Kershaw County Public Records /Kershaw County Inmate Search

Kershaw County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Kershaw County?

Inmate records in Kershaw County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records are systematically maintained by the Kershaw County Detention Center under the authority of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 24-21-5, these records document the custody, supervision, and rehabilitation of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or sentenced within the county's jurisdiction.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the Kershaw County Clerk of Court, document legal proceedings, case filings, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically track an individual's status within the correctional system. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge details are documented. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and eventual release information.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections and county detention facilities maintain these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements established under South Carolina Code § 24-3-20, which mandates the proper documentation of all persons committed to correctional facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Kershaw County?

Inmate records in Kershaw County are generally considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, certain portions of inmate records may be redacted or restricted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or security concerns.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections and Kershaw County Detention Center maintain publicly accessible information about current inmates, including:

Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
Booking date and time
Current charges and case numbers
Custody status
Bond/bail amounts (if applicable)
Expected release dates (for sentenced inmates)
Facility housing location (general information)

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 24-21-290, certain information related to inmates' criminal histories, medical records, and personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers) is exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, records pertaining to juvenile offenders are generally confidential under South Carolina law.

Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Kershaw County Detention Center's online inmate search portal or by contacting the facility directly. For more comprehensive records, formal FOIA requests may be required.

What's Included Inmate Records in Kershaw County

Inmate records maintained by the Kershaw County Detention Center contain a comprehensive collection of information documenting an individual's interaction with the county's correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender and race
Height, weight, and identifying physical characteristics
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
State identification number and/or booking number

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest and booking
Arresting agency and officer information
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, awaiting transfer)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant or citation numbers
Arresting agency case numbers
Court case numbers
Charge disposition (pending, dismissed, convicted)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Magistrate, Circuit)
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders related to custody
Attorney of record information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date and charges
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Parole or probation eligibility dates
Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release

These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-13-50, which establishes requirements for the documentation and maintenance of prisoner records.

Kershaw County Prison System

The Kershaw County correctional system operates within the broader framework of South Carolina's criminal justice infrastructure. The primary facility for local incarceration is the Kershaw County Detention Center, which functions under the administrative authority of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office. This facility primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor offenses.

It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system. The Kershaw County Detention Center is a local facility designed for short-term incarceration, while the South Carolina Department of Corrections operates state prisons for individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year. When individuals in Kershaw County are sentenced to terms exceeding one year, they are typically transferred from the county detention center to an appropriate state correctional facility.

The Kershaw County Detention Center operates in accordance with standards established by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and adheres to regulations set forth in South Carolina Code § 24-9-10, which governs local detention facilities.

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office
521 DeKalb Street
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1512
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Kershaw County

Kershaw County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific function within the county's criminal justice system:

Kershaw County Detention Center
101 Bramblewood Plantation Road
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1516
Kershaw County Detention Center

The Kershaw County Detention Center serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested within the county. This medium-security facility houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and inmates serving sentences of less than one year. The facility provides basic medical services, limited educational programming, and religious services for inmates.

Kershaw County Work Release Center
103 Bramblewood Plantation Road
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1516
Kershaw County Work Release Program

The Work Release Center houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for participation in community work programs. These individuals typically have non-violent offense histories and are approaching their release dates. Participants may leave the facility during daytime hours to work at approved employment sites, returning to custody during non-working hours.

Additionally, while not physically located within Kershaw County, the Kershaw Correctional Institution is a state prison operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections in neighboring Kershaw County. This medium-security facility houses male inmates serving longer sentences for more serious offenses and is not part of the county detention system.

Who's in Prison In Kershaw County

The Kershaw County Detention Center houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility's population generally consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. These detainees may be awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings. Some may remain in custody due to inability to post bond, denial of bond for public safety reasons, or probation/parole violations.

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year. Common offenses include driving under the influence, simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and minor drug possession.

Short-term Felony Offenders: Individuals convicted of certain felonies may temporarily remain in county custody while awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. This population is typically in transition and not intended for long-term housing at the county level.

Probation/Parole Violators: Persons who have violated the terms of their community supervision may be held in the county detention center pending revocation hearings or as a sanction for technical violations.

Weekend Inmates: Some offenders with employment or family obligations may be permitted to serve their sentences on weekends only, reporting to the facility on Friday evening and being released on Sunday evening.

Federal Detainees: In some instances, the Kershaw County Detention Center may house federal detainees through intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The demographic composition of the Kershaw County inmate population generally reflects broader trends in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals and those with substance abuse or mental health challenges. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Kershaw County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Kershaw County have several methods available to access inmate records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the official Kershaw County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Detention Center" or "Inmate Search" section
Enter the required search criteria (at minimum, last name is typically required)
Additional search parameters may include first name, date of birth, or booking number for more precise results
Review the search results, which typically display basic information including name, booking date, charges, and bond status
Note that online records are updated regularly but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Kershaw County Detention Center directly at (803) 425-1516
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Be prepared to provide additional identifying information if requested
Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody and provide basic information about charges and bond status
Detailed information may require an in-person visit or formal records request

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Kershaw County Detention Center during normal business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Complete any required visitor registration forms
Request information about the specific inmate
Staff can provide publicly available information about current inmates

Formal Records Request:

Submit a written request under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
Direct requests to the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Clearly identify the specific records being requested
Include contact information for response
Be aware that fees may apply for document reproduction and staff time
Allow up to 10 business days for a response, as permitted under state law

For individuals seeking information about inmates in state custody rather than county detention, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides a searchable database of all inmates housed in state correctional facilities.

