Here are visitation details for the weekend of April 27-28:
 

ALL visits are cancelled at Ridgeland this weekend.    

In-person and virtual visitation are approved for all other institutions.

SCDC institutions without units on COVID quarantine will be allowed to visit both in person and virtually. Institutions with a majority of dorms on quarantine will not be allowed to visit at all. At other institutions, inmates not in quarantine dorms will be allowed to visit virtually.

All visits must be scheduled at least 15 hours ahead by using the GTL scheduler.

Contact visits expand to some medium-security institutions

SCDC will now allow inmates at some medium-security prisons to visit their loved ones without plexiglass booths.

Those institutions are Allendale, Evans, MacDougall, Trenton and Tyger River.

These institutions join Camille Graham, Goodman, Leath, Livesay, Manning, Palmer and Wateree River to allow contact visits. This change took effect Dec. 3, 2022.

Visits at close-custody institutions and higher-security medium custody institutions will continue to be non-contact.

The visitation booths will remain in the visitation rooms. If visitors are caught with contraband, the institution could go back to non-contact visits. Also, if COVID-19 restrictions return, the department will resume using the plexiglass booths for visitation.

Anyone caught bringing contraband into SCDC will be arrested and prohibited from visiting again.

All visits still need to be scheduled through the GTL scheduler.

Find complete visitation rules for minimum-security and female institutions here. (PDF)

Find complete visitation rules for medium-security institutions with contact visitation here. (PDF)

Find complete visitation rules for medium- and close-security institutions with non-contact visitation here. (PDF)

See also these important general visitation guidelines and the information below.

Virtual visitation is available at some institutions Monday-Friday depending on COVID restrictions. Those decisions are made at the institution. For more information about virtual visitation schedules, contact the institution directly.

Restroom use during visitation

While visitors are encouraged to use the restroom before arriving at the institution, some accommodations are being made for restroom use during weekend visitation.

Visitors may use the visitation room restrooms one time during a two-hour visit. If children age nine or younger are present, they must accompany the adult visitor to the restroom. This will be considered as both visitors’ one-time use.

Also, restrooms located outside the institution or in the lobby might be available before processing through the security area.

Visitation is now open on Saturdays and Sundays for all institutions not on covid quarantine.

Visits must be scheduled ahead of time on the SCDC/GTL scheduler. If you have not created an account, click here to do so.

For virtual visitation, you should first read carefully: the virtual visitation instructions and FAQ (PDF) before creating an account.

Visits will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be scheduled in 2-hour blocks. General population inmates with visitation privileges will be allowed four in-person visits per month.

Inmates may have one visit per weekend and up to four visits per month.

Inmates may have up to four visitors at a time, one of which must be an adult. Children of all ages can visit. Children age 10 and older must have a government-issued photo ID to visit. Children age nine and younger must show a long-form birth certificate.

Families of inmates who have visitation privileges and live in housing units other than general population need to schedule visits by calling the institution.

Questions? Email visitation@doc.sc.gov .

Virtual visits continue for inmates who are not in quarantine dorms. If you have questions, please email visitation@doc.sc.gov.

If covid cases arise at other institutions and housing units are put on quarantine, visits will be cancelled. Information will be distributed on the agency’s website here and on the agency’s Twitter feed. Please keep close watch because circumstances can change quickly with COVID.

Several changes will be in place. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time through the SCDC/GTL scheduler, located here on the agency’s website. This is the same process used to schedule virtual visits. To use the scheduler, visitors must be on the approved visitation list and do two things:

1. Register on the SCDC/GTL scheduling website. To register, click on this link, which is found under the visitation tab on the agency’s website.
2. After logging into the site, schedule your visit.

The agency asks anyone planning to visit to register as soon as possible. Information about how to do that can be found here.

Also, if you need to update your address or any other information on your account, please email a photograph or photocopy of your ID to visitation@doc.sc.gov.

Other changes include:

1. Visits will be non-contact except for a brief embrace at the beginning of the visit.
2. Visits at medium and close security institutions will be in newly installed visitation booths.
3. Proof of vaccination is not required for visitors or inmates.
4. All visitors will be screened for covid symptoms.
5. Mask requirements are determined by the institution’s COVID-19 Operations status:
   1. Visitors to institutions on “Everyday” status are encouraged to wear a surgical mask, which will be issued by the institution.
   2. Visitors to institutions on “Enhanced” status who are age four and older are required to wear a surgical mask, which will be issued by the institution.
6. All visitation stations will be sanitized after each visit.
7. Visitors are encouraged to use the restroom before arriving at the institution as restrooms will not be accessible.
8. Institutions with living areas on COVID quarantine will not be able to visit. Information about this will be shared as soon as it is known, keeping in mind that COVID testing is ongoing and circumstances can change quickly.
9. If visitors are unable to attend a scheduled visit, they must cancel the visit 48 hours ahead of time. Otherwise the visit will count toward the inmate’s monthly visit total.

