South Carolina Inmate Search

Are Inmate Records Public in South Carolina?

Yes, inmate records are public in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which grants access to public records, inmate records are considered public information. However, certain information may be exempted from disclosure, such as medical records, security plans, and personal identification numbers. It is important to note that while inmate records are generally accessible to the public, there may be restrictions on accessing specific information for security or privacy reasons.

How to Search for Inmate Records in South Carolina

Members of the public can search for inmate records in South Carolina by following these steps:

1. Visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections website at http://public.doc.state.sc.us/scdc-public/.
2. Click on the "Inmate Search" or "Offender Search" option on the website.
3. Enter the required information, such as the inmate's first and last name or their SCDC ID number, if available.
4. Click the search button to retrieve the inmate's records.

Residents may also be able to obtain inmate records from the South Carolina Department of Corrections directly by contacting them at:

South Carolina Department of Corrections PO Box 21787 4444 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: 803-896-8500

How Do I Send Money to an Inmate in South Carolina?

Sending money to an inmate in South Carolina can be done by following these steps:

1. Friends and families of inmates can use the inmate lookup feature on the South Carolina Department of Corrections website to find the inmate's location and relevant information.
2. Once the inmate's location is determined, visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections' Sending Money webpage.
3. Follow the instructions provided on the webpage to send money to the inmate. This may involve setting up an account, providing the inmate's information, and making a payment.
4. It is important to note that the maximum amount that can be sent to an inmate in South Carolina may vary. For specific information on the maximum amount, please refer to the South Carolina Department of Corrections' website or contact them directly.

How do I Find an Inmate in South Carolina for Free?

To find an inmate in South Carolina for free, individuals can conduct an inmate search using various sources of information. This may include using the inmate search feature provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections on their website. Other sources of information that can be used for an inmate search may include online inmate locator services, public records databases, or contacting the South Carolina Department of Corrections directly.

It is important to note that while some sources may provide free access to inmate records, others may require a fee or subscription. Additionally, it may be possible to obtain inmate records for free directly at the correctional facility by contacting the facility's records department or visiting in person.

How to Visit an Inmate in South Carolina

To visit an inmate in South Carolina, friends and families can follow these steps:

1. Use the inmate lookup feature on the South Carolina Department of Corrections website to find the inmate's location and relevant information.
2. Visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections' Visitation webpage for information on visitation rules, schedules, and procedures.
3. Familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines for visitation, which may include dress code requirements, identification requirements, and prohibited items.
4. Plan your visit accordingly and ensure compliance with the facility's rules and regulations.

Visitors are required to meet certain rules when visiting inmates in South Carolina. These rules may include presenting a valid photo ID, undergoing a security screening, and following the facility's dress code. For example, visitors may be required to dress modestly, avoid wearing revealing clothing, and remove items such as hats or sunglasses during the visitation process.

Types of Correctional Facilities in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the types of correctional facilities include state prisons, county jails, and federal prisons. State prisons are operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and house individuals convicted of state crimes serving sentences of more than one year. County jails, on the other hand, are operated by county sheriffs and house individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. Federal prisons are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and house individuals convicted of federal crimes.

These correctional facilities serve different purposes and have varying levels of security. State prisons, for example, are designed to house individuals convicted of serious crimes and have higher security measures in place. County jails may have a lower level of security as they primarily serve as temporary holding facilities for individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Federal prisons house individuals convicted of federal crimes and have their own set of regulations and procedures.