Search Horry County Police Blotter

Horry County Police Blotter records provide public access to arrest logs, booking information, and incident reports from law enforcement activities across the county. Horry County is unique in South Carolina as it is home to the only remaining county police department, established in 1959. The Horry County Police Department, led by Chief of Police Phillip Thompson, serves alongside the Horry County Sheriff's Office to maintain public safety. Residents and researchers can search these records to stay informed about public safety matters, track local crime trends, or find specific arrest information.

Horry County Police Department Information

The Horry County Police Department is the only remaining county police department in South Carolina. Established in 1959, this agency maintains police blotter records for the unincorporated areas of the county. The department operates five precincts for quicker service to residents across Horry County. Led by Chief of Police Phillip Thompson, they handle arrests, incident reports, and public safety throughout the county.

The Police Department works alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide comprehensive law enforcement coverage. Their records division maintains incident reports, accident reports, and arrest logs. Citizens can request records directly from this office. The department follows state guidelines for public access to law enforcement records.

J. Reuben Long Detention Center

The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is the primary booking facility for Horry County. Located at 4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue in Conway, this facility processes all arrests made by the Horry County Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and municipal agencies. The detention center provides online booking and release search tools for public access to inmate information.

The Horry County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search system. You can visit the Horry County Detention Center website to search for individuals currently held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. The system is updated regularly and provides information about charges, bond amounts, and release dates.

Public Records Requests in Horry County

Horry County provides access to public records through their Public Information Office. The county follows South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act guidelines for responding to records requests. Visit horrycountysc.gov/departments/public-information for information about submitting FOIA requests.

FOIA fees in Horry County are set at $0.15 per page for copies and $25 per hour for staff time required to fulfill requests. These fees comply with state law and help cover the cost of processing public records requests. Payment may be required before records are released.

The Public Information Office can assist with requests for police reports, incident logs, and other law enforcement records. Some records may be exempt from disclosure under state law, including active investigation materials and certain personal information. The office will explain any denials or redactions.

Where to Find Horry County Police Blotter Records

Horry County offers several ways to access police blotter information. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides statewide criminal history checks. This service covers arrests from all counties including Horry. Visit SLED CATCH to request a criminal records search. This system requires a fee and proper identification.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains additional records resources. Their website provides information about highway patrol arrests and collision reports. While not specific to Horry County, these records may include relevant incidents. The department serves as a central resource for public safety information statewide.

For victim notifications, Horry County participates in the South Carolina VINE system. VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) provides automated notifications about inmate custody status changes. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.

How to Search Horry County Arrest Records

Finding arrest records in Horry County requires knowing where to look. Start with the name of the person you are searching for. Arrest records are typically indexed by the individual's name and date of birth. You will also need the approximate date of the arrest. This information helps narrow down the search results significantly.

Online search options include the SLED CATCH database and the Horry County inmate search system. The inmate search at the Horry County Detention Center website shows current detainees and recent bookings. SLED CATCH allows name-based criminal history searches covering all of South Carolina including Horry County.

For recent arrests, check the J. Reuben Long Detention Center roster online. The system shows who is currently held in the facility. The roster typically includes booking photos and charges. Information updates daily as inmates are processed or released.

To request records in person, visit the Horry County Police Department or Sheriff's Office during business hours. Bring a valid photo identification. Be prepared to complete a request form. Staff can help you locate the specific records you need. Copy fees may apply depending on the number of pages requested.

Public Records Law in Horry County

South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act governs access to police records. This law applies to all government agencies in the state. It includes the Horry County Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies. The act grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public documents. Law enforcement records fall under this law with some exceptions.

Not all police records are available to the public. Active investigation files may be exempt from disclosure. Juvenile records receive special protection under state law. Information that could endanger witnesses may be withheld. The agency must explain why they deny a records request.

To make a FOIA request, submit a written letter to the agency. Describe the records you want to review. Include your contact information for follow-up. The agency has ten business days to respond. They may charge reasonable fees for copying ($0.15/page) and staff time ($25/hour).

If a request is denied, you have options for appeal. The South Carolina FOIA allows for administrative appeals. You may also seek review in court if necessary. Many agencies work with requesters to provide appropriate records. Understanding your rights helps ensure successful access to public information.

Recent Bookings and Mugshots in Horry County

Recent booking information provides a snapshot of current law enforcement activity. Horry County publishes daily arrest logs through the J. Reuben Long Detention Center inmate search system. These show who was arrested in the past 24 to 48 hours. The information typically includes the arrestee's name, charges, and booking photo.

Mugshots are photographs taken during the booking process. They serve as a visual record of the individual at the time of arrest. South Carolina law generally makes booking photos public records. Horry County makes these available through their online inmate search system.

The VINELink system offers another way to track inmates. This nationwide service provides custody status information. You can register to receive notifications about specific individuals. The system covers many correctional facilities including county jails. VINELink is free to use for crime victims and concerned citizens.

Nearby Counties

Horry County borders several other South Carolina counties. If you cannot find a record in Horry, try searching neighboring jurisdictions. Arrests may occur across county lines. The following counties are located near Horry:

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