The J. Reuben Long Detention Center serves as the primary confinement facility for Horry County, South Carolina. Managed by the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, this facility operates under a philosophy of direct supervision, prioritizing a secure and rehabilitative environment for those awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. Located in Conway, the center is a critical component of the local justice system, handling thousands of bookings annually. Navigating the protocols for inmate searches, visitation, and financial support requires an understanding of specific local regulations designed to maintain order and safety within the complex.

Facility Overview and Operational Philosophy

Since July 1, 1999, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office has maintained jurisdiction over the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. The transition from county government management to sheriff oversight marked a shift toward modern correctional standards. The facility is designed to reduce recidivism through a combination of custodial supervision and access to essential services.

The current leadership, under the guidance of experienced criminal justice professionals, emphasizes proactive management. The physical infrastructure at 4150 J. Reuben Long Ave is equipped to house a diverse population, maintaining distinct housing units based on security classification and behavioral assessments. For the community, understanding how to interact with this facility involves moving through several layers of administrative requirements, particularly regarding the privacy of records and the strict control of contraband.

Using the J. Reuben Long Detention Center Inmate Search

Locating an individual within the Horry County system is a primary concern for families and legal representatives. The detention center provides a daily booking and release roster that serves as the public record of current residents. This database is updated frequently to reflect new arrests and scheduled releases.

Accessing the Roster

The roster organizes information by booking date. When accessing this data, users can typically view several key identifiers:

  • Full Legal Name: The name under which the individual was processed.
  • Demographic Information: This includes race, gender, and date of birth.
  • Booking Details: The specific date and time the individual was admitted to the facility.
  • Charges: A list of the alleged offenses or court-ordered hold reasons.
  • Bail and Bond Amounts: If the court has set a financial requirement for release, it will be listed alongside the charge.
  • Mugshots: Photographic records taken during the intake process are standard inclusions in the public roster.

It is important to note that the presence of an individual on the roster does not imply guilt. Furthermore, if a person has been transferred to a state prison or a different county facility, they may no longer appear on the local Horry County roster despite their ongoing incarceration status. In cases of recent arrests, there may be a delay of several hours between the physical booking and the digital update of the roster.

Visitation Protocols: On-Site and Remote Options

Maintaining contact with the outside world is recognized as a factor in successful rehabilitation, but visitation at J. Reuben Long Detention Center is a privilege subject to strict monitoring. The facility utilizes video visitation for both on-site and remote interactions, which significantly reduces the movement of contraband and ensures the safety of staff and visitors.

On-Site Video Visitation

On-site visits are conducted via kiosks located within the facility's visitation center. These visits are free of charge but must be scheduled in advance through the designated service provider, currently Securus Technologies.

General hours for visitation are often structured as follows, though they are subject to change based on facility security levels:

  • Monday through Saturday: Morning slots from 8:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., and afternoon slots from 1:00 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
  • Evening Sessions: Limited slots may be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Visitors must arrive and sign in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Failure to show up for a scheduled visit can result in a suspension of visitation privileges for the remainder of the week.

Remote Video Visitation

For those unable to travel to Conway, remote video visitation allows families to connect via computer, tablet, or smartphone. Unlike on-site visits, remote sessions incur a fee, which as of the current period is approximately $5.95 for a 30-minute session. These sessions must also be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

All video visits, whether remote or on-site, are recorded and monitored by detention center staff. Any display of prohibited behavior, such as nudity, suggestive posing, or the use of illegal substances during the call, will lead to immediate termination of the session and a permanent ban on visitation.

Identification and Age Requirements

All adult visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If a minor is visiting a parent, a birth certificate must be presented to verify the relationship. The facility limits the number of visitors per booth (typically four, including children) to manage space and noise levels.

Strict Dress Code for Visitors

The J. Reuben Long Detention Center enforces a conservative dress code to maintain a professional environment. This code applies to both on-site and remote visitors. Prohibited attire includes:

  • See-through or sheer fabrics.
  • Halter tops, tube tops, or tank tops.
  • Short shorts or mini-skirts.
  • Clothing featuring offensive language or gang-related symbols.
  • Attire that exposes the midriff or chest.

Visitation staff have the final authority to determine if clothing is appropriate. If a visitor is deemed to be in violation of the dress code, the visit will be cancelled without a refund for remote sessions.

Communication through Mail and Phone Systems

Direct communication with inmates is managed through a centralized system to prevent the introduction of unauthorized materials.

