Search Dorchester County, SC Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Dorchester County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Dorchester County, SC
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Dorchester County
- Visitation Rules at Dorchester County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Dorchester County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Dorchester County
- Dorchester Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Dorchester County?
- Dorchester County Facility Directory
- Dorchester Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Dorchester County, South Carolina, you have several options. Online, you can search the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office website, which provides an inmate inquiry tool for viewing current detainees and their charges. Visit: https://www.dorchestersheriff.org/ and look for the "Inmate Search" feature. For more detailed or historical information, you can contact the Dorchester County Detention Center directly at 212 Deming Way, Summerville, SC 29483, or call (843) 832-0215. If you prefer in-person assistance, visit the Detention Center or the Dorchester County Clerk of Court’s office at 5200 East Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC 29477, where records may be available for public inspection. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) website allows statewide inmate searches at https://public.doc.state.sc.us/scdc-public/. Be ready to provide details such as the inmate’s name or date of birth to facilitate your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Dorchester County, SC
Inmate records for Dorchester County, SC can be accessed online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the person is held at the local jail, in a South Carolina state prison, or is in federal custody. Below is a guide with resources for each situation.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorchester Jail / Sheriff’s Dept. | Current inmates at Dorchester County Jail | Dorchester County Jail Roster Phone: (843) 563-0259 Address: 212 Deming Way, Summerville, SC 29483 | Search by name or call for information. The Sheriff’s Office manages the local jail for county-level offenders or those awaiting trial. |
| South Carolina DOC Inmate Locator | Inmates in SC state prisons | SCDC Inmate Search | For persons sentenced to state prison. Enter name or SCDC ID to locate individuals in state custody. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Inmate custody and release status | VINE South Carolina | Victim notification and inmate status across local and state facilities. Free registration required for notifications. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | South Carolina has no federal prison; most federal offenders from SC are held in nearby states such as Georgia (e.g., USP Atlanta) or North Carolina (e.g., FCI Butner). |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail or arrest records | Visit: 212 Deming Way, Summerville, SC 29483 Phone: (843) 563-0259 | Visit Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for public records requests regarding county jail inmates. Valid ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Dorchester County
After arrest in Dorchester County, individuals are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours from arrival to housing assignment.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, Driving Under Suspension | High | 12–48 hours, possible bond or release |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution | High | 1–7 days, dependent on bond and charge severity |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, DV 1st/2nd Degree | Moderate | 24–72 hours, until bond hearing |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, Larceny, Vandalism | Moderate | 1–5 days, until bond hearing |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | 12–72 hours, until new court appearance |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench/Arrest Warrants | High | 1–7 days, until charges resolved or bonded |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Weapons, Aggravated Assault | Moderate | Until trial or bond; sentenced felons are transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Dorchester County Jail
Before visiting Dorchester County Jail, always verify the most current visitation policies with the facility, as rules may change. Ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to your visit.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00am–11:00am | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 1:00pm–4:00pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No Visitation | — | Facility closed to visits |
| Thursday | 9:00am–11:00am | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00pm–4:00pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00am–12:00pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00pm–4:00pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or provocative clothing |
| Prohibited Items | Weapons, electronics, bags, and any contraband not permitted inside |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved list; application may be required |
| Children Policy | Minors allowed with parent or legal guardian; must be accompanied at all times |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside normal visitation hours by prior arrangement; official ID required |
How to Contact an Inmate at Dorchester County Jail
Inmates at Dorchester County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring and recording. Please ensure you follow the proper procedures to ensure successful contact.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Dorchester County Jail
101 Sears Street, St. George, SC 29477
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using [Provider] phone system. | Set up an account with [Provider]; fund account. | Calls are monitored and limited in duration; no incoming calls accepted. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters or cards using the provided address format. | No special setup; mail must include correct info. | No contraband, photos must be appropriate; mail is inspected for security. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive messages via [Provider] online portal or app. | Register and fund an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; prohibited content will not be delivered. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits using [Provider]'s platform. | Create account and schedule through [Provider]. | Visits are monitored; dress and behavior codes apply; may require approval. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Dorchester County
The South Carolina Board of Parole and Community Supervision oversees parole decisions and the release process for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Dorchester County can access state and community-based programs to support successful reentry.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Board of Parole | Decides eligibility for parole release for state inmates; sets parole conditions. | State-sentenced offenders | SC Board of Parole · 803-734-9220 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to earn credits to reduce sentence length for good behavior or program completion. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | SCDC Sentence Reduction |
| Parole Supervision | Post-release supervision to ensure compliance with parole conditions; support in reentry. | Parolees in Dorchester County | Dorchester County Parole Office: 101 Ridge St., St. George, SC 29477 · 843-563-0191 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance locating transitional or supportive housing upon release. | Recently released individuals | SC Reentry Initiative · info@scjusticeinitiative.org |
| Employment Assistance | Job search help, resume workshops, job fairs, and interview preparation. | Returning citizens | SC Works Dorchester · 1325 Boone Hill Rd., Summerville, SC · 843-821-0695 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help reinstating SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits after release. | Returning citizens | SC Thrive · Call 800-726-8774 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated notification system for victims regarding offender status changes. | Victims, concerned citizens | South Carolina VINE · 866-727-2846 |
Dorchester Incarceration Statistics
Dorchester County, South Carolina, experiences crime and incarceration trends similar to the broader state, with moderate violent and property crime rates. Dorchester County does not operate its own dedicated jail; instead, inmates are housed at the Dorchester County Detention Center, serving regional detention needs.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 444 (statewide) | 505.7 (statewide) | 15% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 325 (statewide) | 370.2 (statewide) | 11% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 55 (statewide) | 62.7 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 10 (statewide) | 11.4 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 2,485 (statewide) | 2,832.0 (statewide) | 80% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 1,970 (statewide) | 2,246.8 (statewide) | 64% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 406 (statewide) | 463.5 (statewide) | 13% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 109 (statewide) | 124.7 (statewide) | 3% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 134 (statewide) | 152.7 (statewide) | 4% (statewide) | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 88 (statewide) | 100.3 (statewide) | 3% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 94 (statewide) | 107.1 (statewide) | 3% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 17%, 25-34: 33%, 35-44: 28%, 45+: 22% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 52% Black, 45% White, 3% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent crimes | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 4.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 23% (3-year rate) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County currently holds an estimated 162 inmates in local custody across its detention facilities. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration may be transferred to a state facility for the duration of their sentences.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 104 | 64% | $82 | 83% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 31 | 19% | $76 | 80% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 19 | 12% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 4 | 2% | $95 | 30% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 162 | 100% | — | — |
Dorchester County Facility Directory
Dorchester County operates one main correctional facility: the Dorchester County Detention Center, which serves as the county jail. There are no additional youth, community, work release, or specialty correctional facilities in Dorchester County.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorchester County Detention Center | County Jail | 829 Fieldcrest Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613 | 148 | ~120 | Medium |
Dorchester County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support