Wateree Correctional Institution Inmate Search helps families, legal teams, and researchers locate individuals held at this South Carolina state prison. The facility sits at 8200 State Farm Road in Rembert, SC 29128-0189, and has housed male inmates since 1890. It holds up to 859 people at security Level 2, meaning moderate supervision. Managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), it reports to the governor and Secretary of Corrections. Inmates work on a dairy farm and beef cattle operation, take GED classes, and join carpentry, metalwork, or substance abuse programs. The main phone is 803-432-6191, with inmate services at 803-896-3400. Mail goes to PO Box 189, Rembert, SC 29128. To find an inmate, call the Records Division or use SCDC’s online lookup tool.
How to Search for an Inmate at Wateree Correctional Institution
Start by calling the Records Division at 803-432-6191 during business hours. Staff can confirm an inmate’s ID number, sentence length, and release date. You can also search online using the SCDC inmate lookup portal. Enter the person’s full name or State Identification (SID) number. The Federal Bureau of Prisons site may show cross-referenced records if the inmate had federal time. Always verify details directly with the prison, as public databases update slowly. Keep the inmate’s name and SID handy to speed up the process.
Online Inmate Lookup Tools
SCDC offers a free online search tool on its official website. Go to the “Inmate Lookup” section and type the inmate’s name or SID. Results show housing unit, security level, and visitation status. This tool refreshes weekly but may not reflect recent transfers. For faster answers, call 803-432-6191. The Federal Bureau of Prisons locator covers federal inmates only, but it sometimes lists state prisoners with mixed custody. Use both tools for the best results.
Phone and In-Person Inmate Search Options
Call 803-432-6191 to speak with the Inmate Information Center. Lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready. For in-person requests, visit the prison’s records office with a government-issued photo ID. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead saves time. The secondary line, 803-896-3400, connects to the Visitation Scheduling Office and Facility Services.
Wateree Correctional Institution Contact Information
The prison’s mailing address is PO Box 189, Rembert, SC 29128-0189. For calls, use 803-432-6191 for general inmate questions or 803-896-3400 for visitation and administrative matters. Both lines operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Written correspondence should include the inmate’s name, SID number, and your return address. Legal mail must be marked clearly and sent through approved channels. The facility does not accept packages without prior approval.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visits require pre-approval. Submit a visitation application to the Administrative Office in person or by fax to 803-896-3400. Only people on the inmate’s approved visitor list may enter. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence. Visits are scheduled at least 48 hours in advance through the online portal. Check the official SCDC website for current hours, which may change due to inspections or emergencies. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Mail and Package Guidelines
Send letters to PO Box 189, Rembert, SC 29128. Include the inmate’s full name and SID on the envelope. Do not send cash, stamps, or unauthorized items. All mail is inspected. Packages must be pre-approved and sent through authorized vendors. Books and magazines can come directly from publishers. Follow SCDC rules to avoid rejection. Legal documents should be clearly labeled and sent via certified mail.
Facility Overview and Programs
Wateree Correctional Institution opened in 1890 and sits on Highway 261 in Sumter County. It holds male inmates at security Level 2. The campus includes a secured perimeter fence, medical clinic, and legal library. Inmates work on a dairy farm and beef cattle operation, gaining hands-on experience. Vocational training covers welding, automotive repair, culinary arts, electronics, and computer-aided design. Educational programs include GED prep and college credits through Southern Technical College.
Rehabilitation and Counseling Services
All inmates must join at least one rehab program. Options include Substance Abuse Counseling, Youthful Offenders Institution Services, and the SHOCK program for court-ordered substance treatment. Phase 1 and Phase 2 modules focus on anger management and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The dairy processing lab teaches pasteurization and quality control. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and support reentry.
Medical and Legal Support
The on-site medical clinic operates 24 hours with licensed nurses and physicians. Inmates receive routine care, emergency treatment, and mental health services. The legal library helps with court filings and research. Attorneys can send documents via secure fax. Court-ordered visits are coordinated through the legal affairs division. Inmates have access to grievance procedures for complaints.
