Beaufort Public Records /Beaufort County Inmate Search

Beaufort County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Beaufort County?

Inmate records in Beaufort County are official government documents maintained by the Beaufort County Detention Center that chronicle an individual's incarceration history within the county correctional system. These comprehensive records document the custody, care, and control of persons who have been arrested and detained pending trial or who are serving sentences after conviction. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 24-21-5, these records constitute official documentation of an individual's interaction with the county's correctional system.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records focus on case proceedings, legal arguments, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and daily management of individuals within detention facilities. The Beaufort County Clerk of Court maintains case files related to charges and legal proceedings, whereas the Beaufort County Detention Center maintains custody records documenting an individual's time in confinement.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the detention facility. During this initial phase, detention staff collect and record:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Personal property inventory
Medical screening information
Security classification assessments

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical treatments, visitation logs, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains on file with the detention center as required by South Carolina's records retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In Beaufort County?

Inmate records in Beaufort County are partially accessible to the public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs public access to government records. According to S.C. Code § 30-4-30, certain information about current inmates is considered public information and must be disclosed upon request, unless specific exemptions apply.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Full name and aliases
Current charges
Booking date and time
Custody status
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release date (if applicable)
Current housing facility
Booking photographs (mugshots)

However, South Carolina law restricts access to certain sensitive information contained within inmate records. Under S.C. Code § 30-4-40, the following information is typically exempt from public disclosure:

Social Security numbers
Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports
Victim information
Information that would compromise facility security
Personal identifying information that could lead to identity theft

The Beaufort County Detention Center maintains an Inmate Inquiry System that allows members of the public to access basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. This online database provides a convenient method for obtaining publicly available inmate information without submitting a formal records request.

What's Included Inmate Records in Beaufort County

Inmate records maintained by the Beaufort County Detention Center contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
State identification numbers and/or FBI numbers

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Intake assessment documentation
Classification status and housing assignments
Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Grievances filed
Participation in work programs or educational activities
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanors and/or felonies)
Warrant numbers
Arresting agency
Incident reports
Case numbers

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Court-ordered restrictions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody
Attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/work time credits earned
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Probation terms (if applicable)

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer, etc.)
Conditions of release
Post-release supervision requirements
Property returned upon release

These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina's records retention schedules and may be stored in both electronic and physical formats, depending on the age of the records and the specific information contained therein.

Beaufort County Prison System

The Beaufort County correctional system operates under a structured framework designed to maintain public safety while housing individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences for criminal convictions. The primary facility in this system is the Beaufort County Detention Center, which functions as the county jail under the administrative authority of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons in South Carolina. The Beaufort County Detention Center primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not been granted or cannot afford bail
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically sentences of up to one year)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions
Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions or agencies

By contrast, the South Carolina Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year. Individuals convicted of serious offenses in Beaufort County courts will typically be transferred to state custody after sentencing.

The Beaufort County detention system operates under the oversight of:

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 1758
Beaufort, SC 29901
(843) 255-3200
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

Beaufort County Detention Center
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5010
Beaufort County Detention Center

The detention center operates in accordance with standards established by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and follows policies and procedures designed to ensure the safety, security, and constitutional rights of all detained individuals.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Beaufort County

Beaufort County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around the main detention facility. The county's correctional infrastructure includes:

Beaufort County Detention Center
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5010
Beaufort County Detention Center

The Beaufort County Detention Center, opened in 1992, operates as a direct supervision facility—the second of its kind in South Carolina. This modern facility serves as the primary detention center for the county and houses various categories of inmates, including pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders serving terms of up to one year. The facility is designed with multiple housing units that allow for appropriate classification and separation of inmates based on factors such as gender, security risk, and special needs.

The detention center includes specialized housing areas for:

Male general population
Female general population
Maximum security inmates
Special needs inmates (including those with medical or mental health concerns)
Work release participants
Juvenile offenders (temporarily held in separate quarters before transfer to juvenile facilities)

While Beaufort County does not operate separate specialized correctional facilities such as work farms or minimum-security camps, the detention center does administer work release programs that allow qualifying low-risk inmates to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. These individuals return to the detention center during non-working hours.

