Myrtle Beach Jail Inmate Search gives families, legal teams, and community members fast, reliable ways to find current detainees, verify booking details, schedule visits, and send mail. The city uses a real-time digital system that connects directly to law enforcement databases, ensuring accurate, up-to-date records. Whether you’re looking for someone arrested last night or confirming a release date, this resource explains every method—online, by phone, or in person—so you get the facts without confusion or delay.
How Myrtle Beach Jail Inmate Search Works
The Myrtle Beach Jail operates as a short-term holding facility for people arrested within city limits before transfer to county or state custody. Because arrests happen around the clock, the jail updates its roster every 15 to 30 minutes. This means new bookings and releases appear almost instantly online. The system pulls live data from two main sources: the city’s own P2C portal and the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) database. These tools let you search by name, date of birth, or booking number. Results show housing location, charges, arrest date, and sometimes court schedules. No registration or login is required—just enter basic details and view public records instantly.
Key Features of the Search System
- Real-time updates: New entries reflect within minutes of processing.
- Multiple search filters: Use first name, last name, DOB, or charge type.
- Mobile-friendly design: Works on phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
- No fees or subscriptions: All services are free and publicly accessible.

Official Online Portals for Inmate Lookup
Myrtle Beach offers three primary digital gateways for inmate searches. The main portal is the Police Department’s P2C system, which displays live jail rosters with filtering options. Users can sort by primary charge (like theft, DUI, or assault), narrow results by arrest date, or filter by booking agency (city police, county sheriff, etc.). Each page shows 5, 10, 20, 50, or all records at once. If no matches appear, the screen prompts a new search with adjusted filters.
A second option is the city jail’s direct roster, accessible through third-party sites that mirror official data. These pages allow searches by first name, last name, or date of birth and return the inmate’s booking number, arrest date, and housing unit. While not hosted on the city’s domain, they pull from the same live feed and update every 15 minutes.
For statewide coverage, the SCDC inmate locator includes everyone in South Carolina jails and prisons. You can search by full name, SCDC ID, or booking date. Results show current location, projected release date, and upcoming court appearances. This is especially useful if someone was moved from Myrtle Beach to a county or state facility.

Phone-Based Inmate Inquiries
If you prefer speaking directly to staff, call 843-918-1301. This line connects to the Myrtle Beach Jail information desk, where trained operators confirm an inmate’s booking date, charge description, and estimated release time. They also verify visitation eligibility and help schedule appointments. Calls are answered Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited weekend coverage.
For the Northern Myrtle Beach City Jail, dial 843-272-8863. Staff there provide similar details, including housing block, court dates, and mail guidelines. Both numbers require callers to state their relationship to the inmate and may ask for identification to protect privacy.
Phone requests are best for urgent questions or when online systems are down. However, staff cannot share medical, legal, or disciplinary records over the phone due to confidentiality rules.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visits at the Myrtle Beach Jail must be scheduled in advance by calling the main number. Each visitor needs a valid photo ID—driver’s license, passport, or state ID card—at check-in. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Visits typically last 30 minutes and occur in a supervised room with glass barriers or video screens.
Northern Myrtle Beach allows walk-in visits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but appointments are still recommended. Both facilities limit visits to immediate family members unless special permission is granted. Inmates may receive one visit per week, depending on facility capacity and security status.
Dress codes apply: no revealing clothing, hats, or electronic devices. Bags and purses are subject to search. Failure to follow rules can result in denied entry or future bans.
Sending Mail to an Inmate
Letters are allowed at both Myrtle Beach facilities, but packages are not. All mail must be sent via USPS to:
Myrtle Beach Jail
1101 Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
or
Northern Myrtle Beach City Jail
PO Box 1250
N Myrtle Beach, SC 29598
Each envelope must include the inmate’s full legal name and booking number on the front. Use plain white paper—no colored ink, stickers, or drawings. Letters are inspected for contraband before delivery. Do not send cash; use money orders if sending funds.
Incoming mail is processed within 24 hours of receipt. Outgoing mail from inmates is collected daily and posted by staff.
Horry County Arrests and Broader Searches
Since Myrtle Beach sits within Horry County, many arrests appear on county-wide platforms. The Horry County Arrests portal shows recent bookings with photos, charges, and booking dates. Users can view 14, 28, 42, or 56 records per page and download full logs as PDFs. This site is useful for tracking trends or verifying if someone was booked outside city limits but still held locally.
For long-term inmates transferred to state prisons, always check the SCDC database. It consolidates records from all county jails and correctional institutions. Search by name or ID to confirm current status and location.
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
Sometimes searches return “no results.” This usually means the person hasn’t been processed yet, was released, or moved to another facility. Try expanding your search to Horry County or SCDC. Double-check spelling—even small typos cause misses.
