Dorchester County, SC Arrests & Jail Records
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How to Search Dorchester County Arrest Records?
Each year, Dorchester County records approximately 3,000 arrests, contributing to South Carolina's statewide total of over 145,000 arrests. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, most arrest records are accessible to the public, typically for a fee not exceeding $26 per request.
However, certain records are exempt from disclosure, such as those involving minors, domestic legal matters, or ongoing investigations. In these cases, access is limited to individuals directly involved, their legal representatives, law enforcement officials, and the Dorchester County District Attorney's Office.
How To Look Up Dorchester County Arrest Records
The Dorchester County Sheriff, local Police Departments, Dorchester County Clerk of Court, and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are the agencies authorized to access and manage arrest records in Dorchester County. These agencies are responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, overseeing the integrity of the records, and facilitating public access in compliance with state law.
Dorchester County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office is responsible for managing and maintaining arrest records within the county. These records typically include the arrested individual's personal and physical details, charges filed, criminal history, booking information, and other relevant case data. To request a copy, interested persons may make a visit to the Sheriff's Office or submit a written request by mail to:
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
212 Deming Way, Box 9
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: (843) 832-0300
For further inquiries, you may also contact the Office directly at (843) 873-5111.
Dorchester County Police Arrest Records
Individuals requesting Dorchester County arrest records should contact the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest. For a more efficient search, it is recommended to provide key details such as the date and location of the arrest, age, race, and other personal identifiers.
Major law enforcement agencies in Dorchester County include:
South Carolina Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is responsible for collecting, managing, and maintaining all arrest and criminal records across the state. Individuals may access these records through SLED's online criminal records database or by submitting a request via mail. Mailed requests must include a completed SLED Records Request Form and be sent to the following address:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
Phone: (803) 896-1443
Each request requires a $25 processing fee and must include all necessary documentation for accurate processing. When submitting by mail, a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) must also be included.
Criminal Court Records
When an individual is arrested and formally charged in Dorchester County, the arrest details are forwarded to the court system and become part of the official court record for the case. These records are maintained by the Dorchester County Clerk of Court's Office and may be accessed through several methods.
Individuals may search case records online via the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index or request them in person at:
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
5200 E. Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
Phone: (843) 563-0160
Additionally, third-party platforms such as InfoTracer may offer access to these records, often with broader search tools and, in some cases, lower fees.
Arrest Statistics
Dorchester County reports an arrest rate of approximately 19.8 arrests per 1,000 residents. The breakdown below provides key insights into the county's arrest statistics:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter | 2 |
| Rape | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 256 |
| Arson | 1 |
| Robbery | 33 |
| Burglary | 380 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 186 |
| Total Crimes Against Persons (Violent Crimes) | 292 |
| Total Crimes Against Property | 1,871 |
| Total Number of Crimes | 3,363 |
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dorchester County Jail
- Agency Name: Dorchester County SC Detention Center
- State: SC
- City: Summerville
- Type: County
- Address: 220 Hodge Rd
- Phone Number: 843-832-0215
Prisons and Jails in Dorchester County
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dorchester County SC Jail Annex | 212 Deming Way | 843-832-0267 |
| Lieber Correctional Institution | 136 Wilborn Avenue, P.o. Box 205 | 843-875-3332 |