How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Horry County Magistrates Office is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Horry County Magistrates Office.

Frequently asked questions about Horry County Magistrates Office

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Horry County Magistrates Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Horry County Magistrates Office?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Horry County Magistrates Office. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Horry County Magistrates Office?

   Mailing address:

   Horry County Magistrates Office
   4150 J Reuben Long Ave
   Conway, SC 29526
   Phone: (843) 915-5145

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Horry County Magistrates Office?

   Visiting hours at Horry County Magistrates Office vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (843) 915-5145 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Horry County Magistrates Office?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Horry County Magistrates Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Horry County Magistrates Office, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Horry County Magistrates Office?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Horry County Magistrates Office for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Horry County Magistrates Office, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Recognizing that periods of incarceration can serve as catalysts for meaningful personal transformation, the J. Reuben Long Detention Center typically emphasizes creating structured pathways for individual growth and development. The facility’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation centers on providing those incarcerated with essential tools and resources that may facilitate their successful reintegration into society. Through carefully designed offerings that prioritize security and safety while fostering personal accountability, the center often creates an environment where participants can engage in constructive activities that promote both intellectual and personal advancement.

Educational services form the cornerstone of developmental opportunities, often including basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education options that allow those incarcerated to advance their academic credentials. Moreover, vocational programs may furnish practical skill development in various trades and technical fields, providing participants with marketable competencies that can enhance their employment prospects upon release. These structured learning environments typically emphasize discipline, consistency, and goal achievement while maintaining the security protocols essential to facility operations.

The center’s support services often encompass a diverse range of offerings designed to address the multifaceted needs of those incarcerated. Faith-based initiatives may provide spiritual guidance and community support, while physical fitness programs typically promote both physical wellness and mental discipline through structured exercise regimens. Moreover, veteran services often include specialized support for those who have served in the military, recognizing their comprehensive experiences and needs. These comprehensive support offerings generally operate within a framework that maintains institutional safety while encouraging personal responsibility and positive behavioral changes among participants.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds serve as vital lifelines for those incarcerated at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where maintaining relationships with loved ones becomes an essential part of navigating daily existence. Those who now find themselves within the facility’s walls regularly structure their days around opportunities to connect with family members through scheduled phone calls, video visits, and in-person visitation sessions that typically occur several times per week. The facility generally operates on a predictable routine that furnishes stability, with wake-up calls occurring in the early morning hours, followed by meals served at consistent intervals and structured programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training sessions.

Moreover, the living accommodations at the detention center typically consist of housing units that accommodate multiple individuals, where those incarcerated often develop supportive relationships with their cellmates and unit neighbors. The dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements generally provide basic amenities including beds, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities, while common areas within each housing unit may offer space for social interaction, television viewing, and quiet activities like reading or letter writing. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas where residents gather three times daily, creating natural opportunities for conversation and community building among those who share similar experiences and challenges.

Whereas the physical environment may feel restrictive, recreational activities and programming opportunities regularly furnish meaningful ways for those incarcerated to maintain their mental and physical well-being while strengthening social connections. The facility typically offers access to outdoor recreation areas where individuals can engage in basketball, walking, or other physical activities, along with indoor spaces that may include libraries, multipurpose rooms for group meetings, and areas designated for religious services. Communication with family members generally occurs through a combination of scheduled phone calls, video conferencing systems, and traditional mail correspondence, while work assignments within the facility often provide structure and the opportunity to earn modest wages that can be used for commissary purchases or to support family members on the outside.