Berkeley County Detention Center

Search for an Inmate in Berkeley County

Berkeley County Detention Center Information

Located in Moncks Center, Berkeley County, South Carolina, the Berkeley County Detention Center is a 450-bed jail. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 843-719-4546 .

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Inmates remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is settled.

The inmate search tool provides access to the jail's roster of those in custody.

Individuals sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here. Those sentenced to more than a year are transferred to either the South Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Berkeley County Detention Center at 843-719-4546 for assistance.

Phone: 843-719-4546

Physical Address:
300 California Avenue
Moncks Center, SC 29461

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
c/o Smart Communication
Berkeley County Detention Center
PO Box 2027
Pinellas Park, FL 33780

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Berkeley County Detention Center
300 California Avenue
Moncks Center, SC 29461

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Berkeley County Detention Center?

To search for an inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 843-719-4546 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an Offender's Criminal Court Case online.

Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Search

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

The Berkeley County Detention Center maintains an average of 450 offenders in custody on any given day. The Berkeley County Detention Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Berkeley County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 9,800 offenders.

The following charts of Berkeley County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Berkeley County Corrections Department, the state of South Carolina Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Berkeley County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Berkeley County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Berkeley County Detention Center

Located in Moncks Corner, SC, the Berkely County Detention Center, also known as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, is under the care of the Berkeley County Sheriff and has a focus on maintaining a safe and secure environment for the rehabilitation of those who have been charged with crimes locally. To support this goal they offer several programs to care for the physical health, mental health, and any addictions that may be happening. They also offer educational programs, treatments, and encourage some to work within the jail in order to improve their skills and develop new skills.

It is also important to keep open relationships with friends and family who are not incarcerated, and to keep this support system for their release. When an inmate is newly released and has finished their sentence they will require the support of their loved ones to reintegrate to the community and to find a home, a job, and access any other services that they require. In order to maintain these relationship inmates are permitted to both send and receive mail via the US Postal Service to their own name and booking number, c/o Smart Communication, Berkely County Detention Center, PO Box 2027, Pinellas Park, FL 33780. All mail will be inspected for contraband, and it may be returned to sender if it is not within the rules of the facility.

In order to visit an inmate, the HomeWav system is used, and this allows for a more relaxed approach to visits with less structured schedules and demands. These video visits can be conducted any time that the inmate has time in their schedule and can make the call, so it is necessary to make those arrangements directly with the inmate. All visitors must be registered at homewav.com before they will be able to have visits. This system also allows phone calls to be made, and there is access to phones whenever needed throughout the daytime hours of the facility. The free hours of the inmate will vary depending upon their housing, the day of the week, and any other programs that they attend.

In order to offer further support and fund their commissary and other accounts, money can be deposited at the facility, a money order can be mailed to the facility, a kiosk is present within the lobby that is accessible 8-10am and 6-8pm or via https://store.jailpackstore.com/store/index.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Frequently Asked Questions about Berkeley County Detention Center Recent Bookings & Arrests


How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center?

What happens during booking in Berkeley County?

What is the booking process like at the Berkeley County Detention Center?

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

How long does the Berkeley County Detention Center booking process take?

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?


 

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 843-719-4546 .

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Berkeley County Detention Center Booking Roster


 

 

What happens during booking in Berkeley County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Berkeley County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.


 

 

What is the booking process like at the Berkeley County Detention Center?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Berkeley County and other South Carolina and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.


 

 

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.


 

 

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Berkeley County Detention Center will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so.

To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 843-719-4546 during business hours.


 

 

How long does the Berkeley County Detention Center booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.


 

 

What happens after an offender is booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Berkeley County Detention Center will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

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Directions / Map to the Berkeley County Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

The Berkeley County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Berkeley County.

However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:

  • You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Berkeley County, or in some cases the state of South Carolina, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Berkeley County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond in South Carolina is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
  • Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Berkeley County Detention Center, or the courthouse in Berkeley County where the offense took place.

