The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving Charleston County, South Carolina.
As an integral part of the criminal justice system, the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for a range of public safety services including patrol, investigations, court security, and operating the county jail.
With over 400 sworn deputies and 150 civilian employees, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office provides round-the-clock police services across all of the unincorporated areas of the county as well as assisting various municipalities upon request.
Deputies patrol over 1,300 square miles of land and 330 square miles of waterways.
The Sheriff’s Office was originally formed in 1671 under the Province of Carolina, making it one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
While the office has evolved over the centuries, its core mission remains the same – to serve and protect the people of Charleston County.
The men and women of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to building strong community partnerships and maintaining public trust.
They strive to deliver professional, ethical, and compassionate services. The Sheriff’s Office values integrity, accountability, and respect in carrying out its vital public safety role.
Charleston County Sheriff’s Services
The Charleston County Sheriff’s website offers a variety of online services to the public, which are listed below:
- Charleston County’s Crime Map
- Public Incident Reporting
- Submit An Anonymous Tip
- Inmate Search: Charge Details, Booking Status, Release Date & Past Bookings
- Schedule Video Visitation: Schedule Online/Onsite video visitation
- Inmate Account Deposit: Deposit money into an inmate’s Canteen account online
- Inmate Tablet and Phone Account Deposit: Deposit money into an inmate’s phone or tablet account online
- Warrants Search: Search for warrants by individual’s name
- Sex Offenders Search
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office operates the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, which houses inmates who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
Those looking to locate someone in their custody can use the Charleston County Inmate Search.
To use the search, you will need either the inmate’s first and last name or their booking number. This can typically be found on public arrest records or through the arresting agency.
The online search will provide basic information about an inmate including:
- Full name
- Age and date of birth
- Race and gender
- Booking date
- Expected release date
- Current housing location
- Bail amount and bond status
The search results will confirm if the person is currently in custody at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center or if they have been released.
Keep in mind records may not be immediately updated upon release.
Searching for an inmate is public record and can be done anonymously. The inmate search provides an easy way to locate someone in the Charleston County jail system.
Let me know if you need help actually searching for a specific inmate.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office offers an online tool for searching information about individuals presently held at the Charleston County Detention Center.
Here’s a simple guide on how to use it.
Deposit Money into an inmate’s Canteen Account Online
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office allows friends and family to deposit money into an inmate’s canteen or commissary account using the touchpay online service.
This allows the inmate to purchase snacks, hygiene items, writing materials, and other approved commissary items during their incarceration.
To use the touchpay service, you will need the inmate’s first and last name or their booking number. This can be found through the inmate search.
On the Sheriff’s Office website, click on the “Inmate Info” tab and then select “Touchpay – Inmate Canteen”. This will take you to the Touchpay website.
Follow the instructions to set up an account or log in if you already have one. You can then select the specific inmate and input the deposit amount.
Accepted methods are credit/debit cards, money orders, or cashier’s checks.
The funds are typically available to the inmate within 1 business day. You will be provided a confirmation number and receipt for your records.
Using Touchpay provides a quick and secure way to fund an inmate’s account online versus mailing in money orders or visiting the detention center in person.
Let me know if you need any other guidance on using this service! For more information go here.
Schedule Video Visitation with the inmate
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office allows friends and family to schedule video visitation sessions with inmates through the Touchpay online system.
This allows for remote visits without having to visit the detention center in person.
To schedule a video visitation, you will first need to create an account on the Touchpay website and select Charleston County as the facility.
You can then select the specific inmate you wish to visit by searching for their first and last name or booking number.
Review the visitation rules and select a date and time for the video visitation. Each session is 20 minutes long. Payments can be made via credit/debit card.
Once scheduled and paid for, you will receive a confirmation email with details on logging into the video visitation at the scheduled time.
You can access the video visit using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. The inmate will also need to “register” you as an approved visitor beforehand.
Make sure to review the full visitation policies before scheduling.
This allows for convenient online scheduling and remote visitations with inmates at the Charleston County jail.
Let me know if you need any other guidance on scheduling or conducting a video visitation. For more information go here.
Public Incident Reporting Form
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office now allows certain types of incidents to be reported online. These include:
- Breach of Trust (Under $1000)
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Larceny (Under $2000)
- Lost Property
- Vandalism (Under $1000)
- Shoplifting (Past)
- Trespassing (Offender Not Present)
- Harassing Phone Calls (No Threats)
- Child Custody Dispute (Past)
- Civil Matter (Past)
You will receive an email including your report details and case number as soon as the report is filed and approved.
It could require THREE business days to complete. For more information on what are the requirements for online reporting and how to file an online report, go here.
Warrants Search (Search for warrants by individual’s name)
Searching for active warrants against someone can be a delicate and urgent matter. Whether you’re looking for information about yourself, a friend, or someone else entirely, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office provides online resources to help you navigate the process.
To perform a warrant search:
Go to the Sheriff’s Office website and click on “Warrants Search”
Enter the first and last name of the individual you are searching warrants for Click the “Search” button
The search results will indicate if the individual has any active warrants associated with them in Charleston County.
Details shown include name, date of birth, type of warrant (criminal, civil, traffic), and bond amount if applicable.
Keep in mind that no records found does not guarantee no warrants exist. The search is limited to warrants issued by law enforcement and courts within Charleston County only.
The public warrant search allows people to check for any outstanding warrants for themselves or others in the county. Let me know if you need assistance searching for a specific individual’s warrants.
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Contact
| Division | Phone Number | Information |
| Records Division | (843)554-2450 | For a copy of the report, metal permit application, expungement or criminal background check. |
| Detention Center | (843) 529-7358 | To locate an inmate click hereFor attorney visitations (in person or live video): (843) 529-7358 |
| Patrol Division | (843)529-6216 | To contact a patrolling deputy |
| Detectives | (843)554-2473 or (843)554-2475 | To inquire about investigations and for questions about the sex offender registry |
| Traffic Services | (843)529-5331 | Escorts for traffic enforcement, death investigations, funerals and special events. |
| Warrants Division | (843)529-7391 | To check for a warrant and for information about a wanted person |
| Civil Process | (843)958-2111 or 2133 | For more information click here |
| Judgment Executions | (843)958-2110 | For more information click here |
FAQs about Charleston County Sheriff’s
How can I search for a person’s Charleston County prison record?
The Charleston County Detention Center’s detainees can be found on the Sheriff’s Office website by entering their booking number or name.
Is it possible to make an online payment into an inmate’s canteen account?
The TouchPay program on the Sheriff’s Office website allows you to make an online payment into an inmate’s canteen account.
How can I arrange for a video visitation with a Charleston County prisoner?
Using the SECURUSTech website, you can arrange a video visitation with an inmate at the Charleston County Detention Center.
What are the hours of operation for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office?
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
Can I pay a traffic ticket online in Charleston County?
Yes.
What is the stance on sexual offenders taken by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office?
You may always visit their website or get in touch with them personally if you have any more inquiries concerning the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.