Virtual visitation is available at all institutions for those on an inmate's visitation list, depending on COVID restrictions. Virtual visits can be done on any kind of computer, tablet or smartphone. This is now available on Apple products, including iPhones, iPads and Macintosh computers.

Virtual Visitation Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Click here to schedule a visit.
Virtual Visitation Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Virtual Visitation: Moving from Flash to WebRTC (PDF)
Walk-through for Mobile Download for Android Devices (PDF)

Register or log-in: scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app

All visits must be scheduled through the GTL scheduling tool, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved SCDC visitation list.

Follow these directions (PDF) after logging in to GTL.

Click here to schedule a visit.

Visitation is an important component of the rehabilitation process and is conducted in the least restrictive manner possible while meeting requirements of safety, security, classification, and space availability. Review visitation guidelines in the section below: Rules for Visitors

Mailing Applications: The Division of Visitation and Inmate Drug Testing (Visitation) processes applications for visiting privileges. Mail applications to:

   Division of Visitation and I/M DT
   P. O. Box 212969
   Columbia, South Carolina, 29221-2969

Visitation Inquiry Line: 803-896-1838
   Press 1 — for questions regarding the visitation application process. If the recording does not answer your question, you may leave a message including your phone number (with area code) and staff will return your call.
   Press 2 — for up-to-date information about prisons that presently have canceled visitation because of security concerns.

Approved visitor should check the agency website (visitation) for any cancellations.

Each inmate in the S. C. Department of Corrections is allowed to have a maximum of 15 approved visitors on his/her visiting list.   Each inmate is provided with  "Request for Visiting Privileges" forms (SCDC Form 19-127) to send to his/her prospective visitors.  The only way for an individual to receive a visiting privileges form is from the inmate who wants them to visit.  These forms are provided to each inmate upon arrival in the Department of Corrections Reception and Evaluation Center and are available to inmates in all institutions throughout the state.   Every individual  must complete this form and forward it to Visitation through the Central Visitation Center for processing.  The form is reviewed by staff and the information is entered into the automated system.  If the form is missing any required information, the form is returned to the sender for proper completion.

Once the application form has been properly completed, submitted, and approved, the individual is added to the inmate's visiting list.  An inmate is provided a copy of his approved visiting list once a week if a change is made during that week. IT IS THE INMATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVISE HIS/HER VISITOR(S) OF THEIR APPROVAL.

Minor children that are on the APPROVED visiting list must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to visit only if they are the inmate's brothers and sisters, the inmate's children (natural or legally adopted), the inmate's stepchildren, grandchildren, or step-grandchildren.  When an individual arrives at an institution to visit, everyone age 10 and older must present a public safety picture identification.  Those under age 10 must show a copy of their long-form birth certificate.  Certain criteria must be met before an inmate who wishes to have minor nieces or nephews visit.  This information is available to the inmates at their institution, but first and foremost the inmate must be incarcerated at least three consecutive years.

Upon arriving at the institution, the visitor must state the name and SCDC number of the inmate they wish to visit.   This information is entered into the automated system and if the individual is listed on the inmate's approved visiting list, a visitor's pass will be generated for the individual. [Inmates may only have one visit per weekend; therefore, all visitors must be together.]

Inmates are not allowed to have in-person visitors during the reception and evaluation process unless they remain in the Reception and Evaluation Center longer than 30 days and the visitor is on the approved visiting list. After 30 days, only an inmate's parents (including stepparents), grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, spouse, and/or children (including stepchildren) are eligible to visit at R&E. If you are on the approved visiting list and the inmate has been here 30 days, call Kirkland R&E at 803-896-2000 or Camille R&E at 803-896-1296 between the hours of 8:00 am-noon on Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY.

The institution where the inmate is housed should be contacted directly concerning the visiting days and times appropriate to that facility.  Addresses and telephone numbers for all institutions are provided in the Institutions section of this website.

(Be sure to note the rules in the visitation section above as well)

Dear Prospective Visitor:

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is committed to encouraging relationships between inmates, their family members, and their friends. We strongly feel that visitation is an important part of each inmate's rehabilitation. At the same time, the Department must provide for the safety and security of each facility, staff, and inmates, and most importantly, the safety of other visitors, the public, and you.

NOTICE TO VISITORS AND INMATES
Based on security concerns, all personal devices that communicate wirelessly, including activity fitness trackers and smartwatches, have been prohibited from being brought into SCDC institutions since February 1, 2016. The devices have the capability to communicate with other devices over a wireless transmission protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular.

Since September 4, 2015, in a continuing effort to improve the safety and security of our institutions for staff, inmates, and visitors, all visitors age 18 and older entering Level II and Level III institutions will be required to submit to a pat/frisk search in addition to the existing search procedures. Female visitors will be searched by female employees only. Male visitors may be searched by employees of either gender. This practice is consistent with several other state correctional agencies and with our current practices for employees, vendors, and volunteers.

