SCDC runs one statewide search tool. Here's how to use it to confirm someone is at Broad River.
South Carolina doesn’t run a separate inmate lookup for each prison. One statewide tool covers every SCDC institution, including Broad River. Search by name, confirm the listed location says Broad River, and check back if the person you’re looking for was recently sentenced, since new intakes typically start elsewhere before being classified and assigned here.
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South Carolina doesn’t maintain a separate inmate database for Broad River or any other single institution. Every SCDC facility, including Broad River, is covered by one search tool at doc.sc.gov/inmate-search-disclaimer. Accept the disclaimer, then search by the inmate’s first and last name.
A name search can return someone with a similar name, or someone who has since transferred. Check the current institution field in the results and confirm it reads “Broad River.” If it lists a different facility, especially Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center, the person hasn’t been assigned to Broad River yet or has since moved.
SCDC lists both “Broad River Correctional Institution” and “Broad River Secure Facility” at the same Columbia address, and the inmate search may list either name depending on which specific unit someone is housed in. Both share the same general contact information. If you’re not sure which listing applies, call (803) 896-2234 and staff can confirm.
Most people newly sentenced to SCDC custody start at Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center for classification before being assigned to a permanent institution. That process typically takes several weeks. If a search shows Kirkland instead of Broad River, the person likely hasn’t finished intake yet. Check back periodically, since the listed location updates once a transfer is processed.
A few things can cause a name search to return nothing: a name spelled differently than expected, a recent booking not yet reflected in the system, or the person being held somewhere outside SCDC custody entirely, such as a county jail awaiting transfer. If you’re confident someone was sentenced to SCDC and they still don’t appear, call Broad River directly at (803) 896-2234.
Once the search confirms Broad River as the current location, you can move on to scheduling a visit, sending money, or setting up phone and mail contact. Each of those has its own requirements covered in the linked guides below.
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No. SCDC runs one statewide inmate search covering every institution. Search by name at doc.sc.gov/inmate-search-disclaimer and confirm the result lists Broad River as the current location.
Inmate SearchMost new SCDC sentences start at Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center for classification before being assigned to a permanent institution. That process can take several weeks.
Inmate SearchSCDC lists both names at the same Columbia address and phone number, referring to different units within the same complex. Call (803) 896-2234 if you need to confirm which specific unit applies.
Inmate SearchCommon reasons include a name spelled differently than you expect, a recent booking not yet reflected in the system, or the person still being held at a county jail instead of in SCDC custody.
Inmate SearchCall Broad River directly at (803) 896-2234.
Inmate SearchYou can move on to scheduling a visit, sending money, or setting up phone and mail contact. Each has its own process covered in the linked guides on this page.
Inmate SearchNow that you've confirmed their location, here's how to schedule a visit.
View ArticleFund their commissary account through the Cooper Trust Fund.
View ArticleSet up an account to receive calls, subject to the overnight curfew.
View ArticleAddress a letter once you've confirmed they're here.
View ArticleSearch for your loved one and start sending photos, letters, and messages today.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 10, 2026.