Inmate Population and Demographics
Wateree Correctional Institution has a design capacity of 859 inmates. As of recent reports, it houses over 778 male offenders. Security levels range from minimum to medium. Quarterly population reports break down age, offense type, and program participation. Most inmates are adults convicted of state crimes. The facility does not currently house female inmates, having reverted to male-only in late 2019 after a brief mixed-gender period.
Security Level and Classification
Level 2 security means moderate supervision. Inmates live in dormitory-style housing with controlled movement. Classification staff assess each person’s risk and assign programs accordingly. Transfers happen based on behavior and space needs. The prison follows SCDC standards for safety and accountability. Staff conduct regular counts and inspections.
Work and Education Opportunities
Inmates can work in agriculture, maintenance, or vocational shops. The dairy and beef operations provide real-world skills. Carpentry and metalwork workshops teach trade basics. GED classes prepare inmates for high school equivalency tests. College courses offer transferable credits. Participation is encouraged but not always mandatory. Work assignments depend on behavior and program progress.
Official Resources and Updates
For the latest policies, visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections website. The Wateree page lists contact info, visitation rules, and program details. Quarterly reports show population stats and trends. Legal updates, such as sentence recalculations under the First Step Act, are posted when relevant. Always check official sources before making decisions based on inmate data.
Cross-Referencing Federal and State Records
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator covers federal inmates from 1982 onward. It may show state inmates with federal time. Search by name, BOP number, or age. Release dates can change due to sentence reviews. Confirm all info with the prison. SCDC’s lookup tool is the best source for current state inmates.
Common Errors and Misconceptions
Some sites list Rembert, NJ, but the prison is in South Carolina. Others claim female housing, but it’s male-only since 2019. Opening dates vary; records confirm 1890. Always verify facts with SCDC. Outdated rosters may show incorrect capacity or programs. Use fresh data from official links.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to find an inmate, visit, or send mail. Below are clear answers based on current SCDC rules and facility practices.
How do I locate an inmate at Wateree Correctional Institution?
Call 803-432-6191 or use SCDC’s online inmate lookup. Have the person’s full name and SID number ready. The system shows housing, security level, and visitation status. For federal cross-checks, visit the BOP site. Always confirm release dates with the prison, as public tools lag behind real-time changes.
Can I visit an inmate at Wateree Correctional Institution?
Yes, if you’re on the approved visitor list. Submit an application to the Administrative Office by fax at 803-896-3400 or in person. Bring a photo ID and proof of residence. Schedule visits at least 48 hours ahead. Check the SCDC website for current hours. Minors need an adult present.
What programs are available to inmates at Wateree Correctional Institution?
Inmates can join GED classes, vocational training in carpentry and metalwork, and substance abuse counseling. The SHOCK program treats court-ordered cases. Agricultural work on the dairy and beef farms provides job skills. College credits are available through Southern Technical College. All inmates must participate in at least one program.
How do I send mail to an inmate at Wateree Correctional Institution?
Address letters to PO Box 189, Rembert, SC 29128. Include the inmate’s full name and SID. Do not send cash or unauthorized items. Books must come from publishers. Legal mail should be marked clearly. All mail is inspected. Follow SCDC guidelines to avoid rejection.
Is Wateree Correctional Institution still accepting female inmates?
No. The facility housed women briefly in 2014 but returned to male-only in late 2019. Current rosters show only male offenders. Security Level 2 applies to all inmates. Check SCDC updates for any future changes.
What is the SHOCK program at Wateree Correctional Institution?
SHOCK stands for Substance Hazard Offender Control Kinetics. It’s a court-mandated program for inmates with substance dependency. It combines counseling with physical activity. Participants follow structured routines to build discipline. Completion may affect parole eligibility. The program is part of SCDC’s rehab efforts.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The public roster refreshes weekly on SCDC’s website. Internal records update daily. For the most accurate info, call 803-432-6191. Quarterly reports detail population by age, offense, and program. Always verify critical details like release dates directly with the prison.
Official Website: https://doc.sc.gov/institutions/wateree.html
Phone: 803-432-6191 | 803-896-3400
Visiting Hours: Check SCDC website for current schedule
Address: 8200 State Farm Rd, Rembert, SC 29128
