J. Reuben Long Detention: Your Essential Guide
Navigating the complexities of the justice system can be daunting, especially when a loved one is involved. In Horry County, South Carolina, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center stands as a central pillar of the local correctional system, serving as the primary facility for individuals awaiting court dates or serving sentences. Understanding its operations, from inmate search procedures to visitation rules and support services, is crucial for families, legal professionals, and community members alike. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the processes at J. Reuben Long Detention, providing clear, actionable information to help you connect with inmates and understand the facility's vital role.
Whether you're trying to locate a recently booked individual, understand the visitation policies, or learn about the resources available to inmates, this article will serve as your go-to reference. We delve into the facility's history, its mission, and the various services it provides, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to navigate interactions with the J. Reuben Long Detention Center effectively and with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Understanding J. Reuben Long Detention Center
- Navigating Inmate Information and Booking
- Connecting with Inmates at J. Reuben Long
- Life Inside J. Reuben Long Detention Center
- Support Services and Community Impact
- The Future of J. Reuben Long Detention
- Important Contacts and Resources
- Addressing Common Concerns About J. Reuben Long Detention
Understanding J. Reuben Long Detention Center
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center, often referred to simply as JRL Detention or Horry County Jail, is a critical component of the criminal justice infrastructure in Horry County, South Carolina. Located in Conway, SC, this facility serves multiple vital functions, primarily housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting court dates, as well as those serving shorter sentences. Its role extends beyond mere incarceration, encompassing aspects of public safety, inmate welfare, and community reintegration.
History and Mission of J. Reuben Long Detention Center
The Horry County Sheriff's Office officially assumed control of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on July 1, 1999, taking over from the Horry County government. This transition marked a significant step in streamlining the management and operational efficiency of the facility. Since then, the overarching goal of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center has been to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement, detention, court security, and civil services for the citizens and visitors of Horry County. This mission is underpinned by a commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, while simultaneously acting as responsible stewards of public resources.
A core principle guiding the J. Reuben Long Detention Center's operations is the creation of a safe, secure, and positive atmosphere for both staff and inmates. This is achieved by promoting direct supervision principles, which involve staff actively interacting with inmates in their living areas, fostering a more proactive and less reactive environment. This approach aims to reduce incidents, improve communication, and enhance overall facility management, reflecting a modern understanding of correctional best practices.
Capacity and Management
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is designed to house a significant inmate population, with an approximate capacity for 500 inmates. While the actual population fluctuates daily, it generally maintains around 480 individuals. This capacity is a testament to the facility's scale and its importance in managing the correctional needs of one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. The growth in Horry County naturally brings both positive developments and challenges, including an increased demand on its correctional facilities.
Managed directly by the Horry County Sheriff's Office, the jail operates 24 hours a day, ensuring continuous oversight and security. Marcus Rhodes, the director of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, has overseen the facility's operations, adapting to the dynamic needs of the county's diverse inmate population. The constant staffing ensures that all operational aspects, from security to inmate services, are managed efficiently around the clock.
Navigating Inmate Information and Booking
For families and friends, locating an inmate and understanding their status is often the first and most critical step. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center provides several avenues to access this vital information, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
How to Perform an Inmate Search
The most straightforward way to find an inmate at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center is through their online database. This digital tool allows individuals to search for current inmate information quickly and efficiently. If you cannot locate your inmate using the specific Horry County J. Reuben Long Detention Center search, there's also a broader arrest record search available. This alternative allows users to search all police records, which can be particularly useful if the individual was recently booked or if there's any uncertainty about their exact location within the county's system. This comprehensive search capability underscores the facility's commitment to providing accessible public information.
The Booking and Release Process
After an arrest in Horry County, offenders are brought directly to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center to undergo the booking process. This crucial initial step involves recording the individual's personal details, the charges against them, and taking a mugshot. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center maintains an exhaustive daily booking and releases roster. This roster is an invaluable resource, featuring comprehensive information about each inmate, including their mugshot and detailed arrest information. This public record helps families track newly incarcerated individuals and understand the charges they face, such as the case of Shawon Shamarion Williams, 19, who was booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on June 7 on a charge of being an accessory after the fact of a felony.