Visitors age 17 and under will not be pat/frisk searched as a routine practice. However, our policy has been and will continue to provide for such a search due to an alert from a drug dog, metal detector, or handheld electronic frisker. A pat/frisk search of a visitor age 17 and under will require approval of the warden/designee and the written consent of the parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult, and will be conducted by an employee of the same gender as the visitor.

Visitors retain the option of refusing to be searched, unless there is reason to detain and arrest. Any visitor who refuses to be questioned, who refuses to consent to be searched, or who refuses to allow a minor to be questioned or searched will be subject to a suspension of visiting privileges as outlined in SCDC policy governing inmate visitation.

Since January 1, 2008, the South Carolina Department of Corrections is a tobacco-free environment. Tobacco, tobacco-related products, paraphernalia or lighting devices are not allowed in any buildings, or on any property belonging to the Agency. Tobacco products and/or associated paraphernalia shall be secured in personal vehicles and will be considered contraband within all Agency buildings and institutions.

The frequently asked questions below have been developed to familiarize you with the rules and regulations that must be followed both prior to and during each visit with your family member or friend. We trust that this information will be useful to you. Read the following information carefully.


1. How do I apply for visiting privileges?

• If the inmate wants you to visit, he or she will send you a Form 19-127, "Request for Visiting Privileges." Only inmates are authorized to provide an application.
• FULLY complete the Form 19-27 that is provided to you by the inmate and return it by mail to the Division of Visitation and Inmate Drug Testing P. O. Box 212969, Columbia, SC 29221 (This is a new address). If you should need additional Form 19-127s in the future, you may obtain them from the inmate you wish to visit.
• If you do not provide all requested information, the form will be rejected. If the "Request for Visiting Privileges" cannot be processed because it is incomplete or because you have provided an incorrect inmate name or inmate number (the identification number assigned to the inmate by the South Carolina Department of Corrections), it will be returned to you, if the address on the form is complete. A parent, legal guardian, or other adult may assist a child in completing the form; however, only a parent or legal guardian will be permitted to sign this form.

2. How will I be notified if I am approved to visit?

The inmate is responsible for notifying visitors once they have been approved. (NOTE: Any subsequent status change to the information on your original application (address, name, phone number, etc.) must be submitted in writing to Visitation in order to be updated or the visiting privileges may be rescinded. Disapproved applicants will be notified by the Division Director of Visitation and Inmate Drug Testing

3. Why would I be denied visiting privileges?
You may be denied visiting privileges for any of the following reasons:

• Providing false information on the "Request for Visiting Privileges."
• If you are a former inmate, you may be denied visiting if the Department considers you to be a threat to the safe and secure operation of the institution. Former inmates may be approved to visit only if they are a member of the inmate's immediate family** except for in-laws. In any case, former inmates will not be allowed visiting privileges until at least one year after they are released from the South Carolina Department of Corrections or any other correctional facility and the respective warden approves their request.
• If you are a former South Carolina Department of Corrections employee, contract employee, or volunteer who worked within a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility, you may be denied visiting privileges if during such employment, you violated any South Carolina Department of Corrections policy/procedure pertaining to employee/inmate relations including sexual intercourse, sexual relations, dating, marrying, or otherwise establishing a personal relationship with an inmate and/or any person under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. In any case, former employees, contract employees, or volunteers who have terminated their employment with the Department within the last year prior to the date of the "Request for Visiting Privileges," will not be approved to visit. After one year, only members of an inmate's immediate family** (provided the former employee or contract employee did not become a member of the inmate's immediate family as a result of meeting and/or marrying him/her while incarcerated) will be considered.
• Anyone may be disapproved if they pose a threat to the safe and secure operation of the institution.
• Persons with prior convictions or pending criminal charges may be permitted to visit; however, the following conditions must be met: Must be a member of the inmate's immediate family**. Must not be nor previously have been a co-defendant with the inmate on any criminal charges. Must provide information listing all past convictions or outstanding charges which are still active including the jurisdiction (city/county/state) where the warrants were signed or the indictments issued. Must answer accurately and truthfully all questions on SCDC Form 19-127, "Request for Visiting Privileges."

**Immediate Family refers to an inmate's mother, father, children (including adopted), sister, brother, grandmothers, grandfathers, great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers, step-grandparents, wife, husband, common-law spouse, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepbrothers, stepsisters, stepparents, foster parents, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, half-brothers, half-sisters. Any family member may be required to verify relationship with certified documentation.

4. If I am approved, when and how often can I visit?

The number of visits that an inmate may receive each month is based on the inmate's security and custody level and may be further restricted by programming or by the inmate's behavior. The inmate will provide you with information about his or her visitation schedule, based on where he/she is housed.
Find Institution Information

5. Can children visit?

Yes, children can visit but only those specified below. The only minors who will be considered for inclusion on an inmate's approved visiting list are the inmate's brothers and sisters, the inmate's children (including adopted), stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-grandchildren; as shown on the inmate's relative list which will be verified by certified long-form birth certificates (Attach a copy to application). A parent or legal guardian must assist the child in completing the "Request for Visiting Privileges." A parent or legal guardian must sign this form, and a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult must accompany the child during the entire visit.

