How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lancaster County Detention Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Lancaster County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Lancaster County Detention Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Lancaster County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lancaster County Detention Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Lancaster County Detention Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Lancaster County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Lancaster County Detention Center
   1941 Pageland Hwy
   Lancaster, SC 29720
   Phone: (803) 283-2084

5. What are the visiting hours at Lancaster County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Lancaster County Detention Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (803) 283-2084 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Lancaster County Detention Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Lancaster County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lancaster County Detention Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Lancaster County Detention Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Lancaster County Detention Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Lancaster County Detention Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Lancaster County Detention Center operates under a structured approach to inmate management, housing both unsentenced individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than 90 days, with specialized accommodations for Family Court inmates regardless of sentence length. The facility has modernized its communication systems through partnerships with Smart Communications, providing MailGuard electronic mail services that allow inmates to receive letters and photos electronically, facilitating crucial family connections during incarceration. Daily bond hearings conducted via video conferencing at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. demonstrate the facility’s commitment to efficient judicial processes.

While specific program details are not extensively outlined in available information, Lancaster County Detention Center likely offers educational and counseling services typical of South Carolina correctional facilities. These may include GED preparation classes, substance abuse counseling programs, and basic life skills training designed to support inmates during their stay and prepare them for reintegration. The facility’s focus on housing shorter-term inmates and those awaiting trial suggests programming often emphasizes immediate needs such as mental health support, addiction counseling, and maintaining family connections through supervised visitation and communication services.

The detention center’s operational structure, overseen by a Detention Captain and supported by supervisory staff, typically facilitates various support services including medical care, religious services, and recreational activities. Given the facility’s role in housing Family Court inmates for extended periods, programs may also include specialized counseling services and educational opportunities tailored to help individuals address underlying issues that contributed to their legal circumstances.

Daily Life & Visitation

Bond hearings at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. mark the judicial rhythm that punctuates each day at Lancaster County Detention Center, conducted through video conferencing that connects inmates with the Magistrate’s Office. For the facility’s population of unsentenced inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences under 90 days, these scheduled hearings often represent pivotal moments in their detention experience. Family Court inmates, who may remain at the facility regardless of sentence length, typically follow similar daily patterns while navigating their legal proceedings.

Communication with the outside world flows primarily through Smart Communications’ MailGuard electronic mail service, which allows inmates to receive letters and photos electronically at the facility located on Pageland Highway. This system has largely replaced traditional postal mail, though legal correspondence, court documents, and publications may still arrive through conventional channels. The detention center’s structure typically accommodates both short-term and longer-term residents, with housing arrangements that may vary based on classification levels, gender, and specific court orders.

Under the supervision of the Detention Captain and administrative staff, the facility likely maintains standard correctional schedules that include designated meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities appropriate for a county-level detention center. Inmates often have access to basic commissary services, medical care, and educational or counseling programs, though specific offerings may depend on sentence length and classification status. The facility’s dual role in housing both pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals creates a comprehensive environment where daily routines must accommodate varying legal statuses and time frames.