Berkeley Public Records /Berkeley County Inmate Search

Berkeley County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Berkeley County?

Inmate records in Berkeley County are official government documents maintained by the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and detention facilities that document the custody status and personal information of individuals who have been arrested, booked, and detained within the county's correctional system. These records constitute the official documentation of an individual's time in custody from initial booking through release.

Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 24-21-5, correctional facilities are required to maintain comprehensive records on all persons in their custody. These records differ from court records in several important ways:

Inmate records focus on custody status and institutional management
Court records document legal proceedings and case dispositions
Detention facilities maintain custody records while courts maintain case files
Inmate records begin at booking/intake and continue through incarceration

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office creates an inmate record at the time of booking, which typically includes the individual's photograph (mugshot), fingerprints, personal identifying information, and details of the alleged offense. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other significant events. Upon release, the active record is closed, though the information remains in the system as historical data.

The Berkeley County Detention Center serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals held in county custody.

Are Inmate Records Public In Berkeley County?

Inmate records in Berkeley County are considered public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. According to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, any person has the right to inspect or copy public records of public bodies, subject to certain exemptions.

The following inmate information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
Basic booking information and arrest records
Charges filed against the inmate
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, certain information may be restricted from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Juvenile records (in most cases)
Information that would compromise institutional security
Records protected by other state or federal laws

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. This public access aligns with the state's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy and security concerns.

What's Included Inmate Records in Berkeley County

Berkeley County inmate records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Mugshot photograph
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Last known address

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number/inmate ID
Current custody status
Housing assignment within facility
Classification level
Disciplinary records while in custody
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Arresting agency
Arrest date and location
Criminal charges (with statute numbers)
Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
Warrant numbers
Probation/parole violations (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

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

Court Information:

Court case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned to case

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Probation/parole eligibility dates
Good time/work time credits earned

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date (if released)
Type of release (bail, time served, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements

These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper custody management, facilitating court appearances, and maintaining public safety through appropriate information sharing with law enforcement partners and the public.

Berkeley County Prison System

The Berkeley County correctional system operates under the authority of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested within the county jurisdiction. The system primarily consists of the Berkeley County Detention Center, which houses both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year.

It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons:

County detention centers primarily house individuals awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences (typically under one year)
State prisons, operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences
County facilities are funded by county government and operated by the Sheriff's Office
State facilities are funded by the state and operated by the Department of Corrections

The Berkeley County detention system operates under the direct supervision of the Sheriff and follows both state regulations and county policies regarding inmate management, visitation, and records maintenance.

Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
223 North Live Oak Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: (843) 719-4412
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Berkeley County

Berkeley County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations:

Berkeley County Detention Center
300 California Avenue
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: (843) 719-4550
Berkeley County Detention Center

The Berkeley County Detention Center serves as the primary holding facility for the county. This medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates who are either awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. The facility provides various programs including educational services, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.

Berkeley County Work Camp
300 California Avenue
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: (843) 719-4550
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office

The Work Camp program allows qualifying minimum-security inmates to participate in supervised work details throughout the county. Participants may assist with roadside cleanup, building maintenance, and other community service projects. This program helps reduce incarceration costs while providing valuable services to the community and allowing inmates to develop work skills.

Berkeley County Juvenile Detention
223 North Live Oak Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: (843) 719-4412
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office

Juvenile offenders are typically housed separately from adult populations in accordance with South Carolina Code § 63-19-820, which requires sight and sound separation between juvenile and adult detainees. The juvenile detention facility provides specialized services tailored to the needs of younger offenders, including educational programming and counseling services.

Who's in Prison In Berkeley County

The Berkeley County detention facilities house several categories of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
These individuals maintain the presumption of innocence under law

Sentenced Offenders:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to one year
Persons convicted of ordinance violations or contempt of court
Those serving weekend or intermittent sentences
Work release program participants who work in the community during the day

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions (interstate compacts)
Probation or parole violators awaiting hearings
Federal detainees held through agreements with federal agencies

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
Military personnel held on behalf of military authorities
Immigration detainees held through agreements with federal authorities

According to data from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, the average daily population fluctuates between 250-300 inmates, with approximately 70% being pre-trial detainees and 30% serving sentences. The demographic composition generally reflects arrest patterns within the county, with variations in age, gender, and offense types.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Berkeley County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Berkeley County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office currently provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Detention Center" section
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, and bond status
Note that information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought
Provide identification and any relevant case information
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (if requesting copies)
Allow processing time as specified by staff

Written Records Request:

Submit a written request via mail or email to the Records Division
Include specific information about the inmate (full name, approximate booking date)
Provide return contact information and specify preferred delivery method
Include payment for any applicable fees (check with the office for current fee schedule)
Allow 10-15 business days for processing pursuant to state FOIA requirements

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Berkeley County Detention Center at (843) 719-4550
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Be prepared to verify your identity
Note that limited information may be provided by telephone

When requesting inmate records, be aware that certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy laws and security protocols. All requests are processed in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

How To Find an Inmate in Berkeley County for Free?