Nieces and nephews who are minors may be considered to visit, however, there are specific conditions which the inmate must meet in order to receive visits from nieces and nephews. Only the nieces and nephews of those inmates who meet ALL of the criteria listed below will be considered for addition to the respective visiting list:

• Inmate must have been incarcerated for at least three consecutive years.
• Inmate may NOT have ever been convicted of a sex offense or sexual misconduct disciplinary.
• Inmate must have NO major disciplinaries and/or NO more than two minor disciplinary convictions within a three-year period.
• Inmate must have been employed for a minimum of three years.
• The brother or sister, parent of the niece or nephew, must show on the inmate's relative screen and must submit a copy of the respective niece/nephew's long-form birth certificate for verification.

In addition, if any authorized adult, other than the parent or legal guardian, is to accompany a child who is on the inmate's approved list to visit an inmate, the parent or legal guardian must complete Form 19-118, "Authorization for Adult Supervision of a Minor," and have the form notarized by a Notary Public. The custodial parent or legal guardian must request this form through the Division of Visitation and Inmate Drug Testing. The Form 19-118 must be brought to the institution by the authorized adult and provided to the officer assigned to the entrance of the institution each time the child and authorized adult visit in order to be allowed admission into the institution.

6. How many people can visit an inmate at one time?

The number of visitors allowed may be limited because of the size of the visiting room, or for safety and security reasons. All approved visitors desiring to visit with the same inmate on the same day must enter the institution at the same time in order to visit with the inmate (but may depart at different times). In addition, the number of visitors for inmates in higher security levels, infirmaries, or community hospitals will be limited for security reasons. If you have questions about how many visitors will be allowed, you should call the respective institution.

7. What is the dress code for visiting?

The following requirements for visitors apply to all institutions and will be strictly enforced: (Should any officer or SCDC employee have any doubt as to whether a visitor is appropriately dressed, s/he will contact the duty warden (or designee if the duty warden is not present in the institution) who will come to the entrance area and make the final decision.)
Should a decision be made that a visitor is inappropriately dressed, the visitor will be denied admission to the institution.

• Shirts and shoes are mandatory.
• Clothing that exposes an undue amount of flesh (e.g., exposing chest, back, thighs, or midsections) is prohibited. Halter tops, underwear-type tee-shirts, tank tops, fish net shirts, or any type of shirt or pants made with see-through fabric are NOT allowed to be worn by any visitor (male or female). Sleeveless shirts WILL NOT be allowed.
• Visitors may wear Bermuda-length shorts provided they are not more than three inches above the top of the kneecap.
• At institutions where the use of khaki inmate uniforms has been fully implemented, all visitors may wear blue jeans/shorts, khaki pants/shorts, or other color denim jeans/shorts.
• At institutions that continue to utilize blue-jean denim inmate uniforms (shock units), visitors will be prohibited from wearing blue jeans/shorts or blue denim pants/shorts. Denim jeans/shorts other than the color blue will be allowed.
• Women and girls may wear dresses or skirts. However, no sleeveless dresses will be allowed. If a dress or skirt is considered too short or if there is a slit (no higher than three inches above the top of the knee), or is considered otherwise inappropriate by an officer, the officer will be required to contact the duty warden (or designee if the duty warden is not present in the institution) who will be responsible for coming to the entrance area for a decision as to whether the visitor will be allowed to visit. The decision of the duty warden/designee is final.
• Any shirt or other article of clothing with a picture or language that may be considered profane or offensive by current public and/or SCDC standards will not be allowed. In such cases, the officer will contact the duty warden (or designee if the duty warden is not present in the institution) who will be responsible for coming to the entrance area for a decision as to whether the visitor will be allowed to visit. The decision of the duty warden/designee is final.
• Clothing designed or intended to be tightly worn, to excessively accent the body, e.g., spandex, tights, leggings, tank tops, etc., is prohibited.
• Hair pieces and any hair accessories are subject to search.
• No jewelry except wedding ring, one pair of earrings, one religious medallion on a necklace or chain, one wristwatch, and a medical alert bracelet.

8. What items am I allowed to carry into the institution?
Visitors will be permitted to bring into any institution only the items listed below: (Any item not included in the following list, or any authorized item in excess of approved amounts [e.g., cash], will be considered as "unauthorized items" and will not be permitted to be brought into any institution by any visitor.)

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NOTE: Beepers/pagers are not allowed into the institution unless they are required due to medical/ professional reasons. If the visitor has been approved to take in a beeper/pager, it will be thoroughly inspected prior to the visitor entering the institution.

In order to ensure that all visitors are aware of state laws governing contraband, Section 24-3-950 of the South Carolina Code of Laws (Contraband Law), as amended, will be posted in a conspicuous place at the entrance of each institution so that all visitors may read it prior to entering.