For those needing to post bail, bonds must be paid in person at the magistrate’s office. Alternatively, individuals can call the booking department directly for guidance on the process. It's important for victims of a crime to know that victim services must schedule all bond hearings, guilty pleas, and other proceedings for defendants at the detention center when there is a victim involved in the case, ensuring their rights and participation are facilitated.
Connecting with Inmates at J. Reuben Long
Maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones is vital for their well-being and successful reintegration. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center facilitates various forms of communication, each with specific guidelines.
Visitation Policies and Procedures
In a move towards modern and secure communication methods, all visits at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center are conducted via video. Visitors have two primary options: onsite video visits or remote video visits. Onsite visits, conducted at the facility, are provided free of charge, making them an accessible option for those who can travel to Conway. For those unable to visit in person, remote video visits are available through Securus Video Connect. This system allows individuals to connect with inmates from the comfort of their homes, offering flexibility and convenience. Visitors should consult the facility's guidelines for scheduling and technical requirements for both types of video visitation.
Communication and Sending Mail
Beyond video visitation, inmates at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center can also receive mail. To ensure mail reaches the intended recipient, it must be addressed correctly. The envelope should include the inmate's full name and booking number, and be sent to the facility's address: J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC, 29526. Adhering to these addressing requirements is crucial for successful delivery. The staff at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center are available to assist visitors and family members with any questions regarding mail procedures or other communication methods.
Sending Money to Inmates
While the provided data does not detail the exact process for sending money, it is a common service offered at detention centers to allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary. Typically, facilities like J. Reuben Long Detention Center utilize third-party services or internal systems for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can then be used by inmates to purchase additional items such as food, personal hygiene products, and games from a store located within the facility. Families should inquire directly with the J. Reuben Long Detention Center's administration or check their official website for the most current and accurate information on how to send money.
Life Inside J. Reuben Long Detention Center
Life within a detention center is structured and regulated, yet the J. Reuben Long Detention Center strives to provide services and programs that support inmates during their incarceration and prepare them for release.
Inmate Services and Amenities
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center offers a range of services designed to meet the basic needs and some personal comforts of its inmate population. As mentioned, inmates are allowed to purchase additional items like food, personal items, and games from a store located within the facility, funded by money sent by family or earned through work programs if available. These amenities contribute to a more humane environment within the detention setting. The facility's staff is dedicated to assisting inmates and ensuring their needs are met within the confines of security protocols.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs
Recognizing that detention is often a precursor to reintegration into the community, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender rehabilitation. The facility is actively beginning the process of expanding its facilities to better serve a growing and diverse population of inmates, indicating a forward-thinking approach to correctional services. Part of this commitment includes offering new classes, such as addiction recovery programs, which are vital for addressing underlying issues that contribute to incarceration. Stories of inmates, like one from the Rueben Long Detention Center near Conway, S.C., holding up a piece of her artwork during an addiction recovery class, highlight the positive impact of these initiatives. By promoting direct supervision principles and instilling proactive measures, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center aims to create a positive atmosphere that supports rehabilitation efforts, fostering a path towards a productive life post-release.
Support Services and Community Impact
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center's influence extends beyond its walls, impacting the broader Horry County community through various support services and its role in public safety.
Victim Services and Court Proceedings
A critical aspect of the justice system is ensuring the rights and involvement of victims. At the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, victim services play an integral role in the legal process. They are responsible for scheduling all bond hearings, guilty pleas, and other proceedings for defendants when there is a victim of a crime involved in the case. This coordination ensures that victims are informed and have the opportunity to participate in proceedings relevant to their cases, highlighting the facility's commitment to a comprehensive and victim-sensitive approach to justice.
