Map Loading... Scroll Down

Helpful Services:

South Carolina State Prisons

  • Legal Editor
    Henry Dahut, J.D.

    Henry Dahut, J.D.

    Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator

    Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.

    Read more →
  • Contributor
    Robert Thomas

    Robert Thomas

    Prison Reform Expert

      Robert Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, where his doctoral research focuses on mass incarceration, restorative justice and prison reform. His expertise includes critical legal studies and the political history of the United States prison system.

      Read more →

    The following is a summary of the South Carolina State Prison System:

    Overview

    The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) is responsible for operating and managing the state’s prison system. As of 2021, the SCDC had jurisdiction over 16,946 inmates housed in 21 correctional institutions across the state.
    Incarceration Rate:
    As of 2021, South Carolina had an incarceration rate of 331 per 100,000 residents, which was slightly higher than the national average of 303 per 100,000.

    Challenges The  South Carolina Prison Faces

    • Overcrowding: Like many state prison systems, South Carolina struggles with overcrowding. As of 2021, the SCDC’s facilities were operating at around 85% of their total capacity. Overcrowding can lead to increased violence, reduced access to programs and services, and a strain on resources.
    • High Recidivism Rates: South Carolina has a relatively high recidivism rate, with around 21.9% of inmates returning to prison within three years of release. This suggests that the system may not be effectively preparing inmates for successful reentry into society.
    • Limited Funding: The SCDC faces budget constraints that can limit its ability to provide comprehensive programming and services to inmates. In recent years, the department has had to make cuts to various areas, including education and vocational training.
    • Aging Facilities: Many of South Carolina’s correctional institutions are aging and in need of repairs or upgrades. Deferred maintenance can lead to safety and security issues, as well as reduced living conditions for inmates.
    • Mental Health and Substance Abuse: A significant portion of South Carolina’s prison population suffers from mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. Providing adequate treatment and support for these individuals can be challenging, particularly given limited resources.
    • Staffing Challenges: The SCDC has faced difficulties in recruiting and retaining correctional officers, which can lead to safety and security concerns. Low pay, high stress, and dangerous working conditions contribute to high turnover rates.

    Locating a Prisoner

    Family and friends can locate an inmate in the South Carolina prison system by using the SCDC’s online inmate search tool or by contacting the Inmate Records Office.

    Visitation Rules

    Visitation rules vary by institution, but generally, inmates are allowed to receive visitors on designated days and times. Visitors must be approved in advance and must adhere to strict rules regarding dress code, behavior, and items allowed during visits.

    Prison Security Levels

    The SCDC classifies its institutions into four security levels: Minimum, Medium, Maximum, and Super Maximum (SMU). Inmates are assigned to a security level based on their offense, criminal history, and institutional behavior.

    Parole

    The South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons is responsible for granting or denying parole to eligible inmates. Factors considered in parole decisions include the inmate’s criminal history, institutional behavior, rehabilitation efforts, and risk to public safety.

    Educational and Vocational Programs

    The SCDC offers various educational and vocational programs to inmates, including adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training in areas such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair, and post-secondary education through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

    Rehabilitative Programs

    The SCDC provides several rehabilitative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and helping inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include substance abuse treatment, mental health services, faith-based programs, and reentry preparation.

    Pros and Cons of SCDC

    Some pros of the South Carolina state prison system include its efforts to provide educational and vocational opportunities for inmates, its focus on rehabilitation and reentry preparation, and its use of technology to improve safety and efficiency.

    However, the system also faces challenges such as overcrowding, high recidivism rates, and limited funding for programs and services.

    South Carolina Prison News (News-19 WLTX)

    South Carolina Department of Corrections Implements Inmate Concern Line:

    Web Sources and References:

    https://doc.sc.gov/about
    https://www.sentencingproject.org/the-facts/#map
    https://public.doc.state.sc.us/scdc-public/
    https://www.dppps.sc.gov/Parole-Pardon-Hearings
    https://doc.sc.gov/programs
    https://www.scstatehouse.gov/

    SOUTH CAROLINA STATE PRISONS

    Allendale Correctional Institution

    Allendale Correctional Institution
    1057 Revolutionary Trail
    Fairfax, SC 29827

    Telephone:

    (803)-632-2561
    (803)-734-0653

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Allendale Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 1151
    Fairfax, SC 29827

    Broad River Correctional Institution

    Broad River Correctional Institution
    4460 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Telephone: (803)-896-2234