Call 843-719-4546 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Berkeley County inmate locator.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Video Visitation

300 California Avenue
Moncks Center, SC 29461
843-719-4546

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Berkeley County Detention Center, in this case it is listed as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
SATURDAY No visitation
SUNDAY No visitation

The Berkeley County Detention Center uses Homewav for all Video Visitation services.

The information below provides complete instructions regarding:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Berkeley County Detention Center

Berkeley County Detention Center uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation. 

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you. 
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

 

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Berkeley County Detention Center charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.  

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1.  Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update” 
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer. 

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call. 

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website. 

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Berkeley County Detention Center has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby. 

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1.    Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.    The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on. 
3.    Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.    When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email support@homewav.com and include the following information:
1.    Homewav account holder’s name.
2.    The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.    Facility Name.
4.    From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at refunds@homewav.com with your refund request. 
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee.  *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center?

Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Video Visitation

300 California Avenue
Moncks Center, SC 29461
843-719-4546

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Berkeley County Detention Center, in this case it is listed as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 3:45PM
SATURDAY No visitation
SUNDAY No visitation

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center?

How to Deposit Money Online for an inmate in Berkeley County Detention Center

Berkeley County Detention Center uses McDaniel Supply Company for their inmate commissary. 

McDaniel Supply operates the JailPackStore website so you can order online using a credit or debit card. They will send the money to your inmate at Berkeley County Detention Center.

JailPackStore has a very cumbersome website that requires you to: 

1. register,
2. add a credit or debit card, and then
3. locate your inmate, before you can even deposit funds.

Maximum Deposit -  $300

Fee to Deposit Money using a credit or debit card - 

  • $3.95 to deposit $10.00 - 25.00
  • $6.95 to deposit $25.01 - 100.00
  • $8.95 to deposit $100.01 - 200.00
  • $10.95 to deposit $200.01 to 300.00

Any money that you deposit and don't immediately send will be held as a credit on your account for future disbursement or spend.

For full instructions on how to deposit money to your inmate online, what the fees are, and how to save money doing it this way, check out our inmate money page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Berkeley County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Berkeley County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Berkeley County Detention Center uses the services of HOMEWAV.
  • Register with them online or call them at 844-394-6639
  • Agents are available from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Berkeley County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Berkeley County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, video, messaging, time limits and more, visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Mail Types

Postcards
The Berkeley County Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes
The Berkeley County Detention Center also allows regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well.

Personal postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
c/o Smart Communication
Berkeley County Detention Center
PO Box 2027
Pinellas Park, FL 33780


Legal Mail
Legal Mail is mail from Attorneys, law enforcement, the courts, bail companies, etc.

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Berkeley County Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address above.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Berkeley County Detention Center standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All legal mail, newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Berkeley County Detention Center
300 California Avenue
Moncks Center, SC 29461

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Berkeley County Detention Center

To communicate by text or email with an Berkeley County inmate, follow these instructions:

  • To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Berkeley County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Berkeley County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Berkeley County Detention Center will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Berkeley County Detention Center inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Berkeley County Detention Center uses McDaniel Supply Company for their inmate commissary. 

McDaniel Supply operates the JailPackStore website so you can order online using a credit or debit card. They will ship your order directly to your inmate at Berkeley County Detention Center.

JailPackStore has a very cumbersome website that requires you to:  1. register, 2. add a credit or debit card, and then 3. locate your inmate, before you can even see their commissary products, prices, additional fees, etc. 

Here are the basic details of what they sell and their fees:

Commissary products that you can purchase -

Candy, Chips, Meats, Seafood, Writing supplies, Hygeneine Kits, Underwear. These are all in various pre-defined packs ranging in price from $11.00-$27.00. The shipping fee is an additional $4.95.

Maximum Deposit -

$300

Fee to Deposit Money using a credit or debit card - 

$3.95 to deposit $10.00 - 25.00

$6.95 to deposit $25.01 - 100.00

$8.95 to deposit $100.01 - 200.00

$10.95 to deposit $200.01 to 300.00

Any money that you deposit and don't immediately spend will be held as a credit on your account for future purchases.