Transportation Upon Release
Upon release, inmates may face immediate challenges, including transportation. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center provides assistance for indigent inmates needing transportation. For example, the fare from the J. Reuben Long Detention Center to Conway is $3.00. For those needing to travel further, the fare from the Conway bus station to Myrtle Beach is an additional $1.50. This service helps ensure that individuals released from custody have a means to reach their next destination, reducing immediate barriers to reintegration and providing a basic level of support.
The Future of J. Reuben Long Detention
Horry County's rapid growth necessitates continuous adaptation and expansion of its public services, including its correctional facilities. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is actively engaged in the process of expanding its facilities. This expansion is designed to better serve the growing and increasingly diverse population of inmates, ensuring that the facility can continue to meet the demands placed upon it while maintaining its commitment to safety, security, and rehabilitation. This forward-looking approach reflects a proactive stance by the Horry County Sheriff's Office and county government to address the evolving needs of the community and its justice system.
The commitment to enhancing facilities and programs underscores a broader vision for the J. Reuben Long Detention Center—one that emphasizes not just detention, but also the potential for positive change and successful re-entry into society. By investing in infrastructure and rehabilitation, the facility aims to mitigate the challenges associated with incarceration and contribute positively to public safety outcomes in Horry County.
Important Contacts and Resources
For direct inquiries or specific needs, knowing how to contact the J. Reuben Long Detention Center is essential. The facility is located at: J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC, 29526. For phone inquiries, particularly regarding bailing someone out of Horry County, it is advisable to call booking directly. While a general phone number is often available, direct contact with booking can expedite specific processes like bond payments or inmate status checks.
Additionally, for those in North Myrtle Beach seeking inmate information, the communication and detentions facility located at the Department of Public Safety, 1015 2nd Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach, may also provide relevant information or guidance. While separate from the main J. Reuben Long Detention Center, such local facilities often serve as points of contact for broader public safety information.
It's also worth noting that booking information for the Georgetown County Detention Center is sometimes shared as a courtesy to Horry County residents, indicating a degree of inter-county cooperation in sharing public information. You can search for listings by name, booking date, or release date through these shared resources.
Addressing Common Concerns About J. Reuben Long Detention
Many individuals have questions when interacting with a detention facility. Here, we address some common concerns related to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center:
- How do I find out if someone is at J. Reuben Long Detention? Use the online inmate search on the Horry County Sheriff's Office website. If unsuccessful, try the broader arrest record search.
- What are the visitation rules? All visits are video-based. Onsite visits are free, while remote visits use Securus Video Connect. Check the facility's official guidelines for scheduling and rules.
- Can I send mail to an inmate? Yes, address mail with the inmate's full name and booking number to J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC, 29526.
- How do I pay bail for someone? Bonds must be paid in person at the magistrate’s office, or you can call the booking department directly for instructions.
- What services are available for inmates? Inmates can purchase items from a commissary. The facility also offers rehabilitation programs, including addiction recovery classes.
- What happens when an inmate is released? Indigent inmates needing transportation can receive assistance with bus fare to Conway and further to Myrtle Beach.
- Is the facility expanding? Yes, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center is undergoing expansion to accommodate the growing inmate population in Horry County.
The J. Reuben Long Detention Center plays an indispensable role in maintaining public safety and facilitating the judicial process in Horry County. From its round-the-clock operations and commitment to direct supervision principles to its efforts in inmate rehabilitation and community reintegration, the facility continually adapts to meet the needs of a rapidly growing region. Understanding its procedures, services, and mission empowers individuals to navigate the system more effectively, whether they are searching for an inmate, arranging a visit, or seeking to support a loved one. The ongoing expansion and focus on humane treatment underscore the J. Reuben Long Detention Center's dedication to its dual mandate of secure detention and positive community impact.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit. Do you have personal experiences or further questions about JRL Detention? Feel free to leave a comment below and join the conversation, or explore other related articles on our site for more insights into the justice system.

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