Lancaster County Detention Center

Lancaster County Detention Center Information

The Lancaster County Detention Center is a 122 bed jail in the city of Lancaster, Lancaster County, South Carolina.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 803-283-2084, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 803-283-2084

Physical Address:
1941 Pageland Highway
Lancaster, SC 29720

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking ID#
Lancaster County Detention Center
PO BOX 9106
Seminole, Florida 33775-9106

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking ID#
Lancaster County Detention Center
P.O. Box 908
Lancaster, SC 29720.

Other Jails and Prisons

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

To search for an inmate in the Lancaster 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 803-283-2084 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an Offender's Criminal Court Case online.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

The Lancaster County Detention Center maintains an average of 122 offenders in custody on any given day. The Lancaster 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 Lancaster County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,240 offenders.

The following charts of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Lancaster County and South Carolina state prisons, click the button below.
Lancaster County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Lancaster County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 4/19/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 41 33.33%
Black 43 34.96%
Hispanic or Latino 21 17.07%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 5 4.07%
Asian 5 4.07%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 4 3.25%
Other 4 3.25%
Total 123 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Lancaster County Inmate Criminal Charges - 4/19/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 26 21.14%
Felony (2rd Degree) 24 19.51%
Felony (1st Degree) 0 0.00%
State Jail Felony 6 4.88%
Felony (Uncategorized) 32 26.02%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 35 28.46%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Lancaster County Inmate Sex - 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 108 87.80%
Female 15 12.20%
Total 123 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Lancaster County Inmate Age - 4/19/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 1 0.81%
18-20 8 6.50%
21-24 14 11.38%
25-30 21 17.07%
31-35 23 18.70%
36-40 20 16.26%
41-45 17 13.82%
46-50 7 5.69%
51-55 5 4.07%
56-60 4 3.25%
61-65 2 1.63%
66-75 1 0.81%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 123 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Lancaster County Detention Center

The LCDC, the County Detention Center, is a short term holding facility that only accommodates pre trial adult offenders, as well as those who have short sentences that will be completed within 90 days. As this is where detainees go directly following their arrest, there is a video system in place that allows for bond hearings to be completed within the building, so there is no need to leave the site to attend. The facility also offers ways for the inmates to remain in contact with their friends and family during their incarceration, and do this through sending and receiving mail, making phone calls, and receiving visitors. When sending mail it will go to a contracted program which checks for contraband and then scans the mail into the electronic program which then delivers it to a kiosk or tablet within the jail. This is provided through MailGuard and uses the inmates name and ID number along with the name of the institution, at PO Box 9106 Seminole, Florida. Those who wish to provide money to an inmate for their use during their incarceration can do so online at https://store.jailpackstore.com/store/index. They will also have access to the phone systems, which can be funded via http://www.smartcommunications.us/. Inmates will also be permitted to receive visits via video through SMART Communications. These visits will follow the same rules as in person visits with a focus on appropriate dress, an approved list of visitors, and there can be no driving, alcohol, or drugs during the visit. Inmates are permitted one visit each day, however that may be adjusted depending upon the number of inmates at the time and how many people need access to the program. There are kiosks available in the lobby of the jail that people can use between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. This facility is also a key part of the community and as well as housing inmates both before and after trial, they perform fingerprinting and background checks for both employment purposes as well as for volunteer work.

Lancaster County’s council and voters approved a referendum to build a new $47 million facility with enough beds to house more than 300 inmates. If the project stays on schedule, it likely won’t be completed until 2025 or 2026.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

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

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Lancaster County Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 803-283-2084.

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.

Lancaster County Detention Center Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 to 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.

What happens after booking?

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 Lancaster 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.

How long does the Lancaster 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.