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Broad River Correctional Institution
    4460 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Catawba Pre-Release Center

    Catawba Pre-Release Center
    1030 Milling Road
    Rock Hill, SC 29730

    Telephone:

    (803)-324-5361
    (803)-734-9946

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Catawba Pre-Release Center
    1030 Milling Road
    Rock Hill, SC 29730

    Evans Correctional Institution

    Evans Correctional Institution
    610 Highway 9 West
    Bennettsville, SC 29512

    Telephone:

    (843)-479-4181
    (803)-896-4900

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Evans Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 2951202
    Bennettsville, SC 29512

    Goodman Correctional Institution

    Goodman Correctional Institution
    4556 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Telephone: (803)-896-8565

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Goodman Correctional Institution
    4556 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution

    Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution
    4450 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210-4096

    Telephone: (803)-896-8590

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution
    4450 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210-4096

    Kershaw Correctional Institution

    Kershaw Correctional Institution
    4848 Gold Mine Highway
    Kershaw, SC 29067

    Telephone:

    (803)-896-3301
    (803)-475-5770

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Kershaw Correctional Institution
    4848 Gold Mine Highway
    Kershaw, SC 29067

    Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center

    Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center
    4344 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Telephone:

    (803)-896-1521

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center
    4344 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Leath Correctional Institution

    Leath Correctional Institution
    2809 Airport Road
    Greenwood, SC 29649

    Telephone:

    (864)-229-5709
    (803)-896-1000

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Leath Correctional Institution
    2809 Airport Road
    Greenwood, SC 29649

    Lee Correctional Institution

    Lee Correctional Institution
    990 Wisacky Highway
    Bishopville, SC 29010

    Telephone:

    (803)-896-2400
    (803)-428-2800

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Lee Correctional Institution
    990 Wisacky Highway
    Bishopville, SC 29010

    Lieber Correctional Institution

    Lieber Correctional Institution
    136 Wilborn Avenue
    Ridgeville, SC 29472

    Telephone:

    (843)-875-3332
    (803)-896-3700

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Lieber Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 205
    Ridgeville, SC 29472

    Livesay Correctional Institution

    Livesay Correctional Institution
    104 Broadcast Drive
    Spartanburg, SC 29303-4711

    Telephone:

    (864)-594-4915
    (803)-734-1375

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Livesay Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 580
    Una, SC 29378

    Lower Savannah Pre-Release Center

    Lower Savannah Pre-Release Center
    361 Wire Road
    Aiken, SC 29801

    Telephone: (803)-648-8865

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Lower Savannah Pre-Release Center
    361 Wire Road
    Aiken, SC 29801

    MacDougall Correctional Institution

    MacDougall Correctional Institution
    1516 Old Gilliard Road
    Ridgeville, SC 29472

    Telephone:

    (803)-737-3036
    (843)-875-0880
    (843)-688-5251

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    MacDougall Correctional Institution
    1516 Old Gilliard Road
    Ridgeville, SC 29472

    Manning Correctional Institution

    Manning Correctional Institution
    502 Beckman Road
    Columbia, SC 29203-3173

    Telephone: (803)-935-6000

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Manning Correctional Institution
    502 Beckman Road
    Columbia, SC 29203-3173

    McCormick Correctional Institution

    McCormick Correctional Institution
    386 Redemption Way
    McCormick, SC 29899

    Telephone:

    (864)-443-2114
    (803)-734-0330

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​McCormick Correctional Institution
    386 Redemption Way
    McCormick, SC 29899

    Palmer Pre-Release Center

    Palmer Pre-Release Center
    2012 Pisgah Road
    Florence, SC 29501

    Telephone:

    (843)-661-4770
    (803)-734-9487

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Palmer Pre-Release Center
    2012 Pisgah Road
    Florence, SC 29501

    Perry Correctional Institution

    Perry Correctional Institution
    430 Oaklawn Road
    Pelzer, SC 29669

    Telephone:

    (864)-243-4700
    (803)-737-1752

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Perry Correctional Institution
    430 Oaklawn Road
    Pelzer, SC 29669

    Ridgeland Correctional Institution

    Ridgeland Correctional Institution
    5 Correctional Road
    Ridgeland, SC 29936

    Telephone:

    (843)-726-6888
    (803)-896-3200

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Ridgeland Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 2039
    Ridgeland, SC 29936

