Scdc Released Inmate Search is an online tool from the South Carolina Department of Corrections that lets people look up individuals who have left state prison custody. Users pick a start and end date using MM/DD/YYYY format, then choose one of South Carolina’s 46 counties from a drop-down menu. An optional checkbox filters results to show only those listed as sex offenders in the state registry. After clicking “Search,” the system displays up to ten records per page. Each entry shows the person’s full name, SCDC ID number, release date, and the correctional facility they left. A CSV download button allows users to save the data for later use.
How the Released Inmate Search Works
The search tool works by matching your date range and county selection against official SCDC records. It only shows adults who were released from state prisons, not county jails or federal facilities. The system updates daily, so information reflects recent discharges. Results are paginated, meaning you may need to click through multiple pages if many people match your criteria. The sex offender filter pulls data directly from South Carolina’s public registry, ensuring accuracy. This tool is free and does not require registration or login.
Difference Between Released Inmate Search and Regular Inmate Search
The standard Inmate Search portal only shows adults currently held in SCDC prisons. It does not include people who have already been released, those in county jails, or anyone on parole, probation, or community supervision. This separation follows South Carolina law—specifically Code Ann. §§ 20‑7‑8505 and 20‑7‑8515—which protects the privacy of juvenile offenders. The regular search uses an inmate’s SCDC number, State Identification (SID), or last name. It returns birthdate, sentence length, housing unit, and parole eligibility dates. In contrast, the Released Inmate Search focuses solely on past releases and cannot locate active inmates.
Using the SCDC Released Inmate Search Step by Step
Start by visiting the official SCDC website. Look for the “Released Inmate List” link. Enter a start date and end date in MM/DD/YYYY format. For example, 01/01/2024 to 12/31/2024 covers all of last year. Next, select a county from the drop-down list. All 46 South Carolina counties are available. If you want only sex offenders, check the box labeled “Sex Offender.” Leave it unchecked for all released inmates. Click “Search.” The page will load results in groups of ten. Use the “Next” button to see more pages. At the top or bottom, click “Download CSV” to export the current results to a spreadsheet.
What Information Appears in Search Results
Each result row includes four key pieces of information: full name, SCDC identification number, release date, and the name of the prison or facility where the person was held before release. The SCDC ID is a unique number assigned when someone enters the system. The release date confirms when they left custody. The facility name tells you which SCDC institution handled their case. No addresses, phone numbers, or crime details are shown. This protects privacy while giving enough data to identify individuals accurately.
Why Some People Don’t Appear in the Search
Not everyone who leaves jail shows up here. The tool only covers state prisons run by SCDC. People released from county jails, federal prisons, or military detention won’t appear. Also, if someone was released before the system started tracking online records, they might not be listed. Juvenile offenders are never included due to state privacy laws. Additionally, if a person was released under a different legal status—like parole or probation—they may not show up unless they completed their full sentence in prison.
Sex Offender Filter Explained
The optional “Sex Offender” checkbox connects to South Carolina’s official sex offender registry. When checked, the search only returns names that appear in both the released inmate database and the sex offender list. This helps users quickly identify individuals with that classification. However, not all sex offenders are listed publicly—some may be under supervision without public registration. Always verify details through the state’s official sex offender website for complete information.
Downloading Data as CSV
After running a search, users can download the displayed results as a CSV file. This format works with Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet programs. The downloaded file includes the same columns shown on screen: name, SCDC ID, release date, and facility. This feature helps researchers, journalists, or families analyze trends or keep records. Note that only the current page’s results download unless you navigate through all pages first.
Other SCDC Search Tools You Should Know
SCDC offers several related tools. The “Incarcerated Inmate Search” finds people still in prison. The “Released Offender Skills” portal shows job training and education completed before release—useful for employers or reentry programs. Each tool serves a different purpose. The incarcerated search uses SCDC numbers or names. The skills portal requires an SCDC ID or last name. None of these tools share data with county sheriff sites, so you may need to check multiple sources.
County Jail Searches vs. State Prison Searches
County jails and state prisons are separate systems. SCDC only manages state prisons. County jails are run by local sheriffs. For example, Charleston County has its own inmate lookup tool. Greenville County offers a similar system. These county tools show current detainees, not released ones. They often include booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Always confirm whether someone is in state or county custody before choosing which search to use.
Sample Inmate Details: What You’ll See
Take Ricky Lee Gordon Jr., SCDC ID 00391831. He was admitted on August 10, 2022, at age 32. His projected release date is October 8, 2025. He’s housed at Lee Correctional Institution in dorm-room-bunk BWB-0026. He’s serving time for armed robbery and is enrolled in a welding program. Vonterious Richardson, ID 00369447, entered on March 15, 2021, at age 28. His release is set for May 31, 2024. He’s at Broad River Correctional Institution in SB-0059-B, convicted of aggravated assault, and in substance-abuse counseling. These examples show how detailed active inmate records can be—but released inmate searches show far less.
Contacting SCDC for Help
If you can’t find someone, contact SCDC directly. The main office is at 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Call (803) 896‑8500 for general questions. For inmate location help, dial (803) 896‑8531. There’s also a toll-free line: (866) 727‑2846. Email requests go to the protected address listed on their site. Staff can assist with cases not visible online, such as recent releases not yet updated or records involving legal restrictions.
