Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville-Metro-Area County Jail is a key part of South Carolina’s justice system. It serves Charleston County and nearby areas, including North Charleston and Summerville. This facility holds people before trial, during sentencing, or while waiting for transfer. It also offers programs to help inmates return to society. The jail works with local police, courts, and community groups to keep everyone safe. It provides medical care, mental health support, education, and job training. Families can stay in touch through visits, calls, and mail. The jail updates its records daily so you can find current inmate information. Whether you’re looking for someone, planning a visit, or need to send money, this page gives you clear, accurate details.
Facility Locations and Contact Information
The Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville-Metro-Area County Jail includes three main sites: Charleston County Jail, ACOE North Jail, and ACOE Summerville Detention Center. Each location serves different parts of the metro area. All follow the same rules and policies set by Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Charleston County Main Jail
This is the largest facility. It handles most bookings, court holds, and long-term inmates. It has modern security, medical units, and program spaces.
- Address: 3841 Leeds Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
- Phone: (843) 974-6500
- Website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/jail/
ACOE North Jail
ACOE North Jail focuses on short-term holds and pretrial inmates. It’s located near North Charleston for easy access from I-26 and I-526.
- Address: 4450 Arco Lane, North Charleston, SC 29418
- Phone: (843) 202-1700
ACOE Summerville Detention Center
This smaller center serves Summerville and Berkeley County areas. It processes local arrests and holds inmates awaiting court dates.
- Address: 150 E 3rd South St, Summerville, SC 29483
- Phone: (843) 871-4100
All three facilities share one inmate database. You can search for anyone booked in the metro area using the online tool or by calling any location.
Inmate Lookup and Public Records
Finding an inmate in the Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville-Metro-Area County Jail takes just minutes. The system shows real-time data updated every hour.
Online Inmate Search
Go to the official Charleston County Jail website. Click “Inmate Roster” at the top of the page. Type the person’s full name or ID number. Results show:
- Full legal name
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bail amount (if set)
- Next court date
- Housing location (which facility)
If you don’t see a name, try spelling variations or use just the first and last name. The system accepts partial matches.
Phone and In-Person Lookup
Call (843) 974-6500 between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. Have the inmate’s name, date of birth, or arrest date ready. Staff will confirm if they’re in custody and which facility holds them.
You can also visit any jail lobby. Kiosks display basic inmate info. Bring a photo ID. Staff won’t give details over the phone to unverified callers.
Mugshots and Public Records
Mugshots taken during booking are public records. Request them by mail or online through the Sheriff’s Office. There’s a small fee for processing. If charges are dropped or dismissed, you may ask to remove your mugshot. This requires a court order in most cases.
Booking Process and What Happens After Arrest
When someone is arrested in the Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville metro area, they go through a standard booking process. This ensures safety, accuracy, and fairness.
Steps During Booking
- Arrest and Transport: Police bring the person to the nearest jail facility.
- Fingerprinting: Digital prints are taken and checked against state and federal databases.
- Mugshot: A photo is taken for identification.
- Personal Info: Name, date of birth, address, and emergency contact are recorded.
- Health Screening: Nurses check for injuries, illnesses, or mental health needs.
- Property Storage: Personal items are bagged, labeled, and stored securely.
- Housing Assignment: Inmates are placed in cells based on gender, age, and risk level.
Bail and Release Options
A judge sets bail at the first court hearing. Bail lets someone leave jail while waiting for trial. You can pay it three ways:
- Cash (exact amount)
- Credit card (online or at kiosk)
- Bail bondsman (pays 10% fee)
Call the Booking Office at (843) 202-1700 to confirm bail amount. Once paid, release happens within 1–2 hours.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visits help inmates stay connected. The Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville-Metro-Area County Jail offers both in-person and virtual visits.
In-Person Visits
All visits must be scheduled ahead of time. Use the online portal or call the visitation line. Visits last 30 minutes. Only two visitors allowed per session.
Visiting hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Dress code rules:
- No hats, sunglasses, or hoods
- No revealing clothes (tank tops, short shorts)
- No clothing with gang symbols or offensive words
Bring a government-issued photo ID. Security will scan bags and use metal detectors.
Virtual Visits
Video calls happen through a secure app. Schedule them online up to 7 days in advance. Each visit costs $9.95 and lasts 20 minutes. You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and internet.
Virtual visits are great for family far away or during bad weather. They follow the same conduct rules as in-person visits.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates can receive funds for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Send money safely using these methods:
Online Deposits
Use JPay or Access Corrections. Create an account, enter the inmate’s name and ID, and add funds with a debit or credit card. Money appears in 15 minutes.
Kiosk Payments
Pay at kiosks inside any jail lobby. Accepts cash, credit, or debit cards. Receipt prints instantly.
Money Orders by Mail
Send a money order (not cash or personal check) to:
Charleston County Jail
Inmate Name & ID Number
3841 Leeds Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
Write the inmate’s full name and ID on the memo line. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Commissary and Inmate Purchases
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and stationery. Orders are placed weekly. Delivery happens within 48 hours.