If a link fails or loads slowly, clear your browser cache or try a different device. Some third-party sites mirror data but may lag behind official sources. Always cross-check with the city’s P2C portal or call the jail directly.
Never rely on social media or unverified websites for inmate status. Only official channels provide accurate, legal records.
Privacy, Legal Rights, and Public Records
Jail rosters are public under South Carolina law, but certain details—like medical conditions or ongoing investigations—are withheld. Callers must prove their relationship to the inmate before receiving sensitive info. Legal representatives need proof of representation, such as a signed letter or court document.
Inmates retain the right to refuse visits or mail from specific individuals. Facilities cannot disclose whether someone has filed a grievance or complaint without a court order.
All data shown online is considered accurate at the time of posting but may change without notice due to court rulings, releases, or transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how often the roster updates, whether they can visit without an appointment, or if packages are allowed. Others wonder about bond amounts, court dates, or how to send money. Below are detailed answers based on current policies and procedures.
How often is the Myrtle Beach Jail inmate list updated?
The online roster refreshes every 15 to 30 minutes, matching real-time processing at the facility. New arrests appear within minutes of booking, and releases are removed just as quickly. This ensures families and attorneys get the most current information available. The system syncs with both city and state databases, so even if someone is moved to Horry County Detention Center or a state prison, their status updates promptly. For the fastest results, use the P2C portal during business hours when staff are actively processing entries. Avoid searching late at night, as fewer bookings occur, and some automated feeds may pause temporarily.
Can I visit an inmate without calling first?
No—all visits at the Myrtle Beach Jail require advance scheduling by phone. Walk-ins are not permitted except at the Northern Myrtle Beach facility during weekday hours, and even then, appointments are strongly recommended. Calling ahead ensures space is available and reduces wait times. Visitors must bring a valid photo ID and follow strict dress and behavior rules. Unscheduled guests will be turned away to maintain security and order. Always confirm your slot 24 hours before arriving, as last-minute changes can happen due to lockdowns, court trips, or medical emergencies.
What should I write on the envelope when mailing an inmate?
On the front of the envelope, clearly print the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, and the jail’s complete mailing address. Do not use nicknames or aliases—only the name listed on official records. Include your return address in the top-left corner. Letters must be on plain white paper with black or blue ink. Avoid envelopes with decorations, tape, or stickers, as these may be rejected. Write legibly so staff can easily read and deliver the mail. Incorrect or missing information delays delivery or causes letters to be returned undelivered.
Is there a fee to search for an inmate online?
No. All official inmate search tools operated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections are completely free. You do not need to create an account, enter payment details, or download any software. Third-party sites that charge fees are not affiliated with the city or state and should be avoided. Public records are taxpayer-funded and legally required to be accessible without cost. If a website asks for money to view basic booking info, it is likely a scam or data broker selling publicly available information.
What if the person I’m looking for isn’t showing up in the search?
If your search returns no results, the individual may not have been booked yet, could have been released, or might be held in a different facility. Expand your search to Horry County’s arrest database or the statewide SCDC portal. Check for spelling errors—even one wrong letter prevents a match. If you’re certain they were arrested in Myrtle Beach, call 843-918-1301 to speak with jail staff. Provide the person’s full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest time. Staff can manually verify status and explain next steps, including possible transfers or court appearances.
Can I send clothes or personal items to an inmate?
No. The Myrtle Beach Jail does not accept packages, clothing, toiletries, or other personal items from outside. All essentials are provided by the facility. Only letters and approved money orders may be sent through the mail. Sending unauthorized items can result in the entire package being discarded and may lead to restricted mail privileges for the inmate. If special medical or religious items are needed, contact the jail administration in writing with documentation. Approval is rare and granted only for documented health or faith-based requirements.
How do I find out if someone has been released?
Check the online roster first—released inmates disappear within 30 minutes of discharge. If they’re no longer listed, call the jail at 843-918-1301 and ask for confirmation. Provide the person’s full name and booking number if known. Staff will verify release status and, if applicable, note the date and time. For legal purposes, request a formal release document by submitting a written request to the jail’s administrative office. Include your relationship to the inmate and a self-addressed stamped envelope for reply.
Contact Information and Facility Details
Myrtle Beach Jail
Address: 1101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 843-918-1301
Fax: 843-918-1302
Visiting Hours: By appointment only
Mail: Inmate’s full name and booking number required
Northern Myrtle Beach City Jail
Address: PO Box 1250, N Myrtle Beach, SC 29598
Phone: 843-272-8863
Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Walk-ins allowed with ID
For official records or legal inquiries, contact the Horry County Sheriff’s Office or visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections website.
Related Resources and Support Services
- Myrtle Beach Police Department P2C Portal
- Horry County Arrests Database
- SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Always verify information through official channels. Unauthorized sites may display outdated or incorrect data.
