South Carolina Inmate Search

South Carolina Offender Lookup

South Carolina

The South Carolina Offender Lookup system is an invaluable resource for locating loved ones in South Carolina's correctional facilities. This system is handy, as it would be challenging to locate someone in the state's correctional facilities without a proper search system, mainly because there are over 20,000 inmates in the state's prisons.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections manages this system and allows you to easily access details on inmates, such as their name, location, offense history, sentence length, and release date. This makes it a critical resource for families, legal representatives, and friends of offenders.

CLICK HERE to Search for Incarcerated Friends or Family Member

Which Inmates are in South Carolina State Prisons?

Typically, South Carolina state prisons are home to offenders serving longer sentences, usually over one year. These inmates may include convicts of serious crimes like murder, sexual assault, robbery, and drug trafficking.

In addition, these facilities may also house inmates serving shorter sentences but have been transferred from local jails or other facilities. The reasons for such transfers include disciplinary issues or medical needs.

How Does the South Carolina Offender Lookup Process Work?

The South Carolina Offender Lookup process involves using a search tool under the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SC DOC). This search tool is available to the public per the Freedom of Information Act.

You can use this search option by following this link and clicking the "Perform Your Search" option. This will take you to the search page, where they can enter the search criteria, which may include the inmate's name, SCDC ID, or State Identification Number (SID).

For accurate results, provide the inmate's first and last names in conjunction. This is because searching them separately will give broad results, especially if the name is common.

You can also rely on the SCDC ID, as it's unique to each inmate and guarantees more precise search results. If you don't have the SCDC ID or the inmate's full name, you can use the SID to narrow down the search results.

Once you have entered the search criteria, click the "Search" button. The system will then display a list of results that match the search criteria.

You can view more detailed information about the inmate by clicking on a specific inmate's name. The information displayed on the system is regularly updated, but do not rely on it for business transactions. The Department of Corrections indicates that the data may be inaccurate, as some inmates falsify their personal details upon incarceration. So, it's best to use the South Carolina Offender Lookup process is intended for informational purposes only.

What Information Will You Access After a Successful Offender Lookup Process?

A successful South Carolina Offender Lookup process will provide you with information about the inmate you are searching for. Some of the information you can expect to access includes:

  • Inmate's full name
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Physical description
  • Current location
  • SCDC ID
  • State Identification Number (SID)
  • Offense history
  • Sentence length
  • Release date
  • Parole eligibility date
  • Probation eligibility date

Not all information may be available for all inmates, depending on their classification and other factors.

Offender Lookup by Contacting the South Carolina Department of Corrections

While the lookup process is primarily online through the search tool above, it is also possible to obtain information by contacting the SC DOC directly. It maintains a public office that responds to inquiries related to inmate information.

You can contact the office via several options, including phone, email, mail, or in person. Below are the steps you should follow for each of these channels:

  • Phone: The phone number is 866-727-2846, active from Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm.
  • Email

You can also reach out via mail through the following mailing address:

4444 Broad River Road

PO Box 21787, Columbia

SC 29221-1787

You can also use the above address to pay an in-person visit. During the process, ensure you provide your loved one's full name for successful data retrieval.

Tips for Finding the Correct Information

When conducting a South Carolina Offender Lookup, you must ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information about the inmate you are searching for. Here are some tips to help you find the correct information:

  • Provide as Much Information as Possible: The more information you provide, the more accurate your search results will be, and the easier it will be to find the correct inmate. The SCDOC search tool allows you to enter various search criteria, such as the inmate's name, SCDC ID, or State Identification Number (SID). If possible, use a combination of these options.
  • Check Spelling: Misspelling an inmate's name can result in inaccurate search results, making it challenging to find the correct inmate. If you are unsure of the correct spelling, try using name variations or contact the SC DOC for assistance.
  • Use additional search filters: The SC DOC tool allows you to use other search filters, such as race, gender, and age. These filters can help you narrow your search results and find the correct inmate more quickly.
  • Beware of Name Changes: In some cases, an inmate may have changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons. Do background research for such instances.
  • Check for Aliases: Sometimes, an inmate may have used an alias or nickname. So, check for any aliases or nicknames they may have used in the past.
  • Be Patient: Depending on the number of search results and the current system load, the search tool may take some time to display the results.

How to Locate Inmates in County Jails

Locating inmates in county jails in South Carolina slightly differs from finding inmates in state correctional facilities. This is because each county has its own jail or detention center, which runs under specific county rules. Here are some steps you should follow:

  1. Determine the county of incarceration
  2. Locate the county jail and check if it has an online website or jail roster. If so, click on it and input your loved one's details. Typically, you'll have to choose between the inmate's first and last name, as well as the booking number. Other counties may give you the option to input the arrest date.
  3. Visit the county's sheriff's office website and perform a search. This option is the best if the particular county jail lacks an independent inmate search website.

