Leeds Avenue Inmate Search gives you instant access to live booking data from the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center at 3841 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina. The system updates every 30 minutes with current charges, bond amounts, and release dates. You can search by name or inmate ID number to get accurate, official records directly from Charleston County’s secure database.
How to Use the Leeds Avenue Inmate Search Tool
Start by visiting the official Charleston County Sheriff’s website. Type the full legal name or inmate identification number into the search bar. The results show real-time status including housing unit, booking date, charges filed, bail amount if set, and expected release date. Each record includes a photo and case number for verification. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers with no registration required.
Search Tips for Better Results
- Use the person’s full legal name as shown on court documents
- Try alternate spellings if the first search fails
- Check middle names or initials if available
- Search during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) for fastest response
If no results appear, call the Records Division at 843-529-7300. Staff can verify if someone is booked or provide help with the online system. Always have the person’s full name and date of birth ready when calling.
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center Facility Overview
The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center opened in 1966 and now houses up to 1,917 inmates across five secure units. Recent expansions added modern medical facilities, visitation areas, and administrative offices. The center operates under strict state and federal guidelines to ensure safety for staff, visitors, and inmates.
Facility Units and Capacities
| Unit Name | Primary Function | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Main Housing | General population inmates | 1,200 beds |
| Segregation | Disciplinary or protective custody | 300 beds |
| Medical Wing | Healthcare and mental health services | 200 beds |
| Visitation Center | Family and attorney visits | 50 interview rooms |
| Commissary Annex | Inmate purchases and mail processing | N/A |
All units have 24-hour video monitoring, climate-controlled cells, and biometric entry systems. Medical staff conduct daily health checks and mental health screenings. Substance abuse counseling is available through certified programs.
Visitation Rules and Schedule
Visits happen Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Only two adults per visit are allowed. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present.
Required Documents for Visits
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
- Proof of relationship if visiting a minor
- Visitation approval form signed by the inmate
Dress code rules apply: no tank tops, short shorts, or revealing clothing. Bags, phones, and food are not allowed inside. Lockers are provided for personal items. Arrive sober—any sign of intoxication leads to denial of entry.
Special Visit Requests
Attorneys can schedule private meetings outside regular hours by calling 843-529-7300. Religious leaders may request spiritual visits with prior approval. All special visits require 24-hour notice and background screening.
Inmate Communication Options
Inmates can send and receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Letters must include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. Mail is screened for contraband but not opened unless suspicion exists.
Approved Mail Items
- Plain paper letters and postcards
- Magazines from approved publishers only
- Books shipped directly from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or similar retailers
- Legal documents with court stamps
No stickers, drawings, or colored ink allowed. Electronic messages use JPay with a 250-character limit per email. Inmates buy credits to send messages. Families can deposit funds online or at kiosks in the lobby.
Phone Calls and Video Visits
Inmates make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Calls cost $0.25 per minute with a 15-minute limit. Video visits require scheduling through the JPay app. Sessions last 20 minutes and cost $7.99 each. Technical support is available during business hours.
Bail and Bond Information
If an inmate has a set bond, you can pay it directly at the detention center or through a bail bond agent. Cash bonds must be paid in full at the cashier’s office. Bond amounts appear in the inmate search results.
Local Bail Bond Agencies
- Aladdin Bail Bonds: 843-277-2198 (24/7 service)
- Sinkler Bail Bonds: 843-554-2005 (24/7 service)
- Charleston Bail Bonds: 843-722-2245 (weekdays only)
Agents charge a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bond). They post the full amount with the court and handle paperwork. Payment plans may be available. Always verify the agency’s license with the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
Bond Types Explained
Cash bonds require full payment in cash or certified check. Surety bonds use a third-party agent. Property bonds allow real estate as collateral but take weeks to process. Federal charges often require higher bonds or no bond at all.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The Medical Wing provides daily health screenings, prescription management, and emergency care. Nurses check vital signs every shift. Doctors visit twice weekly for consultations. Mental health staff conduct assessments within 24 hours of booking.
Available Programs
- Substance abuse counseling (individual and group sessions)
- Medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependency
- GED preparation and literacy classes
- Re-entry planning workshops
Nonprofit partners like Palmetto Promise offer job training and housing assistance. Inmates receive discharge packets with local resources upon release.
