All incoming inmate mail must be clearly marked with the inmate’s legal name, SCDC number, living unit, full name of the institution, street address, city, state, and zip code with a complete return address in the upper left-hand corner. However, every effort is made to deliver all mail received at every institution. All mail will be opened and inspected by postal staff prior to being delivered to the inmate. Legal mail is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate. Mail is not read unless there is reason to believe illegal activity or activity in violations of Agency rules and regulations is present. Inmates are not allowed to receive cash, stamps, any writing materials, anything to eat, drink, or smoke. General population inmates may receive books, magazines, newspapers if they are sent directly from the publisher or from a publication supplier (licensed bookstore) and if they are paid for in advance. Inmates in lock up areas are limited as to what they may receive. It is best to contact the inmate to inquire as to what is and what is not allowed before sending anything other than a letter.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates a cashless system for inmates. This means that incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have U.S. currency. Possession of money is a violation of Agency policy and disciplinary action is taken against any inmate found to have money.
However, every inmate in the Department of Corrections has a Cooper Trust Fund Account that allows him/her to make purchases in the institution. The back of the inmate's identification card has a magnetic strip that allows the ID card to function as a debit card to that inmate's Cooper Trust Fund Account. When the inmate desires to purchase items in the institution, his ID card is "swiped" and the purchase is allowed if there are sufficient funds in the inmate's account to pay for the desired items.
Instructions for sending money orders Instructions for sending money electronically
Family members and friends can make deposits into an inmate's Cooper Trust Fund account. Only U.S. Postal and Western Union money orders will be accepted for deposit into the inmate's account. The only exception is a Canadian Postal Money Order issued in U.S. Currency. The guidelines to make such a deposit are provided below. The sender must make the money order payable to "Cooper Trust Fund for Inmate (name) (SCDC number) ". A Cooper Trust Fund Deposit Slip (SCDC# 15-14) must accompany the money order. These forms are available through the inmate, by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Cooper Trust Fund or can be printed off the internet by clicking Deposit Slip. The address to receive forms and to make deposits is: Cooper Trust Fund P. O. Box 102111 Columbia, SC 29221-5011 It is highly recommended that family members and friends who send money orders use only standard first class mail. Money orders that are sent "next day air" or "overnight express" are not processed any sooner than standard first class mail. No other items will be accepted at this address. Any items (such as letters, cards, pictures, or checks) that are received will be returned to the sender at the inmate's expense.
Now, friends and family members can send money to an inmate overnight using one of the two money transfer firms listed below. This can be accomplished with cash or credit cards, by phone or via the internet. When you contact either of the transfer agents you will need to know the inmate's name and SCDC number. Jpay - you must know that the payee is the South Carolina Department of Corrections. To pay by phone, call: 800-574-JPay (800-574-5729) To pay by internet, visit: www.Jpay.com Western Union - you must know that the payee is the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the Code City/State is SCDOC/SC. To pay by phone, call: 800-634-3422 To pay by internet, visit: www.westernunion.com Please be aware that these firms charge a fee for their service. The inmate will receive notification of each deposit credited to his/her account. The Cooper Trust Fund can respond to outside inquiries concerning whether a deposit was received, but no information regarding the account balance can be released. These inquiries may be directed to: Centralbank@doc.state.sc.us
Inmate Telephone List Inmates admitted to SCDC are allowed to list the names, addresses, and phone numbers for up to five people that they wish to call. Approximately two weeks after completing the form, the inmate will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and will be temporarily allowed to call these numbers at times allowed by the institutional schedule. After 90 days, the inmate will no longer be able to call these telephone numbers, unless the owner of the telephone number has taken action to be added to the inmate's telephone list. Each inmate is allowed up to 20 phone numbers on his or her list of authorized phone numbers.
To be added to an inmate's telephone list:
Inmate Phone Service Provider c/o South Carolina Department of Corrections P.O. Box 21787 4444 Broad River Road Columbia, South Carolina 29221-1787
20% Discount with PrePay
Embarq and the S.C. Department of Corrections are making it easier for families to stay in touch with relatives incarcerated in the state’s prisons. Effective immediately, family members can save 20 percent of the cost usually associated with calls from inmates by simply prepaying. To sign up, interested parties can call 1-888-664-7839. The traditional collect calling plan also will remain in place for those who prefer to use it.
How do I establish a PrePay account: Call: 1-888-664-7839
You will be asked to send in a minimum payment by cashiers' check, and/or money order. The payment must be mailed to:
ENPA-CM P.O. Box 7907 Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66207-0907
Once payment is received, you may receive calls and your account will be debited as calls are made to your number.
Is there a minimum payment to set up a PrePay Account?