9. What are the rules for visiting?

Except as otherwise noted, visitors are prohibited from engaging in the following activities. Any violation of the following rules of conduct may result in the immediate termination of a visit or further visitation suspension.

• Loitering;
• Taking any article whatsoever from the grounds of the institution (e.g., gifts from inmates or inmates' excess personal property items) without prior authorization from the warden, duty warden, or designee; (Exceptions may be made for approved attorneys, paralegals, clergy, or prospective employers who require paperwork to be submitted to them by an inmate.)
• Walking or driving along the perimeter road;
• Photographing buildings, fences, etc.;
• Loud playing of vehicle radios while on South Carolina Department of Corrections property;
• Visitor's actions or inactions which are a security risk or health risk to others, e.g., leaving children in a vehicle, leaving keys in a vehicle, etc.; Under no circumstances will visitors be authorized to leave any child unattended in any vehicle on South Carolina Department of Corrections property while they are visiting.
• Under no circumstances will visitors be authorized to leave any pet/animal unattended in any vehicle on South Carolina Department of Corrections property while they are visiting nor bring any pet/animal into an institution unless the animal is necessary to enable a person to physically maneuver (e.g. "seeing eye" dog).
• Yelling at inmates or engaging in loud, boisterous behavior during visiting or while on South Carolina Department of Corrections property; or
• Passing any item to inmates or accepting items from inmates. (NOTE: The only items authorized to be passed will be food and beverage items purchased from vending machines by visitors. Exceptions may be made for approved attorneys, paralegals, and prospective employers who require paperwork to be passed to an inmate.)
• Visitors will be required to keep accompanying children as orderly as possible during their visit so that other inmates and visitors will not be disturbed. In the event that a visitor is unable to control his or her child(ren), the visit will be terminated and the visitor(s) and children will be required to leave the institution.
• Any visitor found bringing any items not listed above, or excessive amounts of any authorized item, into any institution will, if the item is not considered illegal, be advised that they will not be able to visit that day. No visitor will be allowed to return to their vehicle and return to visit. Any visitor found with illegal contraband or any visitor who visited an inmate who was found with contraband will not visit again.
• Visitors will not be allowed to switch tables and/or visit with any inmate(s) other than those they are currently authorized to visit or with any other visitors. (The duty warden may approve exceptions in those cases of immediate family members incarcerated at the same institution.)(NOTE: Inmates and their visitors may go from an inside table to a table outside the visiting room [for those institutions with outdoor visiting areas]).
• Inmates authorized contact visiting will be allowed to embrace and to kiss visitors once at the beginning and once at the end of each visit. Whenever possible, depending upon the number of visitors and the shape of tables, an inmate and visitor(s) are to be seated at opposite sides of the table. Policy allows an inmate to hold a child aged 2 and under (6 and under for female inmates). Any other display of affection between inmate and visitor other than that described above will be prohibited and may result in disciplinary action for the inmate and visiting suspension for the inmate and/or visitor involved.

10. Will my visiting privileges be suspended if I break a rule?

• The warden, duty warden, or an approved designee has the authority to terminate a visit while the visit is in progress if the inmate violates any established rules and regulations or if the inmate’s visitor(s) does not comply with the rules and regulations governing inmate visitors. Prior to termination of the visit, less severe alternatives may be attempted, if appropriate. This may include verbal warnings to the inmate and/or visitor(s) of improper conduct which, if not discontinued, will result in the visit being terminated and may result in the visitor's and the inmate's visiting privileges being suspended.
• In addition, for serious violations of rules, the Department may suspend your visiting privileges for a period of two years or less, indefinitely or permanently, depending on the severity of the rules violation. During this suspension, you will not be allowed to visit any inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Because of the Department's need to maintain security and order in our institutions, we highly recommend that you carefully follow our rules and regulations so that you can continue to visit your loved ones and friends.

11. Who can I call if I have additional questions?

If you have questions about the inmate's visiting days or times or institution, you should call the respective institution where the inmate is housed. The inmate should provide you with the telephone number for the institution and your call will be directed to an employee who can assist you. Find Institution Information

If you do not understand how to complete the "Request for Visiting Privileges" you can call the Visitation Inquiry Line at 803-896-1838 and leave a message. Your call will be returned within 1-2 business days.

When calling the inquiry line, you may press 2 to be advised of any facilities or units not having visitation.

All incoming inmate mail must be clearly marked with the inmate’s legal name, SCDC number, living unit, full name of the institution, street address, city, state, and zip code with a complete return address in the upper left-hand corner. However, every effort is made to deliver all mail received at every institution.

All mail will be opened and inspected by postal staff prior to being delivered to the inmate. Legal mail is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate. Mail is not read unless there is reason to believe illegal activity or activity in violation of Agency rules and regulations is present.

Inmates are not allowed to receive cash, stamps, any writing materials, anything to eat, drink, or smoke. General population inmates may receive books, magazines, newspapers if they are sent directly from the publisher or from a publication supplier (licensed bookstore) and if they are paid for in advance. Inmates in lock up areas are limited as to what they may receive.

