Find Colleton County Inmate Population
Colleton County inmate population records are available through the sheriff's office and state databases. The county is located in the lowcountry region of South Carolina with Walterboro as the county seat. The Colleton County Sheriff's Office runs the local detention center. State inmates sentenced from this county are held in SCDC facilities. This page explains how to search for inmates in both the county jail and the state prison system. It also covers victim notification, probation lookups, and court records for Colleton County.
Colleton County Sheriff's Office
The Colleton County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the entire county. Deputies patrol unincorporated areas. The Walterboro Police Department handles calls inside the city of Walterboro. When someone is arrested in Colleton County, they are taken to the detention center run by the sheriff. The jail holds pre-trial detainees and those serving short local sentences.
To find out if someone is in the Colleton County jail, contact the sheriff's office. You will need the person's full name. A date of birth makes the search faster. Staff can tell you if the person is in custody and what their bond status is. Under Title 24, Chapter 5 of the South Carolina Code, all county jails must meet state standards for safety and operations. Chapter 9 requires regular inspections of these facilities.
The Colleton County government website lists contact information for all county departments. The Public Information Officer, K.C. Campbell, can be reached at 843-539-1960 for media inquiries. General county contacts include Laura Clark at 843-893-2651.
The image below shows the Colleton County government website where you can find department links and public notices.
Colleton County posts press releases, meeting agendas, and public notices on this site. The county council holds regular meetings with live streaming available.
State Inmates from Colleton County
People convicted of felonies in Colleton County may be sent to state prison. The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates 21 institutions and holds about 26,000 inmates. The free inmate search on the SCDC website lets you look up anyone in state custody. Enter a name or inmate number. The results show a photo, current facility, charges, sentence, and estimated release date.
Credits affect release timing. Under Section 24-13-210, most inmates earn 20 days of good behavior credit each month. Those with "no parole" offenses earn 3 days per month. Section 24-13-230 allows additional credit for work and education programs. Regular inmates can earn up to 180 days per year. "No parole" inmates can earn up to 72 days. Under Section 24-13-150, "no parole" offenders must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before early release. Work release requires 80 percent under Section 24-13-125.
SCDC also lists recently released inmates. You can check whether someone from Colleton County has left state custody. For records not in the public search, send a FOIA request to FOIA@doc.sc.gov.
Note: The SCDC release date is a projection and may change based on new credits or disciplinary actions.
Colleton County Victim Notification
Crime victims in Colleton County can use the VINE system to track inmates. VINE is free and runs 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-727-2846 to search for an inmate. You can also register for automatic alerts when custody status changes. The service works in English and Spanish.
The SCDC Division of Victim Services offers detailed support for registered victims. You receive calls during an escape and letters before a release. Victim Impact Statements go into the offender's permanent file. The division can block inmate phone calls and mail to victims. Call 1-800-835-0304 to register. The department also runs a trauma dog program where a dog named Flossy helps victims and staff who have faced assault.
Probation and Parole in Colleton County
Offenders living in Colleton County under supervision are tracked by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. The SCDPPPS search tool shows anyone under active probation or parole. The data is from the prior day. For current info, call the local field office.
SCDPPPS agents made over 86,000 home visits statewide last year. Every agent wears a body camera. The agency assigns risk levels to each offender. High-risk cases face strict supervision with frequent visits. Low-risk cases check in less often. The department is dually accredited by SCLEA and CALEA.
The agency warns about scam calls targeting families of inmates. Fraudsters promise early release in exchange for money sent through Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards. SCDPPPS never asks for payment this way.
- Search offenders at dppps.sc.gov
- Data shows the prior day
- Use the SID number to pay fees online
- Contact local office for same-day details
Note: Parole hearing notification requires a call to SCDPPPS at 1-888-551-4118.
Colleton County Criminal Courts
Colleton County has circuit and magistrate courts that handle criminal cases. The circuit court tries felonies. Magistrate courts handle misdemeanors and preliminary hearings. You can search court records through the South Carolina Judicial Branch public index.
Under Section 24-13-100 of the state code, Class A, B, or C felonies with 20 or more years are "no parole" offenses. Escape from any facility is a felony under Section 24-13-410 and adds 1 to 15 years. Section 24-13-20 requires all sheriffs to arrest escaped convicts found in their county. These laws apply to every case handled in the Colleton County court system.
Cities in Colleton County
Colleton County includes Walterboro and several smaller communities. The Walterboro Police Department handles law enforcement within the city. People arrested by city police are booked into the Colleton County Detention Center.
Nearby Counties
Colleton County borders several lowcountry counties. If an inmate is not in the Colleton County system, check these nearby areas.