Dorchester County Detention Center
Dorchester County Detention Center
The 352-bed Dorchester County Detention Center answers inmate information calls at 843-832-0215 24 hours a day.
This is where the county brings people arrested for misdemeanors and felonies for booking and processing. Depending on the charges, some are bonded out or released on their own recognizance, and some are held until their trial is resolved.
Use the inmate search tool to look through the roster of people who have been arrested and are still in custody.
After sentencing, those with less than a year to serve remain at the jail. Those with more than a year to serve are transferred to the South Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page offers information on the visitation schedule and rules, depositing funds, mailing letters, inmate phone calls, voicemail, email and text messaging, tablets, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
Always save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number, which you may need for mail. If it isn’t online, call Dorchester County Detention Center at 843-832-0215.
Inmate Services
Phone
843-832-0215Mailing address (personal mail)
Dorchester County Detention Center
220 Hodge Road
Summerville, SC 29483
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Dorchester County Detention Center
220 Hodge Road
Summerville, SC 29483
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Dorchester 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 843-832-0215 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an Offender's Criminal Court Case online.
Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
The Dorchester County Detention Center maintains an average of 352 offenders in custody on any given day. The Dorchester 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 Dorchester County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 7,840 offenders.
The following charts of Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe L.C. Knight Dorchester County Detention Center is located in Summerville, SC and can be contacted at 843-832-0215 24 hours a day. The 80,465-square-foot facility houses 352 beds with core spaces for 500 inmates and in 2016, cost $19,684,558 to build. There is one 64-bed direct supervision dormitory for pre-trial inmates; two 40-bed sentenced dormitories for work release inmates; two maximum security mezzanine-style housing units and two general population mezzanine-style housing units.
If you want to view the inmate's mugshot you can use the online Inmate Search Roster. You will also have access to their criminal charges, bond, date of arrest, arresting agency, and their booking number.
Each of the staff at the facility are trained in all areas and can respond to an emergency as needed, as well as work each area as required. The facility has advanced security in place with cameras in each area that feed a central security station and allow for staff to monitor each space in the building. Doors are automated and controlled by the officers in the control center, alarms are present to alert to any emergency situations that occur, gates and other access points are closely monitored and secured, and all mail is checked for contraband before being provided to the inmates. Upon arrival all detainees are booked, including fingerprinting and photographs, as well as searching the detainee and providing jail clothing while storing their personal items to be retrieved upon their release. Once this has completed, they will be assessed and assigned to an appropriate housing unit in the jail. Medical and mental health care are provided, along with educational classes and addiction treatments, access to and participation in recreational activities, exercise equipment is present, counselling is available, and telephone and visiting privileges are in place for those who have not had them restricted.
Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly. Friends and family of inmates in the Dorchester County Detention Center can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. Friends and family can also communicate using an online text/email system, send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.
All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below. If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 843-832-0215.
- Dorchester County Jail: 843-832-0215
- Adult Probation: 843-832-8340
- Circuit Court: 843-563-0231
- Prosecutor: 843-832-0150
- Public Defender: 843-821-9800
- Sheriff: 843-832-0300
The booking procedure at Dorchester County Detention Center
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Dorchester County Detention Center for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.
The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.
The booking process at Dorchester County Detention Center includes the following steps:
- Personal identification confirmation.
- Mugshots for record-keeping.
- Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
- DNA collection may be required.
- Conducting a thorough body search.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Providing a phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 843-832-0215.
How to handle bail after an arrest in Dorchester County
If someone has been booked at Dorchester County Detention Center in Summerville, their next steps may include:
1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 843-832-0215.
There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.
- The usual way to post a cash bond is to pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk of court by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also offer card payment through a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor for a fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (call 843-832-0215 for the jail).
- Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Dorchester County.
- Real property bonds are accepted in many courts: an owner may offer land or a home after showing clear title and equity of at least the bond, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves it.
For a full guide to the bail process in Dorchester County, South Carolina, visit the Dorchester County Detention Center Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?
Dorchester County Detention Center Inmate on-site Video Visitation
220 Hodge Road
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0215
- 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 Dorchester County Detention Center, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| SUNDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
Dorchester County Detention Center Inmate Remote Video Visitation
220 Hodge Road
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0215
- 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 Dorchester County Detention Center, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
| SUNDAY | 6:30AM - 9:30PM |
Visiting an Inmate at the Dorchester County Detention Center
Dorchester County Detention Center uses PayTel Connect for visiting an inmate - These are video visits.
It works like this:
- To start a video visit, the inmate will need to send the initial invite for the visit.
- After your inmate sends the invite you will receive a text to your phone notifying you of this request.
- At that point you should set up an account on the website www.paytelconnect.com.
- If you already have an account, you will need to access your account from the website www.paytelconnect.com or Pay Tel Connect™.
