Charleston County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Charleston County?
Inmate records in Charleston County are official documents maintained by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated in county detention facilities. These records include personal information, booking details, charges, court dates, and custody status of inmates. The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is the primary facility responsible for maintaining these records.
Charleston County Sheriff's Office: 3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Are Inmate Records Public In Charleston County?
Yes, inmate records in Charleston County are considered public records under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act. This means that basic information about inmates is accessible to the general public. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy rights and security concerns. The public can access these records through the Charleston County Sheriff's Office's online inmate search portal or by contacting the detention center directly.
What's Included Inmate Records in Charleston County
Charleston County inmate records typically include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking date and time
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Mugshot/photograph
- Current charges and case numbers
- Bond information and amounts
- Court dates
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Custody status
- Housing location within the facility
- Previous booking history in the county
Charleston County Prison System
The Charleston County prison system is primarily operated by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. The main facility is the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving shorter sentences (typically under one year). For longer sentences, inmates are transferred to state facilities operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
South Carolina Department of Corrections: 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Types of Correctional Facilities In Charleston County
Charleston County has several types of correctional facilities:
- Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center - The main county jail facility that houses most inmates
- Juvenile Detention Center - For offenders under 18 years of age
- Work Camp - For low-risk inmates who participate in community service programs
- Community-based corrections programs - Including electronic monitoring and home detention
The county does not operate state prisons, as those are managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
Who's in Prison In Charleston County
The inmate population in Charleston County detention facilities typically includes:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically under one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Federal detainees being held under contract with federal agencies
According to recent statistics from the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, the facility houses approximately 1,100 inmates on average. The demographic breakdown shows that the majority of inmates are male (around 85%), with an average age of 34. The racial composition reflects approximately 60% African American, 35% Caucasian, and 5% other ethnicities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Charleston County in 2025
To search for inmate records in Charleston County in 2025:
- Visit the Charleston County Sheriff's Office official inmate search website
- Enter the inmate's first and last name (or booking number if available)
- Review the search results, which will display current inmates matching your search criteria
- Click on an individual record to view detailed information
- For historical records or more detailed information, contact the Records Division directly
The online database is updated regularly, typically within 24-48 hours of booking or release.
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
How To Find an Inmate in Charleston County for Free?
Finding an inmate in Charleston County is free and accessible through several methods:
- Use the official Charleston County Sheriff's Office online inmate search tool
- Call the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center directly at their information line
- Visit the detention center in person during business hours
- Check the South Carolina Department of Corrections website for inmates who may have been transferred to state facilities
- Contact the Charleston County Clerk of Court for information about court dates and case status
All these services are provided free of charge to the public.
How To Visit an Inmate In Charleston County
To visit an inmate at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center:
- Check the visitation schedule on the Sheriff's Office website
- Register for visitation at least 24 hours in advance
- Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit time
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Follow all facility rules regarding dress code and prohibited items
- Be aware that most visitation is conducted via video terminals rather than in-person
Visitation days and hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit. Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) have separate procedures and extended hours.
How To Send Money to a Charleston County Inmate
There are several ways to send money to inmates in Charleston County:
- Online through the facility's approved payment processor
- Using the kiosk in the detention center lobby
- By phone through the approved payment service
- By mail using a money order (personal checks are not accepted)
- Through the mobile app provided by the payment service provider
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24-48 hours. All deposits are subject to processing fees that vary by method.
Inmate Money Services: Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
How To Send Jail Mail In Charleston County
To send mail to an inmate in Charleston County:
- Address the envelope with the inmate's full name and booking number
- Include your full name and return address on the envelope
- Send only letters and appropriate photographs (no Polaroids)
- Do not include cash, checks, or contraband
- Be aware that all mail is inspected before delivery to inmates
Mail should be addressed to:
Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number, Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Lookup Inmate Records in Charleston County
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - Access the official inmate search tool with charge details, booking status, release date, and past bookings.
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center Annual Statistics - View annual statistics for the detention center, including inmate demographics and facility operations.
Detention Center Organizational Chart - See the organizational structure of the Charleston County Detention Center and its various divisions.
South Carolina Department of Corrections Incarcerated Inmate Search - Search for inmates who may have been transferred to state correctional facilities.