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Chester Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: July 23,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 803-581-2602 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Visitors to the Chester County Detention Center must present valid identification, which can include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID card. Minors under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult, and adults cannot sign in a minor and then leave the facility, as the Detention Center does not assume responsibility for unaccompanied minors. Items such as handbags and briefcases are not permitted inside the facility, and cell phones are strictly prohibited. Attorneys and clergy must present their professional identification cards in addition to another valid form of ID. Attorneys may bring briefcases, though these are subject to search.

Inmates, except for state inmates, are required to serve a minimum of seven days of incarceration before they are eligible for visitation. After this period, visitation schedules are determined by the inmate's classification. For pre-trial inmates, general population visitation occurs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, split into two one-hour sessions. Female pre-trial inmates have visitation on Monday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and administrative segregation visits are held from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on the same night. Pre-trial inmates are allowed three visitors from an approved list of seven, with only one visitor permitted in the visitation room at a time while the others wait in the lobby.

For sentenced inmates who are not state inmates, visitation is divided based on the inmate's last name. Those with last names beginning with A-L have visitation on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, while those with last names starting with M-Z have visitation on Sunday during the same hours. Each sentenced inmate may receive visits from three individuals from an approved list of seven during any visitation period.

State inmates have visitation on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with no fixed limit on the number of visitors. However, the shift supervisor may impose limitations if necessary for security reasons.

Former inmates of the Chester County Detention Center or Prison Camp who were charged with felonies or drug offenses are prohibited from visitation for 60 days post-release. After this period, they may visit following standard visitation policies. Former inmates with charges other than felonies or drug offenses are allowed to visit according to regular policies.

Professional clergy must arrange visits by appointment through the administration and provide verifiable clergy credentials and a photo ID. Clergy visits are typically granted once per inmate unless additional visits are justified by specific circumstances.

Attorney visits are scheduled as needed, provided they do not disrupt facility operations or compromise security. Special visits can be requested for family members with limited availability due to military leave, college, holidays, or living more than 50 miles from the facility, subject to administrative approval.

Visitors must adhere to a dress code that mandates shirts and shoes and prohibits clothing that exposes excessive amounts of skin, such as halter tops, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, see-through fabric, and shorts or skirts that are more than three inches above the knee. Clothing that excessively accentuates the body, including spandex, tights, and leggings, is also not allowed.

Visiting Inmates at Chester County SC Detention Center

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Chester SC location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Chester Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Chester County SC Detention Center, located in Chester, SC, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.