It is best to contact the inmate to inquire as to what is and what is not allowed before sending anything other than a letter.

1. Q. How do I address a letter to an inmate?

A. In the upper-left corner of the envelope, you must have the name of sender and complete return address including city, state, and zip code. In the middle of the envelope, you must have the inmate’s incarcerated name, SCDC inmate number, living/dorm unit, institution name, and complete address of the institution including city, state, and zip code

Example: 

2. Q. How do I find the dorm/living unit or the mailing address for an inmate?

Use the online inmate search. When you've found the proper inmate, click on the name, and the "Inmate Search Detail Report" is displayed. Look in the right column ("INMATE SENTENCE AND LOCATION") for the SCDC ID (inmate number), LOCATION (institution name), and DORM-ROOM-BUNK (living/dorm unit). You'll find institution mailing addresses here.

3. Q. How many pictures may I send an inmate?

A. Only 10 photos per envelope are permitted. If more than 10 pictures are sent, the inmate will have the option to select 10 pictures, all others will be sent to contraband or discarded by the inmate.

Note: Inmates housed in an RHU (Restricted Housing Unit) or R&E (Reception and Evaluation) cannot receive any photos.

4. Q. Can I send cash, a check, or a money order to an inmate?

A. Not by mailing directly to the inmate or to SCDC, but family members and friends can make deposits into an inmate's personal spending account (Cooper Trust Fund account) by mailing a money order and deposit slip to a special address. See details below. Note that inmates can receive money faster if you use a computer, mobile app, or telephone to make a deposit.

5. Q. How many newspaper/magazine clippings/crossword puzzle pages or info from the internet (except for info from the SCDC website) may I send?

A. Up to five pages per envelope provided that the contents do not depict questionable material.

6. Q. Can I send an inmate a Bible, Quran, magazine or a book?

A. Inmates may receive single copies of publications from a publisher or publication supplier (e.g., Amazon or a bookstore) if paid for in advance by the inmate, family member, or friend. A legitimate invoice on business stationary/company letterhead must be enclosed with the publication(s). Note: inmates who are in intake status or restricted housing (RHU) may not receive any publications including newspapers and magazines.

7. Q. I sent an inmate mail a while ago, but he/she never received it. What should I do?

A. The mailroom staff works diligently to process all incoming mail daily to approximately 26,000 inmates across the state. If the mail was questionable for any reason (gang-related, sexually explicit, drugs, guns, etc.) it may be delayed for investigation purposes. However, it could be returned to you, so please allow 2 weeks for it to be processed through the U.S. Postal Service.

GettingOut

e-messaging:

Electronic messaging service is available at SCDC institutions. To use the email service, you will need to visit www.gettingout.com and create an account. Once you have created and activated your account, you will be able to purchase email credits (stamps) to send emails. The GettingOut website will then let you compose and send your message. Inmates can use a secure kiosk installed in their housing unit to type and send return messages.

Benefits include:

• Mobile apps for both IOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices
• Faster delivery times than the Postal Service
• Is less expensive than buying a stamp
• Ease of use

Family and friends of inmates can setup an account at GettingOut to send electronic messages. All electronic messages may be reviewed by SCDC staff. Electronic messages containing inappropriate content are subject to being blocked and may not be delivered to the inmate.

To create and fund a GettingOut account, you will need:

• Valid email address
• Visa® or MasterCard® branded credit, debit, or prepaid debit card

Instructions for setting up an account on the GettingOut platform are available here. (PDF) 

The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates a cashless system for inmates.  This means that incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have U.S. currency.  Possession of money is a violation of Agency policy and disciplinary action is taken against any inmate found to have money.

NOTE: GTL is now ViaPath. You may see either or both names on their webpages as they rebrand.

ViaPath is the exclusive money transfer provider for SCDC. Friends and family of offenders can use ViaPath's convenient payment services to send money to their loved ones. (Any funds already transferred to an inmate's trust account will not be affected.)
 

Credit, Debit, Green Dot cards, etc.

Inmates are prohibited from possessing credit cards, debit cards, Green Dot cards or numbers, or any other type of similar financial instrument. Inmates found in possession of such items will be charged administratively and could face significant sanctions. Family members/friends should refrain from providing inmates with these items.
 

Cooper Trust Fund Accounts

However, every inmate in the Department of Corrections has a Cooper Trust Fund Account that allows him/her to make purchases in the institution. The back of the inmate's identification card has a magnetic strip that allows the ID card to function as a debit card to that inmate's Cooper Trust Fund Account.  When the inmate desires to purchase items in the institution, his ID card is "swiped" and the purchase is allowed if there are sufficient funds in the inmate's account to pay for the desired items.

 

Five Ways to Send Money

       
There are several fast, easy and convenient ways to send money to an inmate in South Carolina. GTL offers deposits online, over the phone, and at retail locations.
 