How To Find an Inmate in Kershaw County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Kershaw County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name is required; first name is recommended for common surnames)
Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and booking date
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search:

Visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections website
Accept the terms and conditions of the search tool
Enter the inmate's name or SCDC number if known
Review the results for inmates in state custody
This database includes individuals sentenced to state prison terms, not those held solely in county facilities

South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services:

Access the SCDPPPS Offender Search portal
Enter the individual's name or identification number
This database provides information about individuals under community supervision
The service is provided at no cost to the public

Telephone Inquiry to Detention Center:

Call the Kershaw County Detention Center at (803) 425-1516 during business hours
Provide the name of the person you are attempting to locate
Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody
Basic information such as charges and court dates may be provided
This service is provided at no cost, though staff availability may vary

Kershaw County Clerk of Court:

Contact the Kershaw County Clerk of Court at (803) 425-1500
Provide the name of the individual and any case numbers if known
Court records may indicate if a person is in custody and their next court date
Basic information is typically provided without charge

These free resources provide access to fundamental information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed records, such as comprehensive criminal histories or case files, formal requests and associated fees may apply.

How To Visit an Inmate In Kershaw County

Visitation with inmates at the Kershaw County Detention Center is governed by specific policies designed to maintain facility security while supporting inmates' connections with family and community. Prospective visitors should familiarize themselves with the following guidelines before planning a visit:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial booking process
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Former inmates must receive special approval before visiting current inmates
Visitors must successfully pass security screening before each visit

Visit Schedule:

Regular visitation hours are typically conducted on weekends and select weekdays
Specific visitation times are assigned based on inmate housing units
Each inmate is generally permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Schedule changes are posted at the facility and communicated to inmates

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (limited to one key or fob)
Essential medications (must be declared and approved)
Small clear plastic bag for permitted items

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes
Controlled substances or alcohol
Cell phones, cameras, or other electronic devices
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Food or beverages
Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Non-contact visits through glass partitions are standard for most inmates
Contact visits may be permitted for certain classification levels or special circumstances
Video visitation services may be available as an alternative to in-person visits
Special visits for attorneys, clergy, and other professional contacts are arranged separately

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Passing items to inmates is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal charges
Visitors who violate rules may be permanently banned from future visits

These visitation policies are established in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-3-140, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable regulations for inmate visitation. For the most current information on visitation procedures, contact the Kershaw County Detention Center directly at (803) 425-1516.

How To Send Money to a Kershaw County Inmate

The Kershaw County Detention Center provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available for sending money to inmates:

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Available in the detention center lobby during normal business hours
Accepts cash and credit/debit card payments
Provides immediate credit to the inmate's account
Receipt is provided for all transactions
Service fees may apply for credit/debit card transactions

Online Deposits:

Available 24 hours a day through the facility's contracted service provider
Requires creation of an account with the service provider
Accepts major credit and debit cards
Funds typically post to inmate accounts within 24 hours
Transaction fees apply (typically $2.50-$7.95 depending on deposit amount)

Money Order by Mail:

Send money orders (no personal checks) to: Kershaw County Detention Center Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number 101 Bramblewood Plantation Road Camden, SC 29020
Money orders must be made payable to the inmate
Include sender's full name and return address
No service fees apply for money order deposits
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Single deposits are typically limited to $300 per transaction
Weekly deposit limits may apply (generally $500 per inmate)
Monthly deposit limits may be enforced (typically $1,000 per inmate)
Large deposits may trigger additional verification procedures

Fees:

Lobby kiosk: $2.00-$5.00 per transaction
Online deposits: $2.50-$7.95 depending on amount
Money orders: No fee from the detention center (postal fees may apply)
All fees are subject to change and are set by third-party service providers

Prohibited Items:

Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Personal checks are not accepted
Cashier's checks from unknown sources may be rejected
Money cannot be transferred between inmate accounts

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
Haircuts and other personal services
Payment of outstanding fees or fines

Restricted Uses:

Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Purchases of prohibited items or contraband
Payments to other inmates or their families
Gambling or other unauthorized activities

Upon an inmate's release, any remaining balance in their account will be returned via debit card or check. For specific questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Kershaw County Detention Center at (803) 425-1516.

How To Send Jail Mail In Kershaw County

Correspondence with inmates at the Kershaw County Detention Center is subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain contact with family, friends, and legal representatives. The following procedures apply to sending mail to inmates:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and booking number
- Kershaw County Detention Center
- 101 Bramblewood Plantation Road
- Camden, SC 29020
Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
Mail without proper return address will not be delivered
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 24-48 hours of receipt

Permitted Items:

Letters on plain white or lined paper
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope)
- Photos must be 4x6 inches or smaller
- No Polaroid or self-developing photos
- No sexually explicit or gang-related images
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Money orders (as described in the previous section)
Religious materials (subject to review)
Legal documents

Prohibited Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented papers
Cash or personal checks
Postage stamps or envelopes
Food items or candy
Clothing or personal items
Plastic, metal, or other non-paper items

Legal Mail:

Correspondence from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is considered privileged
Legal mail should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Legal documents are not read by staff but are inspected for contraband
Attorney visits are not subject to the same restrictions as regular visitation

Books and Publications:

Books must be paperback only
All books must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Used books are not accepted
Religious texts may be approved through the facility chaplain
Educational materials may require approval from program staff
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected

Mail Rejection:

Mail containing contraband, threats, criminal activity, or escape plans will be rejected
Sexually explicit materials are prohibited
Gang-related content is not permitted
Rejected mail is returned to sender with explanation
Inmates may appeal rejected mail through the grievance process

These mail procedures are established in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-9-20, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable regulations for inmate correspondence. For the most current information on mail procedures, contact the Kershaw County Detention Center directly at (803) 425-1516.

Lookup Inmate Records in Kershaw County

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search

South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Offender Search

South Carolina Department of Corrections Institutions