Greenville County Inmate Search
Greenville County provides its own inmate lookup. Enter a last name, optionally a first name, and click “Search.” Results show booking number, date of birth, charges, bond amount, and housing unit. A “Reset” button clears the form. A “County Home” link returns you to the sheriff’s main page. This tool only shows current detainees, not released individuals. It’s updated in real time, making it useful for lawyers, families, or reporters checking recent arrests.
Legal Basis for Privacy Restrictions
South Carolina law limits what inmate data can be shared. Juvenile records are sealed under state code to protect young offenders’ futures. Adult records are public but only while someone is incarcerated. Once released, less information is available to prevent stigma or harassment. The law balances public safety with individual rights. SCDC follows these rules strictly. That’s why released inmate searches show minimal data compared to active inmate lookups.
Common Mistakes When Using the Search
Many users enter wrong dates or pick the wrong county. Double-check your MM/DD/YYYY format. Avoid typos. If you get no results, try a wider date range or a neighboring county. Remember, the tool won’t find people released from county jails. Also, don’t expect crime details—those aren’t included. Lastly, the sex offender filter only works if the person is both released and registered. Not all released inmates are sex offenders.
How Often Is the Data Updated?
The Released Inmate Search updates every 24 hours. New releases appear the next day. This delay ensures accuracy and allows time for internal verification. If someone was released today, they likely won’t show up until tomorrow. For urgent needs, call the toll-free inmate line. Staff can confirm recent releases not yet online.
Using the Search for Research or Background Checks
Journalists, researchers, and employers sometimes use this tool to track recidivism or hiring eligibility. The CSV export helps analyze patterns over time. However, always cross-reference with other sources. The SCDC data doesn’t include arrests, convictions outside South Carolina, or current employment status. For full background checks, use official state or federal databases.
Related Resources for South Carolina Offender Information
Beyond SCDC, several sites offer related data. Johnston County provides mugshots. Catawba County lists current jail occupants. “Off My Case” and “Phone Number Backtrace” help with personal investigations. These tools complement but don’t replace SCDC’s official records. Always verify information across multiple sources for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions About SCDC Released Inmate Search
Below are common questions users ask about the search tool, privacy rules, and how to interpret results. Each answer provides clear, factual guidance based on current SCDC policies and South Carolina law.
Can I search for someone released from a county jail using this tool?
No. The SCDC Released Inmate Search only includes people released from state prisons managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. County jails are operated by local sheriffs and maintain separate databases. If you’re looking for someone released from a county facility, visit that county’s sheriff website. For example, Charleston County and Greenville County each have their own inmate lookup tools. These county systems typically show current detainees, not past releases. Always confirm which type of facility held the person before choosing your search method.
Why doesn’t the search show the crime someone was convicted of?
The released inmate search prioritizes privacy and focuses only on basic identifiers: name, SCDC ID, release date, and facility. Crime details are not included to protect individuals’ reputations after they’ve served their sentences. If you need conviction information, request it through formal public records channels or check court documents. Active inmate searches do show conviction types, but once someone is released, that data is no longer publicly displayed by SCDC to support reintegration and reduce stigma.
How accurate is the sex offender filter?
The filter pulls directly from South Carolina’s official sex offender registry, so it’s highly accurate for registered individuals. However, not all sex offenders are publicly listed—some may be under supervision without public registration due to sentencing terms or risk assessments. Also, the filter only works if the person appears in both the released inmate database and the registry. Always verify status through the state’s official sex offender website for complete and up-to-date information.
Can I use this search to find family members who were recently released?
Yes, but only if they were released from an SCDC state prison. Enter their likely release date range and the county where they lived or were incarcerated. If you know their SCDC ID, that helps narrow results. However, if they were released from a county jail or federal prison, you’ll need to contact those agencies directly. Keep in mind that results may take up to 24 hours to appear after release.
What should I do if I can’t find someone I know was released?
First, double-check your date range and county selection. Try expanding the dates or selecting a neighboring county. Confirm they were released from an SCDC facility, not a county or federal jail. If still unsuccessful, call the SCDC Inmate Information Line at (866) 727‑2846. Staff can verify recent releases not yet updated online or explain why records might be restricted due to legal protections.
Is the CSV download safe to use for background checks?
The CSV file contains only the same limited data shown on screen: name, SCDC ID, release date, and facility. It does not include criminal history, charges, or current legal status. While useful for tracking releases over time, it’s not sufficient for formal background checks. For employment or housing decisions, use certified background check services that access court records, national databases, and verified sources beyond SCDC’s public portal.
Are juvenile offenders ever listed in the released inmate search?
No. South Carolina law strictly prohibits public disclosure of juvenile offender records, even after release. Code Ann. §§ 20‑7‑8505 and 20‑7‑8515 protect the privacy of minors in the justice system. Therefore, no one under 18 appears in the SCDC Released Inmate Search, regardless of their release date or facility. This policy supports rehabilitation and prevents lifelong stigma for young people who have completed their sentences.
Official Website: https://doc.sc.gov/released-inmate-list
Phone: (803) 896-8531
Toll-Free Inmate Line: (866) 727-2846
Address: 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)