    Trenton Correctional Institution

    Trenton Correctional Institution
    84 Greenhouse Road
    Trenton, SC 29847

    Telephone:

    (803)-896-3000
    (803)-275-3301

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Trenton Correctional Institution
    84 Greenhouse Road
    Trenton, SC 29847

    Turbeville Correctional Institution

    Turbeville Correctional Institution
    Highway 378
    Turbeville, SC 29162

    Telephone:

    (843)-659-4800
    (803)-896-3100

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Turbeville Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 252
    Turbeville, SC 29162

    Tyger River Correctional Institution

    Tyger River Correctional Institution
    200 Prison Road
    Enoree, SC 29335-9308

    Telephone:

    (803)-896-3501
    (803)-896-3601
    (864)-583-6056

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Tyger River Correctional Institution
    200 Prison Road
    Enoree, SC 29335-9308

    Walden Correctional Institution

    Walden Correctional Institution
    4340 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Telephone:

    Walden (803)-896-8580
    Stevenson (803)-896-8575

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Walden Correctional Institution
    4340 Broad River Road
    Columbia, SC 29210

    Wateree River Correctional Institution

    Wateree River Correctional Institution
    Highway 261
    Rembert, SC 29128

    Telephone:

    (803)-432-6191
    (803)-896-3400

    Inmate Mailing Address:

    Inmate Name, ID Number
    ​Wateree River Correctional Institution
    P.O. Box 189
    Rembert, SC 29128-0189

    RELATED ARTICLES & SERVICES…

    Related Articles

    How to Prepare For Prison

    Perhaps there is no more significant type of trouble than the one leading to prison. If you've been to prison before, you probably know what to expect and how to prepare for prison. But, if you have not been to prison, the idea of being locked up will likely cause confusion and extreme anxiety. People…

    Read more →

    A Loved One In Prison

    This article covers what you need to know if a loved one is arrested and sentenced to prison. It will also help you understand and navigate the prison process as well as inform you on: How to locate and communicate with the prisoner once arrested. How to find constructive ways to express your support and…

    Read more →

    Aid To Families of Prisoners

    Programs For Families in Financial Trouble Financial Hardship When a family member is incarcerated, it quickly becomes a financial hardship for the family left behind. Not only is there lost income, but the family also now has other costs associated with their loved one's incarceration, such as travel expenses related to visitation, communication expenses, child…

    Read more →

    Federal Criminal Appeal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Once convicted of a crime in a federal district court, your lawyer may determine there are viable grounds to appeal the conviction based on a court error of law. There are precise procedural rules your lawyer must follow to secure your right to appeal.   This article provides a summary of a very complex legal procedure.…

    Read more →

    Federal Crimes Attorneys

    There are many different types of criminal defense lawyers. Most spend their time in state courts defending clients in state criminal actions. Other criminal defense attorney practice in both federal and state courts. This article focuses mainly on the federal criminal defense attorney. Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys If you are a target in a federal…

    Read more →

    Expungement: How to Clear Your Criminal Record

    Due to today's search technology, nearly anyone has informational access to other people's lives, including whether someone has a criminal record. According to the American Progress for Justice, over 70 million Americans have a criminal record that can come- up on background checks. Criminal Records are Publicly Accessible Purpose of Expungement The primary purpose of expunging…

    Read more →

    Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

    Symptoms Of Depression Depression and stress can disrupt how you function, eat, sleep, and get along with others. There are different reasons why people experience depression. For example, financial trouble can cause poor self-esteem. Losing your home to foreclosure can cause marital problems and lead to separation, divorce, and bankruptcy. Financial stress and worry can…

    Read more →

    Hopelessness And Despair

    Extended States Of Hopelessness And Despair Depression often begins with escalating levels of stress and anxiety, culminating in feelings of being trapped and emotionally exhausted. The nervous system has come under assault, and the person impacted neither has the energy nor the will to change the circumstances that have caused the cycle to continue. Escalating…

    Read more →

    Mental Health

    What is Mental Health? Mental health concerns emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. Understanding mental health is critical to building better relationships, improving health, and boosting productivity. Focusing on self-care, recognizing issues early, and adopting effective coping strategies can help reduce stigma and encourage…

    Read more →

    Mental Health Counseling

    Our Emotional And Mental Health Emotional suffering touches nearly every family in America, and over 30% of the population is said to have suffered some form of emotional suffering. Emotional and mental disorders can happen to any age group, race, religion, or income class. The good news is that conditions affecting our emotional and mental…