Online
To send money online with a credit or debit card, click here. It's the quickest and easiest way to get your loved ones the funds they need. When creating your account, choose South Carolina Dept. of Corrections as the facility.

Mobile App
Download our mobile app and send money wherever you happen to be! You can download the free app for Android devices here and for iPhone and iPad here.

Call Us
You can send money by phone using your credit or debit card. Call (888) 988-4768 and follow the prompts. For trust (canteen) deposits, our Site ID number is 121. To speak with a live agent 24/7, call customer service at (877) 650-4249.

Mail a Money Order
Family members and friends can make deposits into an inmate's Cooper Trust Fund account through GTL. Other than the cost to obtain a money order, there are no fees to deposit it, but money orders must be mailed and the deposit slip that must be sent with them must be read electronically and processed before the funds become available. When deposit slips are incomplete or not legible, the money order will be returned to the sender. Effective March 5, 2019, all money orders must be sent with a deposit slip (PDF) to:

Walk-In (cash or debit card)
Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more.

• To use this walk-in retail – pay in cash option:
• Step 1: Start online at ConnectNetwork.com or with our free ConnectNetwork mobile app.
• Step 2: Set up the cash payment by selecting “Walk-In Retail (Pay in Cash)”.
• Step 3: Then, to complete your transaction, bring cash and the PaySlip to your local store.

    ViaPath/GTL Financial Services
    10005 Technology Blvd West
    Suite 130
    Dallas TX 75220

Money orders sent to SCDC or an individual facility will be returned. All funds will be available to the offender within three business days of being received at the address above. All money orders must be made payable to GTL.
 

The money order deposit slip is available here. (PDF) (en Español) (PDF) 

Fees

Flyer

Printable flyer (PDF) for inmates (en Español) (PDF)

The State of South Carolina has selected Global Tel*Link Corporation as the Inmate Telephone System Services Provider for the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

GTL was selected over its competitors for its industry-leading inmate calling system and communications solutions to provide services to both inmates and families.
 

Rates

Calls to anywhere in the US will be billed at a single rate of 5.5 cents per minute. (effective February 1, 2019).
 

Phone call process

• Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, inmates will be allowed to call up to 20 telephone numbers.
• Each inmate will have a Personal Allowed Number, or PAN.
• The list is created automatically by the numbers called. Once an inmate calls 20 different telephone numbers, no new numbers will be accepted.
• The list will be revisited once a year.
• This does not affect the number of times an inmate can call each number.

Requirements

• Inmates admitted to SCDC will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within one week of their admission to enable them to place calls as allowed by the institutional schedule.
• Inmates are not allowed to call toll-free numbers.
• In order to accept collect calls:
  • Your phone account must be current with your local telephone company (not past due).
  • Your local telephone company must have a Billing and Collection (PDF) agreement
    with the South Carolina Department of Corrections' inmate phone service provider.
  • You must have a non-cordless phone with touch-tone service (no rotary dial).
• Calls to cell phones must be made using a prepaid account. Inmate calls to cells phones must be prepaid by the family member (please see the FAQ and information links below). To sign up for an AdvancePay® prepaid phone account, visit ConnectNetwork.com
• All calls from inmates will be subject to restrictions, recording, and monitoring.
• Called parties will have the option not to accept a call, block all future calls from an inmate, or block all future calls from the SC Department of Corrections.

Information Links

FAQs About Inmate Phones (PDF)
Establish AdvancePay® Prepaid Account with GTL using ConnectNetwork.com
Instructions for opening a ConnectNetwork account.
GTL AdvancePay® Prepay Information - English (PDF)
GTL AdvancePay® Prepay Information - Spanish (PDF)
GTL Refund Request Postcard (PDF)

Families may now request that a current SCDC inmate attend the viewing or funeral of a deceased relative or visit a sick relative in the hospital when the sick relative is near death. Inmates will ONLY be eligible to attend one service/visit – a hospital visit OR a viewing OR a funeral; interment not included. They may not make more than one visit.

Listed below are the only family members whose imminent death, viewing, or funeral qualifies for an inmate transport request and their relationship must be verified by SCDC on the inmate’s visitation list or list of relatives on file:

• The inmate’s parent or parent substitute identified on an inmate’s visitation list
• The inmate’s child
• The inmate’s brother or sister
• The inmate’s wife or husband
• The inmate’s grandparent
• The inmate’s grandchild

DO NOT CALL to request transport for an inmate until you have all of the information needed for SCDC to process the request. Once you have gathered the following information, please contact the institutional chaplain to submit your request:

• The inmate’s name and SCDC number, if you have it
• The name of the sick or deceased and that person’s relationship to the inmate
• The location and time of the hospital visit, viewing, or funeral
• Your name, phone number, and relationship to the inmate so that SCDC may contact you once the request is processed

The list of chaplains can be located here: SCDC_chaplains(PDF)

Costs for the transport must be paid by the inmate or the inmate’s family on their behalf. These costs must be paid in advance, at least 24 hours prior to the transport. Payments CANNOT be made through GTL/Viapath. Payment for an inmate’s transportation to either the hospital, viewing, or funeral service for an approved family member may be made here. Please note, this is a third party vendor, not SCDC, and any issues should be reported directly to the vendor.