If these options are unsuccessful, you can visit the particular county jail or sheriff's office and inquire.

South Carolina county jails with online inmate search tools include:

County Jail Roster Phone Address
Abbeville County Inmate Search Click Here 864-446-6250 21 Old Calhoun Falls Road PO Box 9, Abbeville, SC, 29620
Aiken County Inmate Search Click Here 803-642-2040 435 Wire Road, Aiken, SC, 29801
Allendale County Inmate Search Click Here 803-584-4616 168 Law Enforcement Court PO 304, Allendale, SC, 29810
Anderson County Inmate Search Click Here 864-260-4200 1009 County Home Road, Anderson, SC, 29625
Bamberg County Inmate Search Click Here 803-245-3012, 803-245-3014 444 Second Street PO Box 928, Bamberg, SC, 29003
Barnwell County Inmate Search Click Here 803-541-1039 57 Wall Street, Barnwell, SC, 29812
Beaufort County Inmate Search Click Here 843-470-5715 2001 Duke Street PO Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC, 29901
Berkeley County Inmate Search Click Here 843-719-4546 300 California Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC, 29461
Calhoun County Inmate Search Click Here 803-874-2741 2811 Old Belleville Road PO Box 749, St. Matthews, SC, 29135
Charleston County Inmate Search Click Here 843-529-7300 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC, 29405
Cherokee County Inmate Search Click Here 864-487-2529 315 East Meadow Street, Gaffney, SC, 29340
Chester County Inmate Search Click Here 803-581-2602, 803-377-1813 2740 Dawson Drive PO Box 580, Chester, SC, 29706
Chesterfield County Inmate Search Click Here 843-623-9713 319 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC, 29709
Clarendon County Inmate Search Click Here 803-435-0032 320 East Boyce Street PO Box 730, Manning, SC, 29102
Colleton County Inmate Search Click Here 843-549-5742 22 Klein Street, Walterboro, SC, 29488
Darlington County Inmate Search Click Here 843-398-4220 ext 209 2349 Rogers Road, Darlington, SC, 29532-3213
Dillon County Inmate Search Click Here 843-774-1435 1027 Old Latta Highway, Dillon, SC, 29536
Dorchester County Inmate Search Click Here 843-563-0259 101 Sears Street, St. George, SC, 29477
Edgefield County Inmate Search Click Here 803-637-5337 200 Railroad Street, Edgefield, SC, 29824
Fairfield County Inmate Search Click Here 803-635-7658 10 Faith Lane, Winnsboro, SC, 29180
Florence County Inmate Search Click Here 843-665-9944 ext 301, 843-665-2121 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC, 29541
Georgetown County Inmate Search Click Here 843-545-3400 2394 Brown's Ferry Rd PO Drawer 421270, Georgetown, SC, 29442
Greenville County Inmate Search Click Here 864-467-2330 20 McGee Street, Greenville, SC, 29601
Greenwood County Inmate Search Click Here 864-943-8058 528 Edgefield Street, Greenwood, SC, 29646
Hampton County Inmate Search Click Here 803-914-2223, 803-943-7551 409 Cemetery Road, Varnville, SC, 29944
Horry County Inmate Search Click Here 843-915-5140, 843-915-6860 4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC, 29526
Jasper County Inmate Search Click Here 843-717-3300 ext 211, 843-726-7777 800 North Jacob Smart Boulevard PO Box 986, Ridgeland, SC, 29936
Kershaw County Inmate Search Click Here 803-425-1500 ext 5406 101 Bramblewood Plantation Road, Camden, SC, 29720
Lancaster County Inmate Search Click Here 803-313-2125, 803-283-3388 1941 Pageland Highway PO Box 908, Lancaster, SC, 29720
Laurens County Inmate Search Click Here 864-683-4055 216 West Main Street, Laurens, SC, 29360
Lee County Inmate Search Click Here 803-484-5353 PO Box 309, Bishopville, SC, 29010-0309
Lexington County Inmate Search Click Here 803-785-2700, 803-785-2743 521 Gibson Road PO Box 2019, Lexington, SC, 29702
Marion County Inmate Search Click Here 843-423-8216 2715 East Highway 76, Mullins, SC, 29574
Marlboro County Inmate Search Click Here 843-479-5665, 843-479-5605 253 Throop Street, Bennetsville, SC, 29512
McCormick County Inmate Search Click Here 864-465-2520 141 Cecil Wall Circle PO Box 1236, McCormick, SC, 29835
Newberry County Inmate Search Click Here 803-321-2141 3239 Louis Rich Road, Newberry, SC, 29108
Oconee County Inmate Search Click Here 864-638-4105, 864-638-4108 864-638-4111 415 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC, 29691
Orangeburg County Inmate Search Click Here 803-531-4647, 803-531-4658 1520 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC, 29115
Pickens County Inmate Search Click Here 864-898-5502, 864-898-5541 216 L.E.C. Road, Pickens, SC, 29671
Richland County Inmate Search Click Here 803-576-3200 201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC, 29209
Saluda County Inmate Search Click Here 864-445-0286 205 East Church Street, Saluda, SC, 29138
Spartanburg County Inmate Search Click Here 864-596-2607 180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303
Sumter County Inmate Search Click Here 803-436-2340 1250 Winkles Road, Sumter, SC, 29153
Union County Inmate Search Click Here 864-429-2823 1657 Jonesville Highway, Union, SC, 29379
Williamsburg County Inmate Search Click Here 843-355-9696 207 South Jackson Street PO Box 179, Kingstree, SC, 29556
York County Inmate Search Click Here 803-628-3083 1675-3A York Highway, York, SC, 29745