    Read more →

    Psychologists

    What Is a Psychologist? Psychologists are highly educated and trained professionals. They have earned at least a master’s degree, and many obtain their doctorate in clinical psychology. In addition, most states require a two-year internship as part of their post-graduate clinical training. Psychologists, among other roles, assist their patients in learning how to manage stressful…

    Read more →

    Inspirational Quotes: Overcoming Challenges with Wisdom

    Wisdom That Inspires And Heals  As hard as life can be, we can always turn our circumstances around if we put our troubles into perspective. Contemplating great words of wisdom can help you move beyond fear and stress caused by life's challenges and return you to a state of emotional wellbeing: “There is only one cause…

    Read more →

    How to Be Happy Alone?

    In the United States and elsewhere, loneliness is being viewed as a type of health epidemic.  People describe their lonely experience as “wandering through a void of nothingness,” “a constant physical emptiness in their chest,” or “a dull ache in their stomach.” Loneliness is so commonly felt that it may be the only thing that…

    Read more →

    Meditation

    Developing a regular meditation practice helps liberate you from reacting to trouble with fear, anxiety, and panic. Meditation grounds you in the present moment. A place of calm being, not fearing - an interior space where you can then focus on what needs to be done. Sometimes this can be done best through the practice…

    Read more →

    Self-Compassion: An Emotional First Aid in Bad Times

    Have you done something inappropriate and called yourself a terrible person? Many of us are inclined to be hard and sometimes even cruel to ourselves when things go badly or don’t go as we hoped. We tend to think self-criticism is a form of discipline that strengthens us. Usually, it does just the opposite. Being…

    Read more →

    The Mind-Heart Connection - A Holistic Approach

    When anxious thoughts race through your mind, do you feel like your heart can jump out of your ribcage? When a wave of anger burns through your heart, is it complex for you to articulate coherent thoughts? These are just some instances where your heart and mind work in tandem. Like a duet, one does…

    Read more →

    Affiliates

    Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Ask a qualified Criminal Lawyer any of your legal questions and receive comprehensive answers within minutes! Our experienced Criminal Lawyers are available online 24/7.

    Get Started Now

    Addiction and Recovery Centers

    American Addiction Centers specialize in providing quality treatment and innovative care with a team of qualified professionals dedicated to helping people overcome their addictions.

    Get Started Now

    Earn A Degree Online

    Our online college offers accredited and affordable degrees to meet your needs. No matter what field you’re targeting, we will prepare you for whatever career path awaits.

    Get Started Now

    Emotional Counseling

    Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or lonely? Thanks to Talkspace, you connect with licensed therapists to get the guidance and support needed to lead a healthier lifestyle.

    Get Started Now

    Change of Address Service

    Our change of address service allows you to update your address easily – enter your old address and the new one, and we'll take care of the rest!

    Get Started Now

    Food & Shelter By State

    Do you struggle to make ends meet or find yourself in need of a place to stay? GotTrouble provides access to shelters, food banks, and pantries.

    Get Started Now

    Food Stamps-SNAP

    Be it SNAP, D-SNAP, WIC, supplemental food for seniors, or free or reduced-price school lunch and breakfast, get all the information about government food programs.

    Get Started Now

    Free HUD Counseling

    Use this nationwide network of housing counseling agencies that helps Americans make informed decisions. Find advice on how to avoid foreclosure or resolve a dispute with a landlord.

    Get Started Now

    Legal Document Preparation

    LegalZoom makes it easy and affordable for you to make your last will, living trust, living will (advance directive), or power of attorney online in just minutes.

    Get Started Now

    Legal Name Change

    LegalZoom makes it easy to understand the process and provides you with reliable and professional legal help in case of any marriage, divorce, or name-changing purposes.

    Get Started Now

    Affiliate disclosure

    GotTrouble.org is a one-stop free and open consumer information and expert resource.

    Our information helps guide people through the complexity of life-changing legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

    One way of doing this is by providing our visitors with a wide range of third-party resources. Some of which are affiliates.

    Should you visit an affiliate, we will disclose this fact, and we may earn a commission. We ask that you use your independent judgment in deciding whether an offered service or product fits your needs and purposes.

    If you have questions, please get in touch with us at inquiries@GotTrouble.org.

    Sponsors