charleston-county-inmate-search-south-carolina offers a free, public online tool that updates every night at 2:00 AM Eastern Time. Users can search by full name, last name, or partial name. They may also set a booking date range using MM/DD/YYYY format. A checkbox lets people include prior inmates released since 2010. Each result shows booking time, charge, and a unique inmate ID. All data follows South Carolina public record laws. A clear notice reminds everyone that listed individuals are innocent until proven guilty in court. The system also links to a live booking log refreshed every 15 minutes with real-time arrest details.
How to Use the Charleston County Inmate Search Tool
Start by visiting the official inmate search portal. Enter a last name, first name, or part of a name into the fields provided. Leave fields blank if unsure. Use the date range boxes to narrow results by booking period. Check “Include Prior Inmates” to see people released after 2010. Click search to view matching records. Each entry displays the inmate’s photo, booking timestamp, charges, bond amount, and housing location. Results are sorted by most recent booking. The page loads quickly and works on mobile devices. No registration or fee is required. All searches are anonymous and not tracked.
What Information Appears in Search Results
Every search result includes key details about the inmate. The full legal name and any known aliases are shown. A recent mugshot appears if available. The booking date and time use Eastern Standard Time. Charge descriptions list the crime in plain language, such as “DUI” or “Theft Under $2,000.” Bond amounts display in dollars, if set by a judge. The inmate’s current housing unit within the detention center is listed. Projected release dates appear for sentenced individuals. Unique inmate IDs help track records across systems. All data comes directly from the Sheriff’s Office database. No third-party edits or delays occur.
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center Overview
The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center sits at 3841 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, SC 29405. Built in 1992, it spans 12 acres and holds up to 1,500 adult inmates. More than 250 staff members work there, including correctional officers, medical professionals, and administrators. The facility runs three main divisions: Security, Medical & Mental Health, and Administrative Services. Security manages housing units, cameras, and perimeter control. Medical staff provide checkups, emergency care, and counseling. Administrative teams handle records, court orders, and family communication. The center meets state standards for safety and inmate rights.
Booking and Intake Process
New inmates go through a strict intake process at the Processing Division. Four teams work 12.25-hour shifts on a rotating schedule. Each team handles fingerprinting, facial scans, health checks, and interviews. About 33,000 people are processed yearly—more than the entire state prison system sees in a year. During intake, staff collect personal details, take photos, and assign housing based on risk level. Medical staff screen for injuries, illnesses, and mental health needs. Inmates receive basic supplies and orientation materials. The whole process takes 2–4 hours depending on case complexity.
Live Booking Log Updates
The county’s booking log updates every 15 minutes with new arrests. Each entry shows the person’s full name, exact booking time, charge code, and a link to their intake record. For example, on December 6, 2023, Devrion Shannon was booked at 10:18 am, John Catterton at 9:22 am, and Molly Henderson at 6:34 am. The log includes both misdemeanors and felonies. Users can sort by time, charge type, or facility location. The log covers both the main detention center and the North Charleston facility. It serves law enforcement, attorneys, and families needing real-time info.
Difference Between County Jail and State Prison Records
Charleston County jail holds people awaiting trial or serving sentences under 365 days. State prisons, run by SCDC, house inmates with longer sentences. The county search tool only shows current and recent detainees. For state inmates, use the SCDC portal at public.doc.state.sc.us. That site requires an SCDC number, SID number, or full name. It displays facility location, sentence length, release date, and parole status. County and state systems do not share real-time data. Always check both if unsure where someone is held.
How to Contact the Detention Center
Call 843-529-7300 to speak with staff during business hours. The main address is 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. Mail for inmates must include their full name and inmate number. Send letters to: Inmate’s Full Name & #, Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 3841 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405. Do not send cash, weapons, or contraband. Packages are not accepted. Phone calls from inmates are collect-only. Family members can set up accounts to receive calls. Visiting hours vary by unit and require advance approval.
Visitation Rules and Schedules
Visits must be scheduled in advance through the jail’s online system. Each inmate has specific days and times based on their housing unit. Visitors must bring valid photo ID and pass a background check. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian present. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Sessions last 30 minutes. No physical contact is permitted except brief handshakes. Dress codes ban revealing clothes, hats, or gang-related symbols. Food, gifts, and electronics are prohibited. Violations can lead to suspended privileges.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail amounts are set by judges during initial hearings. Some charges have preset bond schedules. Others require a hearing within 48 hours. Bond can be paid in cash, through a bondsman, or via certified check. The Jail Exchange portal lists current bond amounts for each inmate. Third-party bail bond providers are approved by the court. Payments made online go through secure processors. Refunds take 2–6 weeks after release. If bail is denied, the inmate remains jailed until trial.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The Medical & Mental Health Division serves about 300 inmates annually. Staff include nurses, doctors, and counselors. Routine checkups, medications, and emergency care are provided on-site. Mental health screenings happen during intake. Crisis intervention is available 24/7. Inmates can request medical attention at any time. All services follow state health guidelines. Records are confidential but shared with courts when needed. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are managed daily.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
The detention center offers law-enforcement-driven education classes. Topics include anger management, substance abuse, and job readiness. Classes are taught by certified instructors. Completion certificates may help with parole decisions. Recreation yards meet state standards for outdoor time. Inmates get at least one hour of exercise daily. Work-release programs allow eligible inmates to hold jobs outside the facility. These programs reduce overcrowding and teach responsibility.
Public Records and Legal Compliance
All inmate data follows South Carolina Freedom of Information Act rules. The Sheriff’s Office publishes rosters, policies, and annual reports online. A disclaimer on every search page states that all individuals are presumed innocent. Records are updated nightly to reflect releases, transfers, or court rulings. Expungement requests must go through the court clerk, not the jail. The system does not hide records based on severity—only active warrants or protective orders limit access.
Common Misconceptions About Inmate Searches
Many believe all inmates are convicted criminals. In truth, most are awaiting trial or held for minor offenses. Others think searches cost money—but the official portal is free. Some assume records update instantly, but nightly refreshes mean delays up to 24 hours. Another myth is that aliases don’t appear—but the system lists known alternate names. Lastly, people often confuse county jails with state prisons. Always verify which system holds the person you’re searching for.
How to Request Record Corrections
If information is wrong—like a misspelled name or incorrect charge—contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Call 843-529-7300 or email records@ccso.charlestoncounty.org. Provide the inmate’s name, booking date, and proof of error. Staff will review and correct mistakes within 5 business days. For legal name changes, submit a court order. Do not use third-party sites—they cannot alter official records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for someone without their full name?
Yes. Enter just a last name or part of a name. The system shows all matches. Use the date range to narrow results.
Why isn’t my search showing recent arrests?
The database updates at 2:00 AM daily. Arrests after that time appear the next morning. For real-time data, check the 15-minute booking log.
Are mugshots always available?
Mugshots appear if taken during booking. Some low-level offenders skip photos. Prior inmates may not have images if released before 2010.
How do I find state prison inmates?
Use the SCDC search at public.doc.state.sc.us. County tools only show local jail detainees.
Can I visit without scheduling?
No. All visits require advance approval. Walk-ins are not allowed for security reasons.
What if bail is denied?
The inmate stays jailed until trial. Contact their attorney to request a bail hearing.
Is inmate mail monitored?
Yes. All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected for contraband. Legal mail from attorneys is opened in the inmate’s presence.
Official Resources
Official website: https://inmatesearch.charlestoncounty.org/
Phone: 843-529-7300
Address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Visiting hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (by appointment only)
Booking log: https://southcarolina.arrests.org/index.php?county=922