Common Items Available
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food & Drinks | Chips, candy, coffee, soda |
| Hygiene | Toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo |
| Clothing | Socks, undershirts, flip-flops |
| Stationery | Pens, paper, envelopes, stamps |
Prices are low and fair. Funds come from the inmate’s account. Family can add money anytime.
Phone and Mail Communication
Inmates stay in touch through monitored calls and mail. All communication follows strict rules.
Phone Calls
Inmates make outgoing calls only. Calls cost $0.25 per minute. Family adds money to the inmate’s phone account. Calls last 15–20 minutes. They’re recorded and may be reviewed.
Mail Guidelines
Send letters on plain white paper in standard envelopes. Do not include:
- Polaroids or instant photos
- Stickers, glitter, or tape
- Drawings or coloring
- Books or magazines (must come directly from publisher or Amazon)
Address mail like this:
Inmate Full Name & ID Number
Charleston County Jail
3841 Leeds Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
All mail is opened and checked. Legal mail (from attorneys) is inspected in front of the inmate.
Medical and Mental Health Care
The jail provides full healthcare. Nurses and doctors are on-site daily. Emergency care is available 24/7.
Routine Medical Services
- Physical exams upon entry
- Prescription medication management
- Vaccinations (flu, COVID-19)
- Dental cleanings and basic care
- Vision tests and glasses (if needed)
Mental Health Support
- One-on-one counseling
- Group therapy for addiction and anger
- Crisis intervention
- Medication for depression, anxiety, or PTSD
Inmates can request a medical visit at any time. Requests go through guards and are answered within 24 hours.
Education and Job Training Programs
The Charlestona-Acoenorth-Acoesummerville-Metro-Area County Jail helps inmates prepare for life after release. Programs focus on education, skills, and behavior change.
GED and Adult Education
Free classes help inmates earn a high school equivalency diploma. Teachers come from local schools. Classes run Monday–Friday.
Vocational Training
- Carpentry and construction basics
- Plumbing and electrical safety
- Computer skills (typing, Microsoft Office)
- Food handler certification
Graduates get certificates they can show employers. Some programs partner with local trade schools for advanced training.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Specialized groups help people struggling with drugs or alcohol. Sessions cover relapse prevention, coping skills, and recovery planning.
Security and Safety Measures
Safety comes first. The jail uses modern tools and trained staff to prevent violence, escapes, and emergencies.
Daily Security Practices
- 24/7 camera monitoring in all areas
- Electronic wristbands track inmate movement
- Regular headcounts (every 2 hours)
- Staff trained in crisis response and de-escalation
- Fire drills and medical emergency plans
Inmate Classification System
New inmates are assessed for risk level. Low-risk people may live in dorms. High-risk inmates stay in single cells with extra supervision.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
The jail works with local groups to reduce crime and help former inmates succeed.
Key Partnerships
- Charleston County Schools (education programs)
- Trident United Way (job placement)
- Local churches (mentoring and reentry support)
- SC Department of Corrections (transfer coordination)
Public Education
The Sheriff’s Office hosts tours for students and community leaders. These show how the jail operates and why rehabilitation matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate status, visits, and rights. Here are clear answers based on current jail policies.
How do I find out if someone is in jail?
Use the online inmate search tool on the Charleston County Jail website. Enter the full name or ID number. Results show booking date, charges, bail, and facility location. If nothing appears, call (843) 974-6500 during business hours. Have the person’s name and date of birth ready. The system updates hourly, so info is current.
Can I visit an inmate the same day I call?
No. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Use the online portal or call the visitation office. Walk-in visits are not allowed. This helps staff manage security and space. Choose your time slot early, especially on weekends.
What happens if bail isn’t paid?
The inmate stays in jail until their court date. They may ask for a bail reduction hearing. If convicted, time served counts toward their sentence. Judges review bail amounts regularly. Contact the Booking Office at (843) 202-1700 for updates.
Are inmates allowed to work or earn money?
Yes, some inmates can work inside the jail. Jobs include kitchen help, cleaning, or laundry. They earn small wages added to their commissary account. Work programs teach responsibility and routine. Not all inmates qualify—it depends on behavior and risk level.
How long does it take to get released after bail is posted?
Usually 1–2 hours. Staff must process paperwork, return property, and complete final checks. Rush periods (like weekends) may take longer. Call ahead to confirm the inmate is ready for release.
Can I send clothes or shoes to an inmate?
No. Inmates receive jail-issued clothing. Outside clothes are not allowed for security reasons. You may send socks or underwear through commissary only. All items must be new and sealed.
What if an inmate has a medical emergency?
Guards respond immediately. Medical staff provide care on-site. If needed, the inmate goes to a hospital under guard. Family is notified as soon as possible. Emergency contacts should be kept current with the jail.
Official Website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/jail/
Main Phone: (843) 974-6500
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 1 PM – 4 PM