacy, fair credit reporting, and record sealing.
South Carolina FOIA Limitations Public records are generally open for inspection under state law. However, law enforcement agencies are permitted to withhold or redact records if disclosure would interfere with an active investigation, compromise a confidential informant, or result in an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Expungements and Sealed Records
If an individual was arrested in Horry County but the charges were dismissed, dropped, or the individual was found not guilty, they may be eligible for an expungement. Under South Carolina law, an expungement order requires law enforcement agencies and court systems to destroy all administrative and booking records associated with that specific arrest. Once expunged, these records will no longer appear on the J. Reuben Long Detention Center portal, the Horry County Public Index, or SLED background checks.
Use of Arrest Records by Employers and Landlords
Arrest records do not equal convictions. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers and housing providers in 2026 must exercise caution when using arrest records to make adverse decisions.
Because an arrest record represents an unproven allegation, relying solely on arrest records without evaluating the final court outcome or the relationship of the offense to the job/tenancy can lead to regulatory penalties and discrimination claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if someone is currently in jail in Horry County?
To check if someone is currently detained, access the J. Reuben Long Detention Center online inmate roster managed by the Horry County Sheriff's Office. You can search by the individual's first and last name to view their mugshot, booking date, charges, and bail amount. If the system does not show the individual, they may have already been released, transferred, or are being held at a municipal holding facility.
How do I get a copy of a physical arrest report in Myrtle Beach?
If the arrest was executed by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, you must request the incident or arrest report directly from their Records Division, located at the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center (1101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577). You can submit a request in person or through their online public records portal.
Can I look up Horry County mugshots online for free?
Yes, mugshots of individuals currently housed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center are accessible for free through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal. However, once an individual is released or transferred, their booking information and mugshot may be removed from the public-facing active roster, requiring a formal records request to view historical booking photos.
What is the difference between a county search and a SLED background check?
A county search (using the Horry County Public Index or local police records) only reveals interactions, bookings, and court cases that occurred within Horry County boundaries. A SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) background check is a fingerprint-supported or name-based search that aggregates criminal history data from all 46 counties in South Carolina, providing a complete statewide criminal record.
Why does an arrest not show up on the Horry County Public Index?
There are several reasons why an arrest might not appear on the public index. The case may still be in the initial booking phase and has not yet been filed with the Clerk of Court. Alternatively, the charges may have been expunged, the individual may be a juvenile whose records are sealed, or the case may have been transferred to a federal court, which requires searching the PACER system instead.
Legal and Administrative Assistance
If you identify inaccuracies on an official Horry County arrest record or need assistance resolving an outstanding warrant, you should consult with a licensed attorney in South Carolina. Legal professionals can assist you in navigating the expungement process, correcting administrative errors on background checks, or scheduling a voluntary surrender to address active municipal or county warrants safely.
For certified copies of court documents, you can visit the Horry County Clerk of Court office at the Government & Justice Center in Conway, South Carolina.