Mailing Rules

Sending mail to an inmate at J. Reuben Long Detention Center requires adherence to specific formatting to ensure it passes inspection. All mail should be sent to the following address format:

Inmate’s Full Name Inmate’s Cell Location and SO Number J. Reuben Long Detention Center 4150 J. Reuben Long Ave. Conway, SC 29526

Mail Red Flags and Prohibitions:

  1. Paper and Envelopes: Use only plain white paper (lined or unlined). Avoid oversized paper.
  2. Prohibited Substances: Do not apply perfume, lipstick, or any foreign substances to the letter or envelope.
  3. Content Restrictions: Inmates cannot receive stickers, glitter, ribbons, string, or any metal objects such as staples or paperclips.
  4. Photos: Any photos sent must not contain nudity or sexually suggestive content. Polaroid-style photos are generally prohibited due to the ease of hiding contraband in the layers of the photo.
  5. Published Materials: Books, magazines, and newspapers cannot be sent by individuals. They must be shipped directly from a recognized publisher or retailer (e.g., a major online bookstore). These must be softcover editions. An inmate is typically allowed to have only one personal non-religious book and one magazine or newspaper at a time.

Telephone Privileges

Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. They may make outgoing collect calls or use funds from their inmate phone account to call pre-approved numbers. Most calls are limited to 15 minutes to allow all inmates access to the phones. In the event of a verifiable family emergency, such as a death or serious illness, the facility staff may facilitate a message to the inmate, though this is at the discretion of the shift supervisor and requires proof of the emergency.

Inmate Trust Accounts and Commissary

While the facility provides basic meals and hygiene items, inmates can purchase additional snacks, personal care products, and stationery through the commissary. This is funded by the Inmate Trust Account.

Funds can be deposited into an account through several methods:

  • Kiosk Deposits: Located in the facility lobby, these machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.
  • Online Deposits: Utilizing the facility's contracted financial service provider.
  • Money Orders: Some facilities accept money orders through the mail, but it is advised to check the current policy as many are moving exclusively to electronic deposits to minimize physical handling of funds.

If an inmate is transferred or released, the remaining balance in their trust account is typically returned to them via a debit card or check, depending on the current accounting protocols of the Horry County Sheriff's Office.

Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Services

The health of the inmate population is managed by a third-party medical provider, currently Mediko, Inc. The facility provides a range of services to ensure that the constitutional rights of inmates regarding healthcare are met.

Sick Call Process

Inmates who require medical attention must submit a request through the kiosk system within their housing unit. This is known as a "sick call." A nurse reviews the requests and schedules the inmate for an evaluation. A co-pay is generally charged to the inmate’s trust account for medical, dental, and pharmacy services, though no inmate is denied care due to an inability to pay.

Medications and Emergencies

The facility operates under a non-narcotic policy. If an inmate enters the facility with a prescription for a narcotic medication, the medical staff will evaluate them and, if necessary, transition them to a non-narcotic substitute. Families should not attempt to mail or bring medication to the facility. Instead, provide the name of the prescribing physician and the pharmacy to the medical staff during the intake process.

In the case of a medical emergency within the housing unit, inmates are instructed to notify correctional officers immediately. Staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR and can mobilize emergency medical services if the situation exceeds the capacity of the on-site clinic.

Bail, Bond, and Release Procedures

For many, the primary goal after booking is securing a release through the bail system. At the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, the bail process begins after a bond hearing, which typically occurs within 24 hours of arrest.

Types of Bonds

  • Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The inmate is released based on a promise to appear in court, with no immediate financial payment required.
  • Surety Bond: A bondsman is paid a percentage of the total bail amount to guarantee the full amount to the court. The fee paid to the bondsman is non-refundable.
  • Cash Bond: The full amount of the bail must be paid to the court or the detention center. This amount is refundable (minus court costs) after the case is resolved, provided the defendant attends all hearings.

Once the bond is posted and the paperwork is processed, the release procedure begins. This involves a final records check for any outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions. The actual release can take several hours, and individuals are typically released through the main lobby. It is advisable for those picking up a released individual to stay in communication with the facility’s automated system or check the roster for status changes.

Recent Developments and Community Safety

As of 2026, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center continues to integrate technological advancements to improve efficiency. This includes enhanced biometric systems for intake and more robust digital platforms for legal counsel to communicate with their clients. The facility remains a major employer in Horry County, with nearly 100 dedicated staff members including correctional officers, administrative personnel, and medical professionals.

Collaboration with other local agencies remains a priority. By sharing data on crime trends and recidivism, the center plays a role in the broader Horry County strategy for community safety. The proactive approach to inmate management—focusing on discipline, structured routines, and access to basic human needs—aims to stabilize individuals during their time in custody, ultimately benefiting the social fabric of Conway and the surrounding areas.

For those seeking the most current information regarding a specific inmate or a change in visitation hours, contacting the facility directly at the primary phone line (843-915-5140) is the most reliable method. Policies are subject to adjustment based on public health conditions or security requirements, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office remains the definitive source for operational updates at J. Reuben Long.