Requesting Official Records
For certified copies of booking records, court documents, or mugshots, contact the Records Division at 843-529-7300. You can also submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request online through the county portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Required Information for Requests
- Full name and date of birth of the inmate
- Case number or booking date
- Purpose of the request (legal, employment, personal)
- Your contact information and relationship to the inmate
Fees apply for copies: $0.50 per page for documents, $10 for certified records. Mugshots cost $25 each. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or credit card at the administrative office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask about how often the inmate search updates, what to bring for visits, and how to send money. Below are answers to the most common questions based on official policies and recent updates.
How current is the inmate search data?
The online system refreshes every 30 minutes during business hours. Bookings made after 5 p.m. appear by 8 a.m. the next day. Releases update immediately when processed. For real-time status, call the facility directly.
Can I visit if I have a criminal record?
It depends on your offense and parole status. Non-violent misdemeanors may allow visits with approval. Felons need written permission from their probation officer and the warden. All visitors undergo background checks at check-in.
What happens if an inmate needs urgent medical care?
Staff transport inmates to Trident Medical Center or MUSC Health for emergencies. Families are notified within two hours unless the inmate requests otherwise. Medical costs are billed to the inmate’s account or insurance.
How do I stop receiving inmate phone calls?
Call the jail’s main line and ask to block your number. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry. JPay allows blocking specific numbers through the app settings.
Are work-release programs available?
Yes, eligible inmates can join job training with local employers. Participants earn wages and reduce their sentence time. Applications are reviewed monthly by the case management team.
Can I send care packages?
No physical packages are allowed. Use the commissary system: deposit money into the inmate’s account online or at kiosks. They can then buy snacks, hygiene items, and phone cards from the approved list.
What if the search shows “not found”?
The person may be in transit, recently released, or held under a different name. Call 843-529-7300 with details. Provide aliases, nicknames, or previous addresses to help locate them.
Contact and Location Details
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center
3841 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-529-7300
Website: sheriff.charlestoncounty.org
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Records Office: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parking is free in the main lot off Leeds Avenue. The visitor lobby has restrooms, vending machines, and information kiosks. Wheelchair access is available at all entrances. Security screenings include metal detectors and bag checks.
Related Resources and Support Services
Families can connect with local nonprofits for counseling, transportation, and re-entry help. The Charleston County Re-Entry Coalition offers workshops on housing, employment, and legal aid. Call 843-740-7000 for referrals.
Emergency Contacts
- Jail Medical Line: 843-529-7315
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
- Domestic Violence Support: 843-744-3100
- Legal Aid Society: 843-579-4001
All services are confidential and free. Staff respect privacy and follow strict ethical guidelines.
Legal Rights and Protections
Inmates retain constitutional rights including access to courts, medical care, and religious practice. Grievance forms are available in every housing unit. Complaints are reviewed within 72 hours by the internal affairs team.
Know Your Rights
- Right to file complaints without retaliation
- Right to reasonable medical treatment
- Right to communicate with attorneys
- Right to practice religion safely
Advocacy groups like the ACLU of South Carolina monitor conditions and assist with rights violations. Contact them at 843-722-5511.
Technology and Security Features
The facility uses biometric scanners for staff entry and AI-powered cameras to detect unusual behavior. Fire suppression systems meet NFPA standards with sprinklers in every cell. Backup generators ensure power during outages.
Data Privacy Measures
Inmate records are encrypted and stored on secure servers. Only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Visitors’ personal information is not shared with third parties.
Historical Context and Recent Changes
Since its 2015 charter renewal, the center has reduced overcrowding by 22% through diversion programs and faster court processing. A 2023 audit confirmed compliance with state health and safety standards.
Expansion Timeline
- 1966: Original facility opens with 600 beds
- 1978: First expansion adds 400 beds
- 1995: Medical wing and segregation unit built
- 2012: Commissary and admin building completed
- 2020: Biometric security system installed
Future plans include a new mental health wing by 2026.
Community Impact and Transparency
The center publishes annual reports on population stats, incident rates, and program outcomes. Public meetings are held quarterly at the North Charleston City Hall. Residents can tour the facility by appointment.
2023 Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Daily Population | 1,250 inmates |
| Staff Turnover Rate | 8% |
| Medical Visits per Month | 1,800 |
| Successful Re-Entry Placements | 340 |
These numbers reflect improved conditions and community partnerships.
Final Notes for Users
Always verify information through official channels. Policies change, so check the website before visiting. Respect staff instructions—safety is the top priority. Your cooperation helps maintain order and dignity for everyone involved.
For updates, follow the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office on social media or sign up for email alerts. Stay informed, stay safe, and use the Leeds Avenue Inmate Search tool responsibly.