Myrtle Beach Police Department Inmate Search gives families, attorneys, and the public instant access to current jail records through an official online portal. This system shows who is currently held at the city jail, including names, charges, bail amounts, court dates, and booking photos. The database updates every 15 minutes, so users always see the most recent information. Searches can be done using a person’s name, date of birth, booking date, or case number. A CAPTCHA protects privacy, and all searches are logged. The jail is located at 1101 North Oak Street in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and serves both residents and visitors during peak tourist seasons.
How to Use the Myrtle Beach Police Department Inmate Search Portal
The Myrtle Beach Police Department runs a free public portal called P2C that lets anyone look up inmates in real time. To start a search, go to the official jail inquiry page and enter one or more details: last name, first name, date of birth, booking date, or report number. The system will show matching results with full profiles. Each profile includes the arresting officer’s badge number, exact charges, bail amount set by the court, next scheduled hearing, and a recent booking photo. Because the system refreshes every quarter-hour, families can check for updates frequently without missing changes. The site uses a simple interface designed for quick access, even on mobile devices.
What Information Appears in a Myrtle Beach Inmate Record?
Every inmate record from the Myrtle Beach Police Department includes key details needed for legal, personal, or safety purposes. The profile shows the detainee’s full name, age, gender, and physical description. It lists all current charges with statute codes, bond amounts in dollars, and whether bail has been posted. The arresting agency and officer badge number are visible, along with the date and time of booking. If a court date is scheduled, it appears with the courtroom location and judge’s name. A booking photograph is included unless restricted by law. Release dates are estimated based on charge severity and court schedules but may change without notice.
Myrtle Beach City Jail: Location, Hours, and Contact Information
The Myrtle Beach City Jail operates inside police headquarters at 1101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for in-person inquiries. Staff assist with visitation rules, document drop-offs, and general questions. For phone requests, call 843-918-1300 during business hours to speak with a jail clerk. The lobby has a secure drop-box for legal papers like motions or affidavits. After hours, non-emergency calls go to dispatch at 843-918-1382. Emergency situations require calling 9-1-1 immediately. The jail serves as a temporary holding site before transfers to Horry County Detention Center or court appearances.
Booking Process and Detention Procedures in Myrtle Beach
When someone is arrested in Myrtle Beach, they are brought to the Detention Section on the second floor of police headquarters. Officers conduct fingerprinting, take a booking photo, and perform a health screening. Juveniles are separated from adults and held in designated cells. Adults may stay up to 48 hours before being released, transferred, or taken to court. The unit holds a maximum of 28 adults and 12 juveniles at once. All cells have monitored surveillance, and meals are provided three times daily. Legal counsel can visit during scheduled hours, and medical staff respond to urgent needs. After processing, inmates either post bond, await trial, or move to county custody.
Visitation Rules and Requirements for Myrtle Beach Jail
Visits at the Myrtle Beach City Jail are limited and must follow strict guidelines. Only approved visitors listed by the inmate may enter. Valid photo ID is required for all adults, such as a driver’s license or passport. Dress code prohibits revealing clothing, hats, or gang-related symbols. No bags, phones, or personal items are allowed inside. Visits occur during weekday afternoons by appointment only. Call 843-918-1300 to schedule or confirm eligibility. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Violations can result in suspension of visiting rights. Note that this jail is not a long-term facility—most inmates transfer within two days.
Understanding Bail, Bond, and Release Procedures
Bail amounts in Myrtle Beach are set by judges based on charge severity, criminal history, and flight risk. Common misdemeanor offenses like theft or disorderly conduct often have preset bonds ranging from $500 to $2,500. Felony charges usually require a hearing before bail is granted. Payment can be made in cash, certified check, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Once paid, release typically occurs within one to four hours. If no bail is set, the inmate remains until their first court appearance, usually within 24–72 hours. Release dates shown online are estimates and may shift due to court delays or new charges.
