Search South Carolina Inmate Records Online
Are South Carolina Inmate Records Open to the Public?
Yes, South Carolina inmate records are considered public information under state law. This means that these records are accessible to the general public, ensuring transparency and accountability within the correctional system. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act mandates that such records be made available to anyone who requests them, provided they follow the appropriate procedures.
South Carolina Inmate Search
South Carolina inmate records contain comprehensive data about individuals incarcerated within the state. These records typically include:
- The inmate's full name
- Registration number
- Date of birth
- Physical description
- Mugshot
- Offense details
- Date of incarceration
- Expected release date
These records are provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and are accessible to the public. To obtain these records, one must provide specific information such as the inmate's full name and the location of their incarceration, including the state, county, and city.
How to Conduct a South Carolina Jail Inmate Search
To search for inmates in South Carolina jails, individuals can use the SCDC's online database. This tool allows users to input the inmate's full name and place of incarceration to retrieve relevant information. Additionally, individuals can contact the jail directly via phone to inquire about an inmate's status, the offense committed, and their location.
Differences Between South Carolina State Prisons and County Jails
South Carolina's correctional facilities include both state prisons and county jails, each serving different functions. State prisons, managed by the SCDC, house inmates convicted of serious offenses, including long-term sentences and life imprisonment. These facilities are designed to accommodate individuals who have committed high-level crimes.
County jails, on the other hand, are overseen by local sheriff's departments and typically detain individuals serving shorter sentences, usually less than one year. These jails also hold inmates awaiting trial or transfer to state prisons. The primary difference lies in the duration of incarceration and the severity of the offenses committed by the inmates.
Sending Money to an Inmate in South Carolina Prisons or Jails
To send money to an inmate in South Carolina, family members and friends can use the GTL financial services platform. Funds can be deposited into the inmate's Cooper Trust Fund account through various methods, including online deposits, in-person transactions, mail, or phone calls. Depositors must create an account on GTL's ConnectNetwork to facilitate these transactions.
Additionally, money orders can be mailed to GTL Financial Services in Dallas, TX. It is crucial to follow the specific guidelines provided by the SCDC to ensure successful transactions. Note that all transactions, except money orders, may incur additional charges.
How to Contact Inmates in South Carolina Prisons and Jails
Inmates in South Carolina can be contacted through mail, phone calls, and electronic messaging systems. Written correspondence should be addressed to the inmate's facility, including their full name and identification number. Phone calls are typically facilitated through prepaid phone accounts or collect calls, with inmates being allowed to make outgoing calls during designated hours.
Electronic messaging systems, such as those provided by GTL, allow for secure and monitored communication between inmates and their loved ones. These methods ensure that inmates maintain connections with the outside world while adhering to the facility's regulations.
Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in South Carolina Prisons and Jails
To visit an inmate in South Carolina, individuals must first be approved by the SCDC. The process involves obtaining a visiting application form from the inmate, completing it, and mailing it to the Division of Visitation and Inmate Drug Testing. The division processes these applications and updates the inmate's visiting list weekly.
Approved visitors must bring a valid photo ID and adhere to the facility's visitation rules and guidelines. Visits can be scheduled using the GTL scheduling tool, and both in-person and remote video visits are allowed. It is essential to follow all rules to ensure a smooth visitation process.
How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in South Carolina
Locating an incarcerated individual in South Carolina involves using the SCDC's inmate lookup tool. This online resource allows users to search for inmates by entering their full name or SCDC number. The tool provides detailed information about the inmate's status, location, and other relevant details.
Alternatively, individuals can contact the SCDC directly via phone for assistance. This method is particularly useful for those who may not have internet access or prefer speaking with a representative for more personalized assistance.
Finding a County Inmate Roster in South Carolina
Each county in South Carolina maintains an inmate roster managed by the county sheriff. These rosters are public records that list individuals currently incarcerated, those who have served time, and those with life sentences. The rosters are updated regularly and can be accessed by the public.
To find a county inmate roster, individuals can visit the official website of the county sheriff's office or contact the office directly. In cases where online information is unavailable, visiting the sheriff's office in person or calling them can provide the necessary details.
How to Conduct a South Carolina Prison Inmate Search
Conducting a prison inmate search in South Carolina is straightforward using the SCDC's online inmate lookup tool. Users can search by entering the inmate's full name or SCDC number. The tool provides comprehensive information, including the inmate's location, offense details, and incarceration status.
For those who prefer not to use the online tool, the SCDC offers a phone-based search option. By calling the designated number, individuals can obtain information about an inmate's status and location. This method ensures accessibility for all members of the public.
How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in South Carolina
Inmate release dates in South Carolina are typically included in the inmate records unless restricted for safety reasons. In such cases, only specific individuals, such as immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized criminal justice officials, can access the exact release date.
For the general public, the available information may only include the month and year of release. To obtain this information, individuals can use the SCDC's online inmate lookup tool or contact the SCDC directly via phone.
Facilities Managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections
The South Carolina Department of Corrections manages 21 correctional facilities across the state, housing approximately 21,000 inmates. These facilities include:
- Livesay Correctional Institution
- Allendale Correctional Institution
- MacDougall Correctional Institution
- Broad River Correctional Institution
- Manning Reentry/Work Release Center
- Evans Correctional Institution
- McCormick Correctional Institution
- Goodman Correctional Institution
- Palmer Pre-Release Center
- Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution
- Perry Correctional Institution
- Kershaw Correctional Institution
- Ridgeland Correctional Institution
- Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center
- Trenton Correctional Institution
- Leath Correctional Institution
- Turbeville Correctional Institution
- Lee Correctional Institution
- Tyger River Correctional Institution
- Lieber Correctional Institution
- Wateree River Correctional Institution
These facilities vary in security levels and are designed to accommodate inmates based on the severity of their offenses and other factors.