Abbeville County Detention Center

The Abbeville County Detention Center, operating under the jurisdiction of the County Sheriff, can currently house up to 105 adult inmates. This includes 44 pre-sentenced individuals, 38 sentenced inmates, 6 maximum-security inmates, 2 under special management, and 15 female inmates. In addition to the Detention Center, the County Sheriff’s office also manages the County Prison, which accommodates up to 38 sentenced State and County inmates who are assigned to supervised work details throughout the County.

Serving as an integral part of the criminal justice system for Abbeville County, the Detention Center aligns with the broader goal of public safety and security while recognizing the importance of alternatives to incarceration. These alternatives, such as community service and electronic monitoring, are vital components of the Center's approach to justice. The Detention Center must cater to the diverse needs of its users, including prisoners, staff, law enforcement, the courts, attorneys, and community organizations.

Functioning as the intake center for un-sentenced misdemeanor and felony detainees, the Abbeville County Detention Center also serves as an incarceration facility for sentenced offenders. It provides facilities for the detention of both un-sentenced and sentenced inmates across minimum, medium, and maximum-security environments. The Center ensures that housing and services are of equal quality for all classes of detainees and inmates, maintaining a commitment to fairness and safety for all individuals under its supervision.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.