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Directions / Map to the Lancaster County Detention Center
Inmate Visitation

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

Lancaster County Detention Center ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

1941 Pageland Highway
Lancaster, SC 29720
803-283-2084

Schedule Video Visits online with Smart Visit

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • All visitors are allowed to have one visit a day per account.  This may change based on usage / volume.  There are 4 kiosks available for use at the Detention Center for use between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.  You must present your id for admittance.
  • You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the visit.
  • A maximum of one adult and one child are allowed per an on-site video session.
  • Only one infant (under 1 year of age) will be allowed per visit and will not be counted as a visitor
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Any person visiting must not have been incarcerated within the past 180 days.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
MONDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
TUESDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
WEDNESDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
THURSDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
FRIDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM
SATURDAY 1:30PM - 3:30PM


Lancaster County Detention Center REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Schedule Video Visits online with Smart Inmate

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Remote visits are charged a fee.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
MONDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
TUESDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
THURSDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
FRIDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
SATURDAY 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Attorneys have access to their clients during the following times:

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

  • Inmates cannot be seen during mealtimes, lockdowns and emergency situations.
  • Attorneys may call 803-283-2084 for questions or appointments.

Lancaster County Detention Center uses Smart Communications for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their loved ones.

How Video Visitation Works
SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time video visitation system which can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail.
At some locations you may also use a lobby kiosk at the facility to visit for free when scheduling a local / on-site visit.
Remote visits from home cost 50 cents per minute and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute increments.
To schedule a video visit you must first open a Smart Communications account.

Remote Video Visits From Home
Once you are connected with an inmate you can use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Remote visits from home are billed on a credits-per-minute model and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute blocks.

Local / On-Site Video Visits
Once you are connected with an inmate at a location where you have a visitation kiosk in the lobby, you may use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Local / on-site visits are provided free of charge.

This link explains everything you need to know about Smart Communications Video Visitation.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lancaster County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 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 Lancaster County Detention Center?

Lancaster County Detention Center uses Smart Communications for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their loved ones.

How Video Visitation Works
SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time video visitation system which can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail.
At some locations you may also use a lobby kiosk at the facility to visit for free when scheduling a local / on-site visit.
Remote visits from home cost 50 cents per minute and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute increments.
To schedule a video visit you must first open a Smart Communications account.

Remote Video Visits From Home
Once you are connected with an inmate you can use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Remote visits from home are billed on a credits-per-minute model and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute blocks.

Local / On-Site Video Visits
Once you are connected with an inmate at a location where you have a visitation kiosk in the lobby, you may use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Local / on-site visits are provided free of charge.

This link explains everything you need to know about Smart Communications Video Visitation.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lancaster County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

How to Set up a Phone Account and Receive Calls from an Inmate in Lancaster County Detention Center

To communicate by telephone with a Lancaster County inmate, follow these instructions:

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

For all the information you need to receive phone calls from a Lancaster County Detention Center inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, how often you can receive calls and when you can receive them and more, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: Your phone calls will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case. Anything discussed on the calls may be used in your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lancaster County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Lancaster County Detention Center Inmate Mail Types

Postcards
The Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 & Inmate Booking ID#
Lancaster County Detention Center
PO BOX 9106
Seminole, Florida 33775-9106


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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 & Inmate Booking ID#
Lancaster County Detention Center
P.O. Box 908
Lancaster, SC 29720.

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

To communicate by text or email with an Lancaster 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 Lancaster County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Lancaster County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County

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

  • Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Lancaster County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lancaster County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center

To communicate by text or email with an Lancaster 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 Lancaster County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Lancaster County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center at 803-283-2084 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 Lancaster 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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center at 803-283-2084 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 803-283-2084 for further assistance.

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Other Jails in Lancaster County

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

Lancaster County County Jails
Lancaster County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Lancaster County?

Lancaster Mecklenburg Union Kershaw Fairfield Chesterfield Chester York
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 4/19/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/19/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Lancaster County Detention Center" is also known as Lancaster County Jail & Detention Ctr, Lancaster County Jail & Detention Ctr, South Carolina, Lancaster.