Kershaw Visiting Hours. Non-Contact Visitation Explained

Kershaw Is a Non-Contact Facility

Unlike SCDC’s minimum-security and female institutions, Kershaw does not allow in-person contact visits. Every visit happens in a booth, with you and the inmate separated by plexiglass and speaking through a phone handset or speaker. This applies to every visitor, every visit, with no exceptions for family relationship or how far you traveled. The other SCDC institutions on non-contact status are Broad River, Kirkland, Lee, Lieber, McCormick, Perry, Ridgeland, and Turbeville.

Visiting Hours

Visitation is offered Saturday and Sunday only, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., scheduled in 2-hour blocks. There is no visitation Monday through Friday for general population inmates. Each inmate may have one visit per weekend and up to four visits per month.

Hours can shift around holidays or during institutional lockdowns. Call (803) 896-3300 before you travel to confirm the schedule hasn’t changed.

Step 1. Get on the Approved Visitor List

Before you can schedule anything, you need to be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, capped at 15 names per inmate. Fill out the visitation application at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app. Once approved, the inmate receives a copy of the updated list weekly if a change was made, and you’ll be notified by email.

Minor children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also an approved visitor. If someone other than a parent brings a minor, they need a notarized Form 19-118 (“Authorization for Adult Supervision of a Minor”).

Step 2. Schedule Your Visit Through GTL

All visits must be booked in advance through the GTL scheduler at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app, at least 15 hours ahead of the visit. Log in, select Kershaw, and choose an available 2-hour block on a Saturday or Sunday. If you haven’t created a GTL account yet, you can do so at the same link.

Who Can Visit

Each scheduled visit allows up to 4 visitors, and at least one must be an adult. Children of any age can be included as long as the adult accompanying them is an approved visitor. Children age 10 and older need a state-issued photo ID; those younger than 10 need a long-form birth certificate.

Reception and Evaluation Exception

If the person you’re trying to visit was recently sentenced and is currently at Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center, not yet assigned to Kershaw, different and more restrictive visitation rules apply there for the first 30 days. Check the SCDC inmate search to confirm they’ve actually reached Kershaw before scheduling.

What to Bring

You’re allowed one small clear bag, one photo ID, and one set of car keys. If you need medication during the visit, bring only that dose in its original, pharmacy-labeled container. Everything else, including phones, smart watches, and other wireless devices, stays in your car. Cash is not allowed; vending machines in the visitation area only accept major credit cards.

Dress Code

• Shirts and shoes are required.
• Shirts and dresses must have sleeves. No tank tops or halter tops.
• No see-through fabric.
• Shorts are allowed if no shorter than three inches above the knee.
• Dresses and skirts must be knee-length, with no slit higher than three inches above the knee.
• No tight clothing, including spandex or leggings.
• No clothing with profane or offensive images or words.
• Approved jewelry: wedding ring, one pair of earrings, one religious medallion on a chain, one wristwatch, and a medical alert bracelet.
• Hairpieces and accessories are allowed but subject to search.

The duty warden has final say on any dress code question at the gate.

Vending Machines Take Cards Only

As of July 1, 2024, vending machines in Kershaw’s visitation area accept debit and credit cards only. PayKeys are no longer accepted. If a machine has an issue, call the number posted on the machine, or leave a message at (803) 400-8941 or email [email protected] for a refund.

What’s Not Allowed

Bringing contraband onto SCDC property, including drugs, alcohol, or weapons, is a felony and results in arrest. Beyond that, visitors cannot loiter, walk or drive the perimeter road, photograph buildings or fences, yell at inmates or staff, or bring anything to an inmate other than items purchased from the visitation room vending machines. Leaving children unattended in a vehicle is also prohibited. Any violation can end your visit immediately and lead to a suspension of two years, indefinitely, or permanently depending on severity.

If You Have Other Questions

Start by calling Kershaw directly at (803) 896-3300. For general visitation questions not specific to Kershaw, email [email protected].