For longer-term incarceration beyond the scope of county facilities, convicted felons from Beaufort County are transferred to the custody of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, which operates various state prison facilities throughout South Carolina.

Who's in Prison In Beaufort County

The Beaufort County Detention Center houses a diverse population of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system at various stages. The facility's population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the detention center population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are held pending trial because they:

Have been denied bail due to the nature of their charges
Cannot afford to post the bail amount set by the court
Have violated conditions of pre-trial release
Are awaiting their initial appearance before a judge

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and sentenced to terms of incarceration up to one year serve their sentences at the county detention center. Common misdemeanor convictions include:

Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
Simple assault
Petty theft
Disorderly conduct
Minor drug possession

Short-term Felony Convicts: Some individuals convicted of felonies may temporarily remain at the detention center while awaiting transfer to state prison facilities or if they are serving very short sentences as part of plea agreements.

Probation/Parole Violators: Persons who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held at the detention center pending hearings or as a sanction imposed by the court or the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

Federal Detainees: Through intergovernmental agreements, the detention center may house federal detainees awaiting trial in federal court or transfer to federal prison facilities.

Temporary Holds: Individuals may be temporarily detained for:

Court appearances from other jurisdictions
Immigration proceedings
Extradition to other states
Mental health evaluations

The demographic composition of the detention center population generally reflects patterns seen throughout the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals and certain minority groups. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors affecting crime rates in Beaufort County.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Beaufort County in 2026

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

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the official Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System
Accept the terms and conditions of use
Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional, but recommended for common surnames)
- Date of birth (optional, helps narrow results)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking photograph
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing status

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Beaufort County Detention Center at (843) 255-5010
Request inmate information from the records division
Provide the name of the individual and any additional identifying information
Note that basic information may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests

In-Person Request:

Visit the Beaufort County Detention Center during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Complete an inmate information request form at the front desk
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for copies of records

Written Request:

Submit a formal written request to:

Records Division Beaufort County Detention Center 100 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29902
Include in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- The full name and date of birth (if known) of the inmate
- Specific information being requested
- Purpose of the request
- Signature and date
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Include payment for any applicable fees (contact the facility for current fee schedule)

For individuals seeking information about persons who may be in state prison rather than the county detention center, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides a searchable database of all inmates in state custody.

How To Find an Inmate in Beaufort County for Free?

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

Beaufort County Detention Center Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System
No registration or payment is required to use this service
Enter the inmate's last name (minimum requirement)
Add first name or date of birth if available to narrow results
Review the search results showing current inmates matching the search criteria

South Carolina Statewide Resources: If the person is not found in the county system, they may be in state custody. Check:

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search for sentenced felons
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Offender Search for individuals under community supervision

Telephone Information:

Call the Beaufort County Detention Center at (843) 255-5010
Request basic inmate status information
Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
Basic information such as confirmation of incarceration, charges, and bond amounts may be provided at no cost

Jail Roster Review:

Visit the Beaufort County Detention Center in person during regular business hours
Request to view the current jail roster, which is considered a public record
No fee is charged for viewing the roster, though identification may be required

Court Records Search:

Access the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index to search court records
Search by name to locate case information
Court records may indicate if a person is in custody and where they are being held
This service is provided free of charge

When using these free resources, be aware that the information provided is typically limited to basic details such as confirmation of incarceration, current charges, and bond information. More comprehensive records may require formal requests and associated fees. Additionally, information about recently arrested individuals may not be immediately available in online systems until the booking process is complete.

