Horry County Sheriff’s Office

Horry County is on the eastern coast of South Carolina, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county seat is Conway, and the largest city is Myrtle Beach. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state thanks to its tourism industry, which attracts millions of visitors each year to its beaches, golf courses, and other attractions.

Horry County Sheriff's Office runs the county with the goal of providing a safe and secure environment for its residents by enforcing the law and promoting public safety. The department also offers various services, including community policing, criminal investigations, and emergency response.

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History of the Sheriff's Office

The Horry County Sheriff's Office has a long and rich history dating back to the county's early days. It began in the 1800s when the county was established by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly, and the first sheriff was appointed shortly thereafter. Authorities established the sheriff's office to provide law enforcement services to the newly formed county. It covered a vast area, including what is now Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties.

As the county grew and evolved, so did the sheriff's role. In the late 1800s, the county began to see an increase in criminal activity. The primary cause was the influx of timber workers who came to the area to work in the lumber industry. The sheriff's department began to take on a more significant role in law enforcement, and deputies were hired to assist the sheriff in his duties.

The early 1900s saw significant changes in Horry County, including constructing the Intracoastal Waterway and establishing Myrtle Beach as a tourist destination. These changes brought new challenges for law enforcement, and the sheriff's department continued to evolve to meet the community's needs.

Today, the Horry County Sheriff's Office is a modern, well-equipped law enforcement agency with over 500 employees.

Specific Functions of the Sheriff's Office and the Various Departments

The sheriff’s office is a multi-personnel entity with different departments that perform different tasks. The following are the various departments and units of the Sheriff's Office and their specific functions:

1. Administration: This department oversees the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff's Office, including managing personnel, budgeting, and strategic planning.
2. Patrol Division: The Patrol Division is responsible for responding to calls for service, conducting patrols throughout the county, and enforcing traffic laws. This department also operates a community policing program that focuses on building relationships with residents and businesses within the county.
3. Criminal Investigations Division: This division aims to investigate crimes such as homicide, robbery, and burglary. Detectives in this department gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work closely with prosecutors to bring cases to trial.
4. Narcotics and Vice Unit: Narcotics and Vice Unit investigates drug-related crimes, including drug trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution. Additionally, it works to combat prostitution, gambling, and other vice-related crimes.
5. Warrant Division: This unit's primary purpose is to execute arrest warrants and apprehend fugitives. It also maintains a database of active warrants and assists other law enforcement agencies in locating and arresting suspects.
6. Marine Patrol Division: The Marine Patrol Division patrols the waterways within Horry County, including the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and local rivers and lakes. It enforces boating laws, responds to water-related emergencies, and provides education and outreach to boaters.
7. School Resource Officer Program: The School Resource Officer Program assigns deputies to local schools to provide security, serve as a positive role model for students, and assist with law enforcement matters that arise on school grounds.

Contact Information

The current Sheriff of Horry County is Sheriff Phillip E. Thompson, who has held the position since January 2017. Previously, he was the Chief Deputy for the Horry County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years. In this capacity, he was responsible for the department's daily operations.

You can reach out to the office through any of the following options:

• Phone: The department's non-emergency number is (843) 915-5450. You can use it to report non-emergency incidents, request information, or speak with a deputy.
• Email: You can email the Sheriff's Office here for general inquiries or comments.
• Mail: The department's mailing address is Horry County Sheriff's Office, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526.
• In-person: You can visit the Sheriff's Office at the above address during regular business hours. The office is accessible from Monday through Friday.

Arrest Warrants in Horry County

An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest and detain a crime suspect. In Horry County, a judge or a magistrate issues these warrants after police officers present evidence showing probable cause. The authorities must convince the judge beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is responsible for the crime or intends to commit one.

What are the Various Types of Arrest Warrants?

There are several types of arrest warrants, each with its own purpose and legal requirements. They include the following:

1. Bench Warrant: Judges issue bench warrants when a person fails to appear for a scheduled hearing or trial. The warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest the person and bring them to court to answer the charges. Bench warrants can also be issued for other reasons, such as failure to pay fines or comply with court orders.
2. Fugitive Warrant: A fugitive warrant aims to ensure the arrest of a crime suspect in one state but is located in another. With such a warrant, law enforcement officers in the state where the person is situated can arrest such suspects and extradite them to the state where the crime was committed.
3. Child Support Warrant: Judges and magistrates issue this warrant when a person fails to comply with a court order to pay child support. Officers from the Warrant Unit arrest the person and bring them to court to address the issue.
4. Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant is issued when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. The warrant authorizes officers to arrest the person and bring them to court to face charges.
5. No-Knock Warrant: A no-knock warrant allows law enforcement officers to enter a private residence without announcing their presence. These warrants are popular in cases where officers believe that revealing their presence could destroy evidence or endanger their safety.

How to Conduct an Arrest Warrant Search in Horry County

There are several options you can use to search for arrest warrants in Horry County, including the following:

Horry County Sheriff's Office

The sheriff's office runs the Warrant Unit, which maintains a public active warrants database. Here are the steps to conduct an arrest warrant search through the Horry County Sheriff's Office:

• Step 1: Visit the Horry County Sheriff's Office website
• Step 2: Click the "Warrant Info" tab on the homepage.
• Step 3: Select "Active Warrants" on the drop-down menu. This will take you to the Horry County Sheriff's Office's "Active Warrants" page.
• Step 4: On the "Active Warrants" page, you can search for active warrants by entering the name, address, or date of birth of the person in question. Alternatively, you can view a list of active warrants alphabetically by clicking "All Active Warrants."

You can also perform a warrant search offline by calling (843) 915-8347. For anonymous tips, call the Horry County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (843) 915-5688. Be sure to provide as much information as possible.

Horry County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court maintains records of court proceedings, including issuing arrest warrants. You can search for an arrest warrant by visiting the Horry County Clerk of Court website and navigating to the "Public Portal."

Enter the person's name in question, select "Warrant" as the case type, and then click "Search." If your search yields a result, you will see the person's name, the case number, the date the warrant was issued, and the charges against them.

If you find that someone you know has an active warrant, you should not attempt to apprehend them yourself. Instead, contact the Horry County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Arrest Warrant Search Via Third-Party Websites

Some third-party websites offer arrest warrant search services for Horry County. However, exercise caution when using these websites as they may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.

One popular website that offers arrest warrant search services for Horry County is the South Carolina State Records website. It allows you to search for active warrants by name, city, or zip code. The results will display the person's name, mugshot, date of birth and a brief description of the charges against them. Another such site is the SearchQuarry, which allows you to search by first and last name.

Rights and Responsibilities of Law Enforcement Officers and Suspects

When executing an arrest warrant, law enforcement officers must inform the suspect of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The suspect also has the right to know the charges against them.