What You Can’t Bring (or Wear) to Greenville County Detention Center, and Why
A visit can go smoothly, but only if you show up with the right ID, leave prohibited items behind, and follow the dress code. Greenville County Detention Center searches visitors and enforces these rules strictly. Trying to bring in contraband can lead to felony charges.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Cellular phones
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Bags
- ✓ Tobacco products
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Other flame-producing devices
- ✓ Mace
- ✓ Chemical sprays
- ✓ Firearms
- ✓ Weapons of any type
Expect screening when you arrive. All persons, bags, and parcels are subject to search by detention staff.
Greenville County Detention Center requires conservative clothing. Show up in something too revealing, and staff can turn you away before the visit even starts.
- ✓ Short-shorts
- ✓ Miniskirts
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Other revealing clothing (can prevent you from visiting)
Don't try to pass anything in that isn't allowed. Providing or attempting to provide contraband to an inmate is a felony under South Carolina law. The detention center states that violators will be prosecuted.
Warning: Bringing contraband isn't just a visitation issue. It can be charged as a felony, and the facility states violators will be prosecuted.
- Bring picture ID that matches the visitor list. Your name has to match the name on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
- Surrender your ID at intake and wear your visitor badge. You will turn in your picture ID, receive a visitor badge, and keep it visible while you are in the secure portion of the facility.
When the visit ends, return your visitor badge. That's how you get your ID back.
Searches are standard here, not a special circumstance. All persons, bags, and parcels are subject to search by detention staff.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Bring a picture ID that matches the name on the inmate’s visitor list.
- ✓ Leave your phone and any cameras behind (do not bring them inside).
- ✓ Do not bring purses or bags.
- ✓ Do not bring tobacco products, lighters, or other flame-producing devices.
- ✓ Skip revealing clothing like short-shorts, miniskirts, bathing suits, and halter tops. Those can prevent you from visiting.
When in doubt: Assume you and anything you carry can be searched. Keep it simple. If an item could be viewed as contraband, leave it behind. Attempting to provide contraband can lead to prosecution.
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