How the Greenville County Detention Center Works

What the Greenville County Detention Center does

The Greenville County Detention Center is a 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 those serving short sentences. The facility is located in downtown Greenville and processes new inmates 24 hours a day.

The detention center is not a prison—it is a local jail. People held there are either awaiting their court date or serving sentences of less than one year. If someone is convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than one year, they are transferred to a state prison run by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

The facility also holds people on behalf of federal agencies and other counties when space is available, and it houses inmates in the work-release program who are nearing the end of their sentences.

Key Takeaways

• The Greenville County Detention Center is a county jail run by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office that holds people awaiting trial or serving sentences under one year.
• You can learn about someone is in custody by calling the detention center directly at (864) 467-4500 or searching the online inmate lookup system on the Greenville County Sheriff's Office website.
• Visiting hours and rules vary; you must contact the detention center in advance to learn current policies and any restrictions on who can visit.
• The detention center is located at 401 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601, and processes new arrests around the clock.
• Bail and bond decisions are made by a judge, not by the detention center; you will need to go through the court system to post bail or arrange release.

Finding out if someone is in custody

If you need to know whether someone has been arrested and is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center, you have two main options. You can call the detention center's main line at (864) 467-4500 and speak to staff, or you can use the online inmate lookup system available on the Greenville County Sheriff's Office website.

The online system lets you search by first and last name and shows basic information about who is currently in custody. This is faster than calling if you are searching outside business hours. When you call, have the person's full name and date of birth ready—staff can look up someone's status more quickly with that information.

If someone was arrested very recently, they may not yet appear in the system. New bookings can take a few hours to process, so if your search comes up empty, try again after a few hours have passed.

Visiting someone in custody

The Greenville County Detention Center allows visits, but the rules are strict and change periodically. Before you plan a visit, call (864) 467-4500 and ask about current visiting hours, what identification you need to bring, and any restrictions on what you can bring into the facility.

Generally, visitors must be on an approved list, and the person in custody must have added you to their visiting list before you can come. Some visits may be conducted by video or phone rather than in person, depending on the facility's current policies and the security level of the inmate's housing unit.

Dress codes are enforced—revealing clothing, gang-affiliated clothing, and items that resemble jail uniforms are typically not allowed. Weapons, drugs, and contraband of any kind are prohibited, and visitors are subject to search.

How bail and bond work after arrest

When someone is arrested and brought to the Greenville County Detention Center, they will be taken before a judge for an initial appearance. At that hearing, the judge decides whether to release the person on their own recognizance (a promise to return to court), set bail, set a bond, or hold them without bail.

The detention center does not make these decisions—only a judge can. If bail or bond is set, you can post it through a bail bondsman (a private company that charges a fee, usually 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount) or pay the full amount directly to the court. If you cannot afford bail, you can ask the judge to lower it or release the person without bail at the initial appearance or at a later bail hearing.

The detention center will hold the person until bail or bond is posted and processed, which can take several hours even after payment is made. Call ahead to confirm that payment has been received before going to pick someone up.

Sending money to someone in custody

People held at the Greenville County Detention Center can receive money for commissary (a store where they can buy toiletries, snacks, and other items). The detention center uses a third-party vendor to handle these deposits.

Contact the detention center at (864) 467-4500 to learn the current process for sending money, as the vendor and methods change periodically. You will need the inmate's full name and booking number. Most systems allow you to deposit money online, by phone, or through a kiosk, and the money is usually available to the inmate within 24 hours.

There are limits on how much money an inmate can have in their account at one time, and the detention center may charge a fee for deposits. Ask about these limits and fees when you call.

Contact information and location

The Greenville County Detention Center is located at 401 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. The main phone number is (864) 467-4500. The facility is open 24 hours a day for intake and processing.

For questions about visiting, sending money, or locating someone in custody, call during business hours. For emergencies or urgent matters, you can also contact the Greenville County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (864) 467-5000.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office website has additional information about the detention center, including the inmate lookup system, visiting policies, and contact information for specific departments within the facility.

What happens after someone is booked

When someone arrives at the Greenville County Detention Center, they go through a booking process that includes recording personal information, taking a photograph and fingerprints, conducting a background check, and performing a health screening. This process can take several hours.

After booking is complete, the person is assigned to a housing unit based on their security level, gender, and any special needs. They will be held there until their initial court appearance, which must happen within 24 hours of arrest (not counting weekends and holidays).

During their stay, inmates follow the detention center's rules and schedule. They have access to medical care, mental health services, and legal resources. Visitors, phone calls, and commissary are available according to the facility's policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can someone be held at the Greenville County Detention Center?

People awaiting trial can be held for weeks or months depending on how quickly their case moves through the court system. Those convicted and sentenced can be held for up to one year; anyone sentenced to longer than one year is transferred to a state prison. The length of stay depends on the charges, the court's schedule, and whether bail is posted.

Can I bring someone food or items while they are in custody?

No. The detention center does not allow outside food or personal items to be brought in. Inmates can purchase items through commissary using money you deposit into their account. Call (864) 467-4500 to ask what items are available and how to send money.

What if someone misses their court date?

If someone fails to appear in court, a warrant is issued for their arrest. They will be arrested again and held without bail in many cases. If this happens, contact a lawyer immediately—they can help you address the missed appearance and work toward getting bail set again.

Can I get records of someone's arrest or charges?

Yes. Arrest records and charges are public information in South Carolina. You can search for this information through the Greenville County Sheriff's Office website, the Greenville County Clerk of Court's office, or by calling the detention center. The clerk's office can provide court documents and case information.

What if someone has a medical emergency while in custody?

The detention center has medical staff on site and can provide emergency care. If someone needs hospital-level care, they are transported to a local hospital. If you are concerned about someone's health or safety, call (864) 467-4500 and ask to speak with medical staff or a supervisor.