Yes. The minimum charge depends upon the normal cost of a 15 minute call from the institution to your phone. If the cost of that call is less than $5.00, the minimum required to setup the account is $25.00. If the 15 minute call costs $5.00 or more, the minimum payment is $50.00
How do I know when I am nearing a zero balance on my PrePay account?
Call: 1 -888-664-7839
Why is my number blocked? Call: 1 - 888-664-7839
It may be due to your local phone service provider not having a billing and collection agreement with the South Carolina Department of Corrections' inmate phone service provider.
You may be past due on your local phone bill. If you are overdue on their payment, if you have ever "not paid" a long distance phone bill, or your service has ever been disconnected, you may be restricted from receiving calls.
Is there a credit limit on my account? Call: 1 - 888-664-7839
In the correctional industry, the typical monthly bill can range between $30.00 to $150.00 a month. As a courtesy to guard against fraud, the inmate phone service vendor has established a "courtesy limit" of $200.00. This limit can be raised or lowered, depending upon your needs and payment history.
What do I do if calls are restricted because I have reached my Courtesy Limit?
In order to clear the restriction on your line, your account must be current with your local phone company provider, including all local and correctional collect call charges (this includes collect call charges that may not have shown up on your bill yet).
These charges must be paid in full to your local phone company provider. Once you have made your payment (in full) simply call: 1-888-664-7839 and let them know you have made a payment. They will verify the information with your local provider.
How do I increase my "Courtesy Limit"?
You will need to provide proof of payment for 6 months of service with your local phone provider for correctional collect calls. You may fax, mail or E-mail the copies of the paid bills to:
Fax : 1-913-315-9626
Mail: ENPA-CM P.O. Box 7907 Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66207-0907
E-Mail to: enpa-cm@embarq.com
What does it mean that my local phone company does not allow Correctional Facility collect calls to be added to my local bill?
Local phone providers may choose not to have a billing and collection agreement with other phone company providers and/or third party billing agents. If they choose not to provide this service, the inmate phone provider has no way to bill you for the calls you have received. Thus, your calls may be restricted until you contact us to make arrangements for PrePay calling.
Why are my calls suddenly terminated if I am on line with someone from a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility?
If you utilize any phone features from your local provider including, but not limited to:
then your call may be disconnected. No credits will be issued for calls disconnected due to the above reasons. There are security risks with using these technologies and per the South Carolina Department of Corrections' guidelines, these technologies are strictly prohibited.
Visitation is an important component of the rehabilitation process and is conducted in the least restrictive manner possible while meeting requirements of safety, security, classification, and space availability. Click here to review visitation guidelines: Rules for Visitors The Central Visitation Center (CVC) processes applications for visiting privileges. The address of the Central Visitation Facility is 3765-B Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405. If you have a question regarding visitation that in not addressed in Rules for Visitors, you may contact the Visitation Inquiry Line at (803) 896-1838 and leave a message which will be returned in 24-72 hours. Each inmate in the S. C. Department of Corrections is allowed to have a maximum of fifteen (15) approved visitors on his/her visiting list. Each inmate is provided with "Request for Visiting Privileges" forms (SCDC Form 19-127) to send to his/her prospective visitors. The only way for an individual to receive a visiting privileges form is from the inmate who wants them to visit. These forms are provided to each inmate upon arrival in the Department of Corrections Reception and Evaluation Center and are available to inmates in all institutions throughout the state. Every individual must complete this form and forward it to the Central Visitation Center for processing. The form is reviewed by CVC staff and the information is entered into the automated system. If the form is missing any required information, the form is returned to the sender for proper completion. Once the application form has been properly completed, submitted, and approved, the individual is added to the inmate's visiting list. An inmate is provided a copy of his approved visiting list once a week if a change is made during that week. IT IS THE INMATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVISE HIS/HER VISITOR(S) OF THEIR APPROVAL. Minor children that are on the APPROVED visiting list must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to visit only if they are the inmate's brothers and sisters, the inmate's children (natural or legally adopted), the inmate's stepchildren, grandchildren, or step grandchildren. When an individual arrives at an institution to visit everyone age 10 and older must present a public safety picture identification. Those under age 10 must show a copy of their long-form birth certificate. Certain criteria must be met before an inmate who wishes to have minor niece/nephew(s) visit. This information is available to the inmates at their institution. Upon arriving at the institution, the visitor must state the name and SCDC number of the inmate they wish to visit. This information is entered into the automated system and if the individual is listed on the inmate's approved visiting list a visitor's pass will be generated for the individual. [Inmate may only have one visit per day; therefore, all visitors must be together.] Inmates are not allowed to have visitors during the reception and evaluation process unless they remain in the Reception and Evaluation Center longer than thirty (30) days and the visitor is on the approved visiting list. The institution where the inmate is housed should be contacted directly concerning the visiting days and times.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive packages twice a year. Ordering for the Holiday Package Program will begin in October 2007.