Accessing Arrest Reports, Mugshots, and Public Records
The Myrtle Beach Police Department maintains digital archives of arrest reports, traffic collisions, and mugshots. These records are available through the Records Division for a fee of $10 per document. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at city hall. Searches use filters like incident date, case number, officer badge, or offense type. Mugshots appear in the inmate search portal but may be removed after release depending on state law. Background checks, employers, and researchers commonly use these records. All data follows South Carolina public records statutes and excludes sealed or juvenile cases.
Difference Between Myrtle Beach City Jail and Horry County Detention Center
Myrtle Beach City Jail is a short-term holding facility for recent arrests within city limits. It does not house sentenced inmates or long-term detainees. Most people stay less than 48 hours before release or transfer. In contrast, Horry County Detention Center holds individuals awaiting trial on felony charges, those serving sentences under one year, and federal detainees. Transfers between facilities happen daily. If someone isn’t found in the city search, they may already be at the county jail. Always check both systems when looking for an inmate. The county system has its own online lookup tool separate from the city’s P2C portal.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Contacts for Myrtle Beach Police
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to reach Myrtle Beach police dispatchers immediately. Officers typically arrive within six minutes. Dispatchers may ask about symptoms or travel history during health crises to coordinate medical response. For non-urgent matters—like noise complaints, lost property, or traffic questions—call 843-918-1382. This civil line operates 24/7 and routes calls to the correct division. Do not use 9-1-1 for routine inquiries. Misuse can delay real emergencies. The department also offers a mobile app and online reporting for minor incidents like vandalism or theft under $500.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach Inmate Searches
Many people wonder how often the inmate list updates, what info is public, and how to contact detainees. The system refreshes every 15 minutes, so changes appear quickly. Names, charges, and photos are public unless sealed by court order. Phone calls from inmates are collect-only and monitored. Mail must include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Packages are not accepted. If an inmate isn’t listed, they may have been released, transferred, or booked under a different name. Always verify spelling and try alternate dates if the search fails.
Legal Rights and Privacy Protections for Detainees
All individuals held at the Myrtle Beach City Jail retain basic constitutional rights. They have the right to remain silent, request an attorney, and receive medical care. Their information is public under South Carolina law, but sensitive details like Social Security numbers or home addresses are redacted. Juvenile records are confidential and not searchable online. Officers must read Miranda rights upon arrest. Grievances can be filed with the Detention Supervisor or Internal Affairs. The department follows state mandates for humane treatment, including access to water, restrooms, and legal materials.
Seasonal Population Impact on Myrtle Beach Jail Operations
Myrtle Beach sees its population swell from 30,000 year-round residents to over 100,000 during summer months. This influx increases arrests for DUIs, public intoxication, and theft. The jail adjusts staffing and intake procedures accordingly. More officers are assigned to patrol and processing during peak tourism. Despite higher volume, the 15-minute update cycle remains consistent. Visitors should expect longer wait times for in-person requests in June, July, and August. Online searches are the fastest way to get info during busy periods.
How to Verify an Inmate’s Court Date and Charges
Court dates appear in the inmate search results once scheduled by a judge. However, they can change due to continuances, plea deals, or administrative delays. For confirmation, call the jail clerk at 843-918-1300 or check the Horry County Magistrate Court website. Have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready. Charge descriptions use legal terminology—common ones include “PC 16-13-30” for shoplifting or “SC 56-5-2930” for DUI. If charges are upgraded or reduced, the online record updates within hours. Attorneys receive priority access to detailed case files.
Limitations of the Myrtle Beach Inmate Search System
The P2C portal only shows people currently held at the city jail. It does not include those already transferred, released, or arrested outside Myrtle Beach city limits. Some records may be temporarily hidden during active investigations. Technical issues can cause brief outages, though backups run nightly. CAPTCHA failures may block access if bots are detected. Users with disabilities can request accommodations by calling the department. Always cross-check with county or state databases for complete history.
