Clarendon County Detention Center

In Case of Emergency Dial 911

Mission & General Information

The mission of the Clarendon County Detention Center is to provide safe, humane and sanitary housing and care for persons lawfully arrested and incarcerated within the jurisdiction of Clarendon County or by outside agencies having the legal authority to arrest and detain; and to follow directions as issued through the courts. The facility has a rated capacity to house up to 152 detainees, but typically houses an average daily population between 55 to 80 male and female detainees age 17 years and older who are primarily pre-trial (awaiting trial) or serving sentences of less than 90 days through any criminal court, or up to 1 year through Family Court. Persons sentenced to more than 90 days through any criminal court are transferred to the SC Department of Corrections to serve out their sentences. The facility was renovated and expanded in 2005. CCDC is both a Direct and Indirect Supervision detention facility with minimum to maximum security housing consisting of celled and open dorm style units. The facility falls under the jurisdiction of the Clarendon County Administrator. It employs a staff of 35 certified correctional officers and two administrative staff.

In addition to full-time employees; contract and volunteer employees provide the following services:

  • Medical Services
  • Food Services
  • Inmate Commissary
  • Inmate Telephone System
  • Life Skills / Substance Abuse Education
  • Volunteer Chaplain Program

Booking & Release Process

When an individual arrives at CCDC, correctional officers search the detainee, document their personal property and money, take electronic fingerprints, photographs, collect identifying information, screen for health concerns and mental well being, document criminal charges, and run a criminal history check. All pertinent information is entered into a jail management computerized database. A free phone call is offered after all booking steps are completed. The arrestee also receives a more detailed health screening by medical staff within 14 days of arriving at the facility.

A detainee can only be released when detention center staff has an official release document from the court that covers all charges applicable to the detainee, or upon the completion of a detainee’s court-ordered sentence. While CCDC staff strives to promptly process and release eligible individuals, workload can sometimes affect processing times, as well as the availability of criminal history information, verification of warrants and other detainers and notification of victims.

SC Victim Information & Notification System

The South Carolina Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) system will enable detention centers, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to comply with victim notification laws. More important, the system will empower victims by allowing them to make a toll-free call or access a website for offender status information from anywhere at any time. A crime victim may register for notification on the custody status of an offender who is either incarcerated in a detention center, jail, or the Department of Corrections or under the supervision of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Once registered, a victim will receive immediate notification regarding changes in the custody status of the offender, including transfer and release. SC SAVIN is a free service, available 24-hours a day in both English and Spanish. Please call 1.866.SCSAVIN (1.866.727.2846) to register for notification.

Charges & Bond Information

When an individual arrives at CCDC, correctional officers search the detainee, document their personal property and money, take electronic fingerprints, photographs, collect identifying information, screen for health concerns and mental well being, document criminal charges, and run a criminal history check. All pertinent information is entered into a jail management computerized database. A free phone call is offered after all booking steps are completed. The arrestee also receives a more detailed health screening by medical staff within 14 days of arriving at the facility.

A detainee can only be released when detention center staff has an official release document from the court that covers all charges applicable to the detainee, or upon the completion of a detainee’s court-ordered sentence. While CCDC staff strives to promptly process and release eligible individuals, workload can sometimes affect processing times, as well as the availability of criminal history information, verification of warrants and other detainers and notification of victims.

Detainee Housing Assignments

After orientation and classification, detainees are assigned to one of several housing units. Housing assignments are determined based on the following objective criteria:

  • Type of criminal charges
  • Criminal history
  • Circumstances of arrest
  • Current and past behavior
  • Suitability for assignment
  • Pre-trial or Sentenced status

Release of Detainee Property

Personal property can be released to family or friends with a written authorization from an inmate. Property may be picked up between the hours of 8:30 am through 4:30 pm Mon. – Fri. unless other arrangements are approved.

Making Deposits to a Detainees

Family and friends of detainees housed at the Clarendon County Detention Center are able to deposit funds into a detainee’s account Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm   at the lobby window in the main entrance. We only accept US Postal money orders. Deposits will be available immediately once entered into the automated system, barring no unforeseen circumstances.

Deposits may also be sent by mail. The US Postal money order must be filled out with the inmate’s full name and must also list the full name and address of the sender. Money orders are processed and entered into the detainee’s account upon receipt. The detainee is issued a receipt for each transaction.

Important: Any monies deposited will be subject to the normal collections for debts owed to the detention center by the detainee (INCLUDING BOND MONEY)

Detainee Visits & Visitor Information

Pre-approved individuals may visit a detainee once or twice a week (depending on housing status) for 30 minutes per visit. Detainees fill out a visitation list with up to ten individuals on it before visits are allowed. A detainee may be in custody up to 3 days before visits are authorized due to processing, orientation, and classification requirements. Those not included on the visitation list will not be allowed to visit. Visitors on the detainees approved list must call to schedule an appointment during normal business hours by calling (803) 435-0364 and speaking to a Clerk. Visit space is limited. Visits are conducted remotely via a video-visitation system and are subject to visual and audio monitoring by staff.

  • Visitors must arrive and notify staff they are present at their scheduled time or risk being turned away.
  • Inmates are permitted no more than three visitors at a time.
  • Adult visitors must present photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, military identification, passport or state-issued ID card.
  • All visitors and their property are subject to pat and/or visual search. Refusal to comply with a search request is grounds for denial of visitation.
  • No personal property is allowed in the visitation area.
  • The detention center will not hold a visitor’s valuable property during visitation.
  • Weapons of any type are not permitted on the premises or anywhere in the building.
  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.
  • No electronic devices of any kind are permitted inside the facility.
  • No food or beverages will be permitted in the lobby or visiting areas.
  • Visitors who try to deliver contraband (unauthorized and illegal items) into the facility will be subject to arrest.
  • Visitors must wear appropriate clothing. Visitors who wear suggestive or inflammatory clothing, transparent fabric, short-shorts or mini-skirts will not be granted access.
  • Visitors under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Proper behavior is required of visitors at all times.

Visitors may be denied visitation privileges for any of the following reasons: not arriving on time; not on the inmate’s approved visitation list; violating the facility rules; disruptive behavior; the visitor is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol; insufficient space for visitation; visitation would place the visitor’s health at risk, or facility safety or security concerns.

Official Visitors

Official visitors (attorneys, clergy etc.) must present a proper picture ID and proper professional identification prior to a visit.  Official visitors may visit any day of the week between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by appointment.  However, official visits will not be permitted while meals are being served and during formal security counts or emergencies.