Please note that this is ONLY a request. Not all inmates will be eligible for transport. The following are examples of some, but not all, situations that make an inmate ineligible for transport due to security risks:

• The inmate is currently housed in RHU, SSR, or death row
• The inmate has attempted, planned, or participated in any escape attempts
• The inmate has had any disciplinary convictions within the past year

Once the request is processed, an SCDC employee will notify you of our decision. Do not make a payment for an inmate to be transported until after you have been notified of their approval.

2nd Quarter 2024

Deliveries to facilities will be on or before

Friday, June 21, 2024

PROGRAM DATES:

• Ordering begins: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
• Ordering ends: Thursday, April 18, 2024
• Postmark date for mail orders: Thursday, April 11, 2024
• Orders must be received by: Thursday, April 18, 2024
• Delivery to facility: on or before Friday, June 21, 2024

WAYS TO ORDER:

• Online: SouthCarolinaPackages.com
• Phone: 1-800-546-6283
• Mail: Access Securepak (SC), 10880 Linpage Place St. Louis, MO 63132

INSTITUTION ADDRESSES: are listed here

Q: When does the program begin?
A: Orders will be accepted from Tuesday, March 19, 2024 – Thursday, April 18, 2024. However, any order that is mailed in must be postmarked by Thursday, April 11, 2024. Any orders received after the deadline will not be processed and will be mailed back to the sender.

Q: When will the order arrive at the institution?
A: All orders will be arriving at the institutions on or before Friday, June 21, 2024. The institutional staff will be distributing the packages to the inmates shortly after the shipment arrives at the institution.

Q: What is the spending limit?
A: The spending limit is $200.00 for food/snacks only. Limit on the purchase of any single food item to a maximum of 12 each (excluding ramen which is currently limited to four 24-packs). Hygiene items are limited to a total of 3. Limits are listed on the catalog, order form and website. Inmates in the Step Down Unit are restricted to a $50 spending limit. GPH patients are restricted to a limit of $100.

Q: What are your processing fee charges?
A: $5.00 nonrefundable processing fee for mail and phone orders and a reduced $2.50 processing fee for web orders.

Q: Will sales tax be applied to my order?
A: Access Securepak® will not include sales tax in the selling prices. Sales tax needs to be calculated for all items. The sales tax rate is based on the inmate’s facility location at the time of order entry, not at the time of receipt. Refer to the tax table for the correct tax rate.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: PAYMENT: We accept credit/debit cards (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover logos), prepaid credit cards (that have a verifiable United States address), cashier’s check, institutional check, or money order. When paying by credit card be sure to include the card number, expiration date, card member’s name, CCV 3-digit number on the back of the card, card member’s phone number, and billing address. Inmates may purchase packages for themselves and/or SCDC incarcerated immediate family members, by completing SCDC Form 15-1, “Cooper Trust Fund Withdrawal” and attaching it to the completed Access Securepak® order form. Requests must be submitted to the Postal Director by Thursday, April 11, 2024 to allow time for institutional check processing. We do not accept prepaid credit cards that lack the ability to assign a valid United States address to the cardholder.

Q: How do I place an order?
A: By phone: 1-800-546-6283, by internet: SouthCarolinaPackages.com or by mail: Access Securepak, 10880 Linpage Place, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Q: How do I check on an order?
A: Call 1-800-546-6283 or write to us at Customer Service, 10880 Linpage Place, St. Louis, MO 63132; or send us an email at: CustomerService@AccessCatalog.com.

Q: How do I report a discrepancy with the order (item missing, wrong product, etc)?
A: The inmate will be given an opportunity to check contents of package in the presence of an employee from the institution. If there is an issue with the order, the employee will verify it and send the paperwork to Access. All discrepancies must be reported from the institution. We cannot honor any discrepancies reported from family members or friends of the inmate.

Q: What happens if the person I am sending my order to changes custody level and is no longer allowed a package?
A: If you place an order for an inmate and their custody level changes or they are moved to a facility other than SCDC while the order is being processed or shipped, the order will be returned to us. Once we receive the order back from the institution we will issue a refund to the sender of the package. There are no restocking fees.

Q: What happens if the inmate is relocated to another SCDC institution?
A: If you place an order for an inmate and they are moved to another SCDC institution, the package will be forwarded to the new institution on the next available SCDC Canteen truck.

Q: When will clothing be available for purchase?
A: Clothing will only be offered during the 1st and 3rd Quarters.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Social Security Administration

• South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
• South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services
• South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• South Carolina Department of Mental Health
• South Carolina Department of Social Services
• Salvation Army of North & South Carolina
• 2023 SCDC Family Resources Page Information