Related Public Safety Resources in South Carolina
Beyond inmate lookup, South Carolina offers statewide tools for public safety. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides sex offender registries and background checks. Horry County maintains its own jail roster and warrant database. National sites like Jail Inmates List aggregate data but may not be as current as official sources. For court records, visit the SC Judicial Department’s online docket. These resources complement the Myrtle Beach system but should not replace direct verification.
Tips for Families Searching for a Loved One in Jail
If you can’t find someone in the system, try different name spellings or nicknames. Check if they were booked under a maiden name or alias. Call the jail directly if the online search fails. Bring ID when visiting or submitting documents. Keep copies of all paperwork. Ask about phone call schedules—most inmates can call daily between 8 AM and 10 PM. Send mail to: [Inmate Name], c/o Myrtle Beach Police Department, 1101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Avoid sending cash; use money orders for commissary funds.
Official Contact Details and Visiting Hours
Myrtle Beach Police Department
1101 North Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Non-emergency phone: 843-918-1382
Jail clerk phone: 843-918-1300
Visiting hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM (by appointment)
Records requests: $10 per document
Website: https://police.cityofmyrtlebeach.com
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to locate an inmate, what information is available, and how to contact the jail. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions based on current procedures and policies.
How often is the Myrtle Beach inmate search updated?
The Myrtle Beach Police Department updates its inmate database every 15 minutes. This ensures families, lawyers, and the public see the latest booking status, charges, and release information. The system pulls data directly from the jail’s intake logs, so changes appear almost instantly after processing. Even during busy periods like holidays or festivals, the update schedule remains consistent. Users can refresh their browser to see new entries. If someone was just arrested, it may take up to 30 minutes for them to appear online due to fingerprinting and health checks.
Can I search for an inmate using only a first name?
Yes, but results may include multiple people with the same first name. For best accuracy, combine the first name with a last name, date of birth, or booking date. The system allows partial matches, so typing “John” might return John Smith, John Doe, and Johnny Brown if they’re currently held. Adding a birth year narrows it down significantly. If you’re unsure of the exact spelling, try common variations like “Jon” vs. “John.” Always verify the booking photo and charges before taking action.
Why can’t I find someone who was recently arrested?
Several reasons could explain a missing record. The person may have been released before processing ended, transferred to Horry County Detention Center, or booked under a different name. Technical delays occasionally occur, though rare. If more than two hours pass without a listing, call 843-918-1300 to confirm their status. Also, arrests made outside Myrtle Beach city limits won’t appear—check county or neighboring city jails. Lastly, some protective custody cases are temporarily withheld for safety.
Is the booking photo always visible in the search results?
Yes, unless restricted by law or court order. Booking photos are considered public record in South Carolina and help identify individuals accurately. However, if an inmate is a minor, a victim of certain crimes, or under special protection, the photo may be blurred or removed. In most cases, the image appears within minutes of completion. The photo is taken during intake and shows the person as they were when arrested, not after release.
How do I pay bail for someone in Myrtle Beach jail?
Bail can be paid in person at the jail lobby during business hours using cash or certified check. Alternatively, contact a licensed bail bondsman who will post the bond for a fee (usually 10% of the total). Online payment is not available for city jail inmates. Have the inmate’s full name, booking number, and exact bail amount ready. Once paid, release typically occurs within one to four hours. Note that bail set by a judge may require a hearing first—check the court date in the search results.
What should I do if I believe an inmate’s information is incorrect?
Contact the jail clerk immediately at 843-918-1300. Provide the inmate’s name, your relationship, and the specific error—such as wrong charge, missing court date, or incorrect photo. Staff will verify the data against internal records and correct mistakes within 24 hours. For legal disputes, consult an attorney. The department logs all corrections for transparency. Never attempt to alter records yourself; only authorized personnel can make changes.
Are juvenile inmates listed in the public search?
No. South Carolina law protects the identity of juvenile offenders. Their names, photos, and charges are not available online or through public requests. Only parents, guardians, or legal representatives can obtain information by visiting the detention section with proper ID. Juveniles are held separately and processed under different protocols. If you suspect a minor is in custody, contact the department directly—they will guide you through verification steps without disclosing protected details.