- You will then need to agree to the terms of use and accept the iinmate as a contact.
- Lastly, you will nned to send in a picture of your state ID and selfie.
- Once the Dorchester County Detention Center approves your photos, your inmate can send you a request for a visit or you can set up a visit yourself.
Visiting an Inmate at the Dorchester County Detention Center
Dorchester County Detention Center uses PayTel Connect for visiting an inmate with video.
It works like this:
- To start a video visit, the inmate will need to send the initial invite for the visit.
- Then you will receive a text to your phone notifying you of this request.
- Then you should set up an account on the website www.paytelconnect.com.
- The Dorchester County Detention Center requires you upload a copy of your ID and a selfie.
For more information, including dress codes, rules and guidelines, visiting hours and more, check out our Visitation Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center?
Dorchester County Detention Center uses PayTel Connect for visiting an inmate - These are video visits.
It works like this:
- To start a video visit, the inmate will need to send the initial invite for the visit.
- After your inmate sends the invite you will receive a text to your phone notifying you of this request.
- At that point you should set up an account on the website www.paytelconnect.com.
- If you already have an account, you will need to access your account from the website www.paytelconnect.com or Pay Tel Connect™.
- You will then need to agree to the terms of use and accept the iinmate as a contact.
- Lastly, you will nned to send in a picture of your state ID and selfie.
- Once the Dorchester County Detention Center approves your photos, your inmate can send you a request for a visit or you can set up a visit yourself.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center?
How to Deposit Money Online for an inmate in Dorchester County Detention Center
Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center?
How Do Inmates in Dorchester County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Dorchester County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
-
Register here,
-
contact them online, or
-
call 800-729-8355 if you want to speak to an agent.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Dorchester County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, costs, limits, tablet rental 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 Dorchester County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center, and what can I send them?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?
Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dorchester County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester County Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Dorchester County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Dorchester County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?
inteleMESSAGE by Pay Tel is a service in which Dorchester County inmates can use tablets to send messages to any friend or family member that has set up an on-line prepaid or direct bill account with Pay Tel.
How inteleMESSAGE Works
- The Dorchester County Detention Center inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
- Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages.
- When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Dorchester County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.
- An on-line prepaid or direct bill account is required to use messaging.
- You must visit the Pay Tel website, login to your account, and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link in order to send or check for messages. You will not be notified of messages by any other method.
- All messages are subject to monitoring and review and should never be used for privileged attorney-inmate communications.
- If a message is rejected for any reason, the sender’s account will be automatically credited for the cost of the message.
- Free messages which are rejected will not be refunded or restored.
Cost to send messages
- The sender of the message is charged $.50 per message. Rates are subject to change.
- For friends and family outside of a facility, this amount is deducted from the prepaid account balance or charged to your direct bill account.
- For inmates, the amount is charged to the inmate and deducted from the inmate’s debit account.
- There is no charge to read a message that was sent to you.
Paytel App Download
Check to see if Tablets are Available in Dorchester County Detention Center for rent to your inmate. Tablets can be used for phone calls, messaging, education, and entertainment.
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Dorchester County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Dorchester County Detention Center follow these steps:
How inteleMESSAGE Works
- The Dorchester County Detention Center inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
- Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages.
- When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Dorchester County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.
For all information on rates, and how to Text/Email an Inmate in Dorchester County Detention Center check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Dorchester County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Dorchester County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Paytel Tablets can be rented by inmates housed in the Dorchester County Detention Center for a small monthly fee.
Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:
- Phone Calls
- Messages (email / texts)
- Educational applications
- Entertainment (movies, games, television, music)
- Dorchester County Detention Center information (rules, guidelines, visitation schedules, etc.)
- Legal research
- Medical requests
- Programs (anger management, drug recovery, job skills, parenting, etc.)
Contact Paytel online, or call the Dorchester County Detention Center directly at 843-832-0215 to rent a tablet for your inmate.
If you want download the Paytel App, click the image below:
Tablets Rentals Offer Great Solutions for Inmates at the Dorchester County Detention Center
How can you rent a tablet for an inmate in Dorchester County? Read the following:
Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:
- Phone Calls
- Messages (email / texts)
- Educational applications and Entertainment
- Legal Research
- and much more!
Contact Paytel online, or call the Dorchester County Detention Center directly at 843-832-0215 to rent a tablet for your inmate.
To find out everything you need to know about renting a tablet, what it can be used for, how much it costs, and more, check out our Tablet Page for Dorchester County Detention Center.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dorchester County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 843-832-0215 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County County Jails
Dorchester County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Dorchester County?
Nearby counties
The Dorchester County Detention Center serves the following cities and towns of Dorchester County: Harleyville, North, Reevesville, Ridgeville, Saint George and Summerville.