JailPackStore is the Berkeley County Detention Center's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix or Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygeine products, Letter writing materials and Underwear items for sale on their website.

Here is a sample of what you can purchase for your inmate:

SNACKS

$19.75 + $4.95 shipping + $6.95 fee to add money = Total cost to you before tax $31.65

MAC'S Pack Caramel Corn 6oz - 1
Bud's Best Butterfinger Cookie 6oz - 1
Chex Mix - Cheddar 1.75oz - 1
Combos Buffalo Blue Cheese - 7oz -1
Creme Cookies 13oz - 1
White Cheddar Cheez-its 1.5oz - 2
Kar's Honey Roasted Peanuts 3.5oz - 1
Kar's Sweet and Salty Mix 2oz - 1
Snyder's Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces 2.25oz - 1

LETTER WRITING MATERIALS

$15.00 + $4.95 shipping + $3.95 fee to add money = Total cost to you before taxes $23.90

Stamped Envelopes - 8
Glue Top Writing Pad 8.5x11 - 1
Friendship Greeting Cards w/Stamps – 2

HYGEINE ITEMS

$26.50 + $4.95 shipping + $6.95 fee to add money = Total cost to you before taxes $38.40

Degree Extreme Blast Deodorant - 1.7oz - 1
Colgate w/Baking Soda Toothpaste - 6.4oz - 1
Dove Sensitive Skin Soap - 4oz- 2
Suave Advanced Therapy Lotion - 10oz - 1
Garnier Shampoo - 13oz - 1
Axe Body Wash 16oz – 1

If you don't have a bank card and want to see if they will accept a money order for payment call JailPackStore at 800-822-9388. Their hours are Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM.
They are closed Saturday and Sunday.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Berkeley County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Berkeley County Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Berkeley County Detention Center uses McDaniel Supply Company for their inmate commissary.
  • McDaniel Supply operates the JailPackStore website so you can order online using a credit or debit card. They will ship your order directly to your inmate at Berkeley County Detention Center.
  • JailPackStore has a very cumbersome website that requires you to:  1. register, 2. add a credit or debit card, and then 3. locate your inmate in Berkeley County before you can even see their commissary products, prices, additional fees, etc. 

NOTE: There will also be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Berkeley County at any one time.

For all information, tips and a list and photos of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Berkeley County Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Berkeley County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Berkeley County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Berkeley County Detention Center uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.


SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

  • The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
  • Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
  • To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
  • Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
  • Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Berkeley County Detention Center

To communicate by text or email with an Berkeley County inmate, follow these instructions:

  • To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Berkeley County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Berkeley County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Berkeley County Detention Center will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Berkeley County Detention Center inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Berkeley County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Berkeley County Detention Center Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Berkeley County Detention Center are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
  • Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Berkeley County Detention Center at 843-719-4546 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Berkeley County:

  • Keeps inmates busy.
  • The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
  • Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
  • Allows communication with family members.
  • Educational programming.
  • Legal research.
  • Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

Berkeley County Detention Center Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Berkeley County Detention Center are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
  • Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Berkeley County Detention Center at 843-719-4546 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Berkeley County:

  • Keeps inmates busy.
  • The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
  • Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
  • Allows communication with family members.
  • Educational programming.
  • Legal research.
  • Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

For more information about Tablets and how your inmate can get one to use while he is in jail, chek out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Berkeley County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-719-4546 for further assistance.

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Other Jails in Berkeley County

What are the other City and County Jails in Berkeley County?

Berkeley County County Jails
Berkeley County Juvenile Facilities
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This facility, known as "Berkeley County Detention Center" is also known as Berkeley County Jail & Detention Center, Berkeley County Jail & Detention Center, South Carolina, Berkeley, Hill-Finklea Detention Center, Berkeley County Hill-Finklea Detention Center.