What Kind of Inmates are in the County Jails?

County jails house individuals serving time for short to medium-term sentences of one year or less. They also hold individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state facilities. Typically, the inmates serve time for minor offenses like traffic violations or non-violent crimes.

Inmate Search via South Carolina VINELink

VINELink is an online tool that provides victims, family members, and the general public real-time information about an inmate's custody status.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Access the VINELink website here.
  2. Select a state: On the homepage, select "South Carolina" from the drop-down menu under "Select Your State."
  3. Search for an inmate: Once you have selected South Carolina, you can search for an inmate by entering their name or SCDC ID number in the search box.
  4. Set up notifications: After you have located the inmate you are searching for, you can set up notifications to receive updates about their custody status. VINELink offers notifications via email, text message, or phone call.
  5. Review custody status: This includes reviewing information like their current location, custody status, and release date.

You can also perform a partial search by only entering part of the inmate's name or ID number. This can be useful if you don't know the complete details. However, remember that a partial search may yield many results, making it hard to identify a specific person.

South Carolina ICE Detainee Locator

This tool allows you to locate individuals who are currently in ICE custody. You just have to follow the following steps for a successful search:

  • Access the ICE Detainee Locator website.
  • Search for a detainee: Enter the detainee's first and last name or their A-number (Alien Registration Number).
  • Review detainee information: Then, review the information, including the detainee's location, custody status, and any upcoming court dates.
  • Contact ICE: For any other queries, contact ICE at 888-351-4024.

Federal Inmate Search

South Carolina is also home to several federal prisons, including the Federal Correctional Institution in Edgefield, the United States Penitentiary in Bennettsville, and the Federal Correctional Institution in Williamsburg.

You can locate inmates in these facilities via the BOP's website and choose between one of the following search options:

  • Number
  • Name

Sex Offender Search

Sex offender information is available through the sex offender registry, which is under the management of the state law enforcement division. You can search the registry by following these steps:

  • Follow this link and search for a sex offender by entering their name, address, or zip code. You can also search for sex offenders using other criteria, such as age range, gender, and offense type.
  • Review search results: Once you have entered your search criteria, the SLED website will generate a list of matching sex offenders. This list will include the offender's name, photograph, age, gender, and offense history.
  • Review offender details: Click on the offender's name to view additional details about their offense history, risk level, and other relevant information.

South Carolina Prison Statistics

Total Corrections Population (2019, except a is 2013 and b is 2020))
Total incarcerated 29,175
Prison population 18,295
Jail population 10,880a
Prison incarceration rate (per 100,000) 353
Jail incarceration rate (per 100,000) 290a
Probation population 31,328
Parole population 4,732
Life sentences 2,100
(% of prison population) (11.5)b
Life without parole 1,214
(% of prison population) (6.6)b
Juvenile life without parole 29b
Private prison population 84
Imprisonment by Gender (2019)
Men in prison 17,058
Women in prison 1,237
Imprisonment by Race/Ethnicity (2019)
White imprisonment rate (per 100,000) 217
Black imprisonment rate (per 100,000) 823
Hispanic imprisonment rate (per 100,000) 172
Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Imprisonment (2019)
Black : white ratio 3.8
Hispanic : white ratio 0.8
Juveniles in Custody (2015)
Total juveniles in custody 546
Committed 411
Detained 129
Diverted 3
Juvenile custody rate (per 100,000) 3
White custody rate (per 100,000) 96
Black custody rate (per 100,000) 145
Latino custody rate (per 100,000) 205
American Indian custody rate (per 100,000) 345
Asian custody rate 34
Felony Disenfranchisement (2020)
Disenfranchised population 44,584
(% Disenfranchised) (1.19)
Disenfranchised African Americans 24,501
(% Disenfranchised) (2.44)
Corrections Expenditures (2019)
Corrections expenditures (in millions) 671
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