How To Visit an Inmate In Beaufort County

Visitation at the Beaufort County Detention Center follows strict protocols to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain family and community connections. Persons wishing to visit inmates must adhere to the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit up to 5 names for their visitation list
Changes to visitation lists are processed on Tuesdays only
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate
Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time for processing

Visit Schedule:

Regular visitation hours are conducted Thursday through Sunday
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evening sessions (Thursday and Friday only): 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Special holiday schedules are posted at the facility and on the detention center website

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
Birth certificates for minor visitors
Locker key deposit ($5.00, returned after visit)
Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, mobility devices)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50.00
Letters, photos, or items for inmates

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No see-through or tight-fitting clothing
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times
No hats, bandanas, or head coverings (religious head coverings permitted)

Visit Types:

Non-contact visits through glass partitions with telephone communication are standard
Contact visits may be authorized for certain classifications of inmates at the discretion of facility administration
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are conducted in designated areas
Virtual visitation options may be available through the facility's video visitation system

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors with criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Visitors suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry

All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security concerns. Visitors are advised to verify current policies by calling the Beaufort County Detention Center at (843) 255-5010 before planning a visit. Additional information can be found on the Beaufort County Detention Center Information of Interest page.

How To Send Money to a Beaufort County Inmate

The Beaufort County Detention Center provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order from an authorized vendor (USPS, Western Union, etc.)
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
Mail the money order to:

Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 100 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29902
Include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days after receipt

Online Deposits:

Visit the Beaufort County Detention Center website
Select the online payment provider link
Create an account or log in as a guest
Enter the inmate's information (full name and booking number)
Enter payment information (credit/debit card or electronic check)
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Service fees apply to online transactions

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby of the Beaufort County Detention Center during regular business hours
Locate the automated kiosk machine
Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
The kiosk accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours
Service fees may apply for credit/debit card transactions

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Transaction Fees:

Money orders: No fee
Online deposits: Fees vary based on amount (typically $2.95-$9.95)
Kiosk deposits: $2.00 fee for cash, $3.00 fee for credit/debit cards

Prohibited Funds:

Cash sent through mail
Personal checks
Business checks
Third-party checks
Cashier's checks from foreign banks
Money orders from unauthorized sources

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Educational materials
Release funds

Restricted Uses:

Payments to other inmates
Payments to facility staff
Bond payments
Fine or restitution payments
Outside purchases beyond approved vendors

All funds received are subject to deduction for any outstanding debts the inmate may have, including medical co-pays, property damage, or court-ordered payments. Questions regarding inmate accounts can be directed to the Beaufort County Detention Center at (843) 255-5010 during regular business hours.

How To Send Jail Mail In Beaufort County

Correspondence with inmates at the Beaufort County Detention Center is permitted but subject to specific regulations to maintain facility security. All mail must comply with the following guidelines:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Mail is distributed to inmates Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
There is no limit on the volume of mail an inmate may receive or send
All incoming mail must include the sender's full name and complete return address
Mail without a return address will be rejected
Mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number Beaufort County Detention Center 100 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29902

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters on plain white, lined, or colored paper
Greeting cards (no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum size 4" x 6", limit 5 per envelope)
Money orders (must be separate from letters)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only)
Drawings on plain paper (no crayon or marker)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
Postage stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Polaroid photographs
Laminated items
Cardboard or hardcover items
Plastic or metal items
Perfumed or lipstick-marked paper
Crayon or marker drawings
Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
Gang-related materials
Items depicting violence or weapons
Coded messages
Publications not directly sent from the publisher

Legal Mail:

Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is considered privileged
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Legal mail must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
Attorney correspondence must include the attorney's bar number

Publications:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an authorized retailer
Publications must be soft-cover only
Religious texts are subject to the same mailing restrictions
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected

E-Messages:

Some electronic messaging services may be available through approved vendors
Family and friends can register online through the detention center's authorized service provider
Fees apply for electronic messages
All electronic communications are subject to monitoring and screening

Mail Rejection:

Mail containing prohibited items or content will be rejected
When mail is rejected, a notice is sent to both the inmate and the sender
Rejected mail is either returned to sender or placed in the inmate's property
Appeals of mail rejection decisions may be submitted in writing to the facility administrator

For additional information regarding mail policies, contact the Beaufort County Detention Center at (843) 255-5010 or visit the Inmate Rules and Procedures page on the official website.

Lookup Inmate Records in Beaufort County

Inmate Inquiry System

Beaufort County Detention Center

Information of Interest

Inmate Rules and Procedures

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search

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

South Carolina Department of Corrections

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