Berkeley County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in county detention facilities:

Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
No registration or payment is required to use this service
Results display current inmates only; released inmates may not appear

Detention Center Telephone Verification:

Call the Berkeley County Detention Center at (843) 719-4550
Request inmate verification from the officer or staff member
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
Basic custody status information is typically provided at no charge
Available during regular business hours

VINELink Notification System:

Visit VINELink or call 1-800-VINE-LINK
Select South Carolina as your state
Enter the inmate's name to search
View custody status and location information
Register for free notifications about changes in custody status

Court Records Search:

Access the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index
Search by the individual's name
Review case information, which may indicate detention status
Note court dates and locations, which can help confirm custody status
This service is provided free of charge to the public

When using these free services, be prepared to provide accurate spelling of the inmate's name. Information available through these channels is typically limited to confirmation of custody status, charges, and bond information. More detailed records may require formal requests through the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

How To Visit an Inmate In Berkeley County

Visitation with inmates at Berkeley County detention facilities follows established protocols to ensure security while facilitating important family connections. All visits are subject to the rules and regulations established by the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-3-80.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance of planned visit
Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all visitors
Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
Visitation may be terminated at any time for rule violations

Visit Schedule:

General population: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Maximum security: Sunday only, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special housing units: By appointment only
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Visit duration is typically limited to 30 minutes per session

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
Documents for inmate signature (if pre-approved)
Baby care items if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches)
Cameras or recording devices
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, etc.)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
Video visitation (available at designated terminals)
Professional visits (separate rooms for attorneys)
Special visits (may be approved for exceptional circumstances)

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervisor
Visitors with criminal histories may be denied entry
Visitors appearing to be under the influence will be denied
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges

For current visitation information, contact:

Berkeley County Detention Center Visitation Office
300 California Avenue
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: (843) 719-4550
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office

How To Send Money to a Berkeley County Inmate

Berkeley County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses.

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
Select "Berkeley County Detention Center" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Funds are usually available within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the kiosk located in the detention center lobby
Available during normal business hours
Touch screen interface accepts cash or credit/debit cards
Obtain receipt as proof of deposit
Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Lower service fees than online deposits

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase money order from post office or retail location
Make payable to "Berkeley County Detention Center"
Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
Mail to: Berkeley County Detention Center, Inmate Accounts, 300 California Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
No personal checks or cash accepted by mail
No service fees, but processing takes 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposit: $500
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,000
Minimum deposit amount: $5
Special approval required for larger deposits

Fees:

Online deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
Kiosk deposits (credit/debit): $2.50 flat fee
Kiosk deposits (cash): $1.00 flat fee
Money orders by mail: No fee

What Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Educational materials and program fees

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

Payment of fines or court costs
Bond payments
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases or bill payments
Contraband items

All financial transactions are monitored and subject to review. Suspicious deposits may be investigated for potential illegal activity. Inmates receive regular account statements showing deposits and expenditures.

How To Send Jail Mail In Berkeley County

Correspondence with inmates at Berkeley County detention facilities must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with South Carolina Department of Corrections Policy PS-10.08.

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address envelopes with inmate's full name, ID number, and facility address:

Inmate Name, ID Number Berkeley County Detention Center 300 California Avenue Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Include your full name and return address on the envelope
Use standard white envelopes only
Letters must be written in blue or black ink only
No perfume, lipstick, stickers, glitter, or other substances on letters
No polaroid photos or photos with borders
Standard photos limited to 10 per envelope, maximum size 4"x6"
No packages may be sent directly by family or friends

Prohibited Mail Content:

Sexually explicit materials or photos
Gang-related content or symbols
Maps, escape plans, or facility information
Threats or descriptions of criminal activity
Coded messages or foreign language without translation
Cash, checks, or contraband items
Excessive greeting cards (limit 5 per envelope)
Items that cannot be searched effectively

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come directly from attorney, court, or legal organization
Will be opened in inmate's presence to inspect for contraband
Contents will not be read by staff if properly marked
Must include attorney bar number on envelope

Books and Publications:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only (no hardcover)
Maximum of 3 books per package
Subject to content review by facility staff
Religious texts allowed subject to security review

E-Messages (if available):

Register on approved vendor website
Purchase credits for messages
Compose message following online guidelines
Messages are typically printed and delivered with regular mail
Responses may be scanned and made available online

All incoming mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Delivery to inmates typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing. Mail that violates facility guidelines may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed depending on the nature of the violation.

Lookup Inmate Records in Berkeley County

Berkeley County Sheriff's Office South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search VINELink Victim Notification Service South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index Berkeley County Detention Center

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