Kershaw Correctional Institution

Kershaw Correctional Institution is a level 2 facility for male inmates that is located in Kershaw, South Carolina. It is operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Kershaw CI houses approximately 1,400 inmates.

Level 2 facilities are medium-security institutions. Housing is primarily double bunk, cell type with some institutions having double-bunk cubicles. With single-fenced perimeters and electronic surveillance, level 2 institutions provide a higher level of security than level 1 facilities.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Please contact Kershaw Correctional Institution to find out the current visiting days/hours. You can also call the visitation Inquiry Line at 803-896-1838 for more information. As of September 2020, visitation is still suspended due to COVID-19.

Visiting Applications

A maximum of fifteen (15) approved visitors is allowed on an inmate's visiting list. You can apply for visiting privileges only if your inmate sends you a  "Request for Visiting Privileges" form. Every prospective visitor must complete this form and forward it to Visitation through the Central Visitation Center for processing.  

You will be added to the inmate's visiting list when your application has been approved. It is your inmate's responsibility to notify you of your approval.

Mail applications to:

Division of Visitation and I/M DT
P. O. Box 212969
Columbia, South Carolina, 29221-2969

If you have any questions about the application process, call the Visitation Inquiry Line 803-896-1838 and press 1.

Dress Code

The following dress code is strictly enforced. If staff decides that a visitor is inappropriately dressed, they will be denied admission to the institution.

• Shirts and shoes are mandatory.
• Clothing that exposes an undue amount of flesh (e.g., exposing chest, back, thighs, or midsections) is prohibited. Halter tops, underwear-type tee-shirts, tank tops, fishnet shirts, or any type of shirt or pants made with see-through fabric are NOT allowed to be worn by any visitor (male or female). 
• Sleeveless shirts WILL NOT be allowed.
• Visitors may wear Bermuda-length shorts provided they are not more than three (3") inches above the top of the kneecap.
• Women and girls may wear dresses or skirts. However, no sleeveless dresses are allowed and all skirts must be no higher than three [3"] inches above the top of the knee
• Any article of clothing with a picture or language that may be considered profane or offensive by current public and/or SCDC standards will not be allowed. The decision of the Duty Warden/designee is final.
• Tight clothing like spandex, tights, leggings, tank tops, etc., is prohibited.
• Hair pieces and any hair accessories are subject to search.
• No jewelry except a wedding ring, one (1) pair of earrings, one (1) religious medallion on a necklace or chain, one (1) wristwatch, and a medical alert bracelet.

At institutions where the use of khaki inmate uniforms has been fully implemented, all visitors may wear blue jeans/shorts, khaki pants/shorts, or other color denim jeans/shorts.

At institutions that continue to utilize blue-jean denim inmate uniforms (shock units), visitors will be prohibited from wearing blue jeans/shorts or blue denim pants/shorts. Denim jeans/shorts other than the color blue will be allowed.

What can you bring to a visit?

Visitors are allowed to bring a small wallet or change purse(Clear plastic only). However, no cash is allowed inside the visiting room. Kershaw Correctional Institution uses cashless vending machines that require Paykey devices (electronic recording tools the size of a keychain onto which cash can be transferred). These devices can be purchased for $5 or $6 at the entrance of the facility and can hold up to $50. 

You may also bring one set of keys and a photo ID card.

Anyone who needs prescription medications at certain times during visiting hours can bring only the dosage necessary to be taken by the individual during his/her visit

Visitors with infants and small children can bring no more than five (5) diapers, three (3) baby bottles (or two (2) sipper cups for toddlers, must be clear), and three (3) jars of sealed baby food in a clear plastic bag. 

Baby wipes/towelettes may be brought in by visitors provided they are brought in a clear plastic bag. Infant/Baby carriers will be allowed but will be subject to search prior to entry into the institution.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Programs For Inmates

The Division of Programs, Reentry and Rehabilitative Services provides numerous opportunities to assist inmates in all facets of rehabilitation. Inmates can learn new job skills, obtain their GED, earn vocational certificates, receive substance abuse treatment, learn about how crimes affect victims and even assist in teaching youths about life in prison.

• Education: GED preparation and Work Keys.
• Vocational Training: Carpentry, Upholstery and Small Engine Repair.
• Health Care: Routine medical and dental care provided on site with 24-hour emergency care available.
• Programs: Religious services, volunteer services, Alcoholics Anonymous, recreational services, Impact of Crime classes and Pre-Release Program, Spice Program.
• Community Services: Serves as one of the video conferencing sites for parole hearings in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Provides an Operation Behind Bars program for at-risk youth and adults to tour the prison and hear inmates describe what led to their criminal behavior and life inside prison.

Pictures of Kershaw Correctional Institution

Careers at Kershaw Correctional Institution