How the Greenville County Detention Center Works

What the Greenville County Detention Center is and who it holds

The Greenville County Detention Center is the county jail operated by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. It holds people who have been arrested in Greenville County and are awaiting trial, as well as people serving short sentences after conviction. The facility is located in downtown Greenville and processes thousands of people each year.

The detention center is not a prison — it is a local jail. People held there are typically awaiting their first court appearance, unable to post bail, or serving sentences of less than one year. Those convicted of felonies and sentenced to longer terms are transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Key Takeaways

• The Greenville County Detention Center is run by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and holds people arrested in the county who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
• You can learn about someone is in the facility by using the online inmate search on the Greenville County Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention center directly.
• Visiting hours, mail policies, and phone rules are set by the detention center and change periodically, so confirm current rules before visiting or sending items.
• Bail and bond decisions are made by a judge at the first court appearance, usually within 24 hours of arrest.
• The detention center address and contact information are publicly available through the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

How to learn about someone is detained there

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool on its website where you can look up whether someone is currently held at the detention center. The search is free and available to the public. You will need the person's full name or booking number to search.

If you cannot find the person online or need immediate information, you can call the detention center directly. The Sheriff's Office can confirm whether someone has been booked and provide basic information about their status. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready when you call.

Visiting someone at the detention center

The Greenville County Detention Center allows visits during set hours, though the specific schedule and any restrictions change periodically. Before planning a visit, contact the detention center or check the Sheriff's Office website to confirm current visiting hours, which days visits are allowed, and any rules about what you can bring.

Visitors typically must present a valid photo ID and may be subject to a security screening. Children may be allowed to visit depending on the detention center's current policy. Some facilities limit the number of visitors per person or restrict visits based on the housing unit where the detainee is held. Call ahead to understand the rules that apply to your situation.

How to send mail and money to someone detained there

Mail sent to someone at the detention center must be addressed to them in care of the facility. The detention center screens all incoming mail, so letters may take longer to reach the person than regular mail delivery. The detention center's mailing address is available through the Greenville County Sheriff's Office website or by phone.

Money can typically be deposited into a detainee's account through an online system or by phone, allowing them to purchase items from the commissary or make phone calls. The detention center will have information about which payment methods are accepted and any fees involved. Some systems require you to set up an account before you can send money.

Phone calls and communication from the detention center

People held at the detention center can make phone calls, but the system is controlled and monitored. Calls are typically collect calls, meaning the person receiving the call pays the charges, or they go through a third-party service that charges a fee. The detention center sets the times when calls are allowed and may limit how long each call can last.

Video visitation may also be available through the detention center's system, allowing you to visit remotely. This option often has a fee. Check with the detention center about which communication methods are currently available and what the costs are.

Understanding bail and bond decisions

When someone is arrested and brought to the detention center, they have the right to a bail hearing within 24 hours. At this hearing, a judge decides whether to release the person on their own recognizance (a promise to return), set a bail amount, or hold them without bail. The judge considers the person's criminal history, ties to the community, and the severity of the charges.

If bail is set and the person cannot pay it, they can work with a bail bondsman, who charges a fee (usually 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount) and posts the full amount on their behalf. If the person is released on their own recognizance, no money is required. If bail is denied, the person remains in the detention center until trial.

What happens after someone is booked

After arrest and booking at the detention center, the person is held pending their first court appearance. This appearance typically happens within 24 hours and is when bail is set. If the person cannot post bail, they remain at the detention center while their case moves through the court system.

The length of stay depends on how quickly the case is resolved. Some people are released within days; others may be held for weeks or months if their case is complex or if bail is high. For felony convictions with sentences longer than one year, the person is transferred to a state prison facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the detention center's phone number and address?

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office website lists the detention center's contact information, including phone number and mailing address. You can also search online for "Greenville County Detention Center" to find current contact details. The facility is located in downtown Greenville.

Can I bring someone food or items while they are detained?

Most detention centers do not allow outside food or personal items to be brought in during visits. However, you can typically send money to the person's commissary account, allowing them to purchase approved items from the facility's store. Ask the detention center what items are permitted and how to send money.

What if someone cannot afford bail?

If bail is set and the person cannot pay it, they can contact a bail bondsman who will post bail for a fee, usually 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount. They can also ask the judge to lower the bail amount or release them on their own recognizance. A public defender can help explain these options at the bail hearing.

How long does someone stay at the detention center?

The length of stay varies. Some people are released within days if bail is posted or if charges are dropped. Others remain for weeks or months while their case moves through court. If convicted and sentenced to more than one year, they are transferred to a state prison.

Can I visit someone who is in the detention center?

Yes, the detention center allows visits during set hours. You will need a valid photo ID and must follow the facility's current rules about visiting times, screening, and what you can bring. Contact the detention center before your visit to confirm hours and any restrictions that apply.