What are Sumter County Public Records?
Public records in Sumter County include files prepared, used, or maintained by any public body in relation to public business conducted in the county. Examples of Sumter County public records according to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act include:
- Records of inmates in a Sumter County jail, prison, or detention center
- Minutes of a public body's open meeting
- Records published and accessible on the internet
- Final opinions made in case adjudications
- Information concerning an agency's expenditure of public funds
- Statements and interpretations of an adopted statute, policy, or constitution
- However, the FOIA exempts the following information from public disclosure:
- Trade secrets
- Information of a personal nature that will violate personal privacy if disclosed
- Certain law enforcement recordings and information that could interfere with operations, invade personal privacy, disclose sensitive information, or deprive a person of the right to impartial adjudication or fair trial.
- Information on matters specifically exempted from disclosure by law or statute.
- Records, information, or data of a proprietary nature
- Privilege communication, protected identity, and other protected information
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Sumter County Crime Statistics
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) collects and publishes annual reports of crimes and arrests in the state according to jurisdiction. Reports for 2020 showed that Sumter County recorded 3,201 arrests in 2020, a 19.6% decrease in the arrest rate since 2019. Furthermore, the indexed crimes in Sumter County included 20 murder cases, 41 sexual battery offenses, 77 robberies, and 839 aggravated assaults. Other crimes consisted of 27 arson cases, 238 Motor vehicle thefts, 529 breaking and entering offenses, and 2,111 larceny thefts.
In comparison, the 2019 crime index showed that the county recorded 13 murder cases, 36 sexual battery offenses, 83 robberies, 694 aggravated assaults, 14 arson cases, 294 MVTs, 768 B&Es, and 2,317 larceny thefts. Breaking and entering, robbery, Motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft crimes had varying degrees of reduction between 2019 and 2020. On the other hand, murder, aggravated assault, arson, and sexual battery cases had increased.
Are Sumter County Criminal Records Public?
Sumter County criminal records are public unless expunged or legally exempted from public disclosure. Records of an individual's criminal history in Sumter County and other areas of the state are available at the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Interested persons may conduct background checks via mail or online for $25 with an additional $1 convenience fee for online searches.
For mailed requests, fill the Criminal Record Check Form and mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and fees in business check, certified checks, cashier's check, or money order to:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
Alternatively, persons may conduct online background checks through the SLED Catch website by using the subject's last name, first name, DOB, and gender. Optional information that may facilitate the search includes the subject's maiden name and social security number. Users can pay the $25 search fee and $1 convenience fee using their credit cards. However, eligible charitable organizations may pay a reduced fee of $8, and local school districts can conduct free background checks on prospective or substitute teachers.
Note: Records on persons convicted of sex crimes are available for free on the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
How to Obtain Sumter County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) maintains information on criminal activities and incidents within its jurisdiction, including records of arrests carried out by its agents and police reports filed in the office. Persons interested in obtaining public police reports like crash reports, most-wanted lists, and non-emergency police reports may visit the Police-to-Citizen website managed by the Sheriff's Office. Sumter County arrest records may also be available on the site.
Additionally, the SCSO Records Division processes requests for these and other records containing restricted information. Requesters should visit the office during business hours at:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
1281 North Main Street,
Sumter, SC 29153
Phone: (803) 436-2000
Fax: (803) 436-2054
Furthermore, local police departments may also provide Sumter arrest records and police reports at city levels.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Sumter County
Interested persons can obtain records on sex offenders located in Sumter County by using the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This public database provides frequently-updated information on registered sex offenders and sexually violent predators. Users can conduct name-based searches or geographic searches using a street address, city name, zip code, and mile radius.
Search results will include a list of similar matches (if any) with map locations. Clicking on an offender will lead users to the person's profile, which provides information like:
- Full name
- Known aliases
- Gender, race, and date of birth
- Photograph
- Primary address
- Physical description and body markings
- Offender classification
- Other known addresses
- Vehicle information
Additionally, interested users may sign up for community notification to receive updates on sex offenders in a specified area. For further information, contact the SLED Sex Offender Registry at:
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 896-2601
Fax: (803) 896-2311
Email: sor@sled.sc.gov
How to Find Sumter County Inmate Records
Record seekers may use the inmate search tool on the Sumter County Sheriff's Office website to locate inmates in the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. Persons may be able to get general public information on detainees, such as names, charges, arrest or booking date, arresting agency, and other related details. Requesters may also be obtain more information by contacting:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
1281 North Main Street,
Sumter, SC 29153
Phone: (803) 436-2000
Fax: (803) 436-2054
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Sumter County Jail?
Inmates with visiting privileges in the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center may receive two 30-minutes social visits weekly. Family and friends may call (803) 436-2361 or (803) 436-2353 for specific November Pod visiting hours, but social visits usually happen on Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule for sign-in.
Only two persons may visit an inmate at a time. All visitors must dress appropriately and take along valid picture identification to the facility at:
1250 Winkles Road,
Sumter, SC 29153
Upon arrival, visitors shall undergo search, screening, and sign-in. Persons must keep the visitation rules or face visit cancellation or legal sanctions.
Court Records
As part of the South Carolina Third Judicial Branch, Sumter County has circuit, probate, magistrate, family, and municipal courts that handle various types of cases within their jurisdictions. These courts are located at:
Sumter County Circuit Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2227
Fax: (803) 436-2223
Sumter County Family Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2366
Fax: (803) 774-2814
Sumter County Probate Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2166
Fax: (803) 436-2407
Sumter County Magistrate/Summary Court
190 East Canal Street,
P.O. Box 1428,
Sumter, SC 29151
Phone: (803) 436-2280
Fax: (803) 436-2789
Mayesville Municipal Court
24 South Main Street,
Mayesville, SC 29104
Phone: (803) 453-5280
Fax: (803) 453-5285
Pinewood Municipal Court
16 Clark Street,
P.O. Box 236,
Pinewood, SC 29125
Phone: (803) 452-5878
Fax: (803) 452-5901
Sumter Municipal Court
109 East Canal Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2290
Fax: (803) 774-2829 (Attn: City Court)
Are Sumter County Court Records Public?
Except sealed by court order or specifically exempted by law, Sumter County court records are public information. Exemptions may restrict access to sensitive information like privileged attorney-client communication and identifying information on minors but may also cover the entire record like juvenile case files.
How to Obtain Sumter County Civil Court Case Records
Interested persons may conduct an online record search to find information on civil cases filed in Sumter County Courts or search the Family Court Public Portal for records of more specific civil cases involving domestic matters. Additionally, record seekers may obtain copies of civil case records by directing requests to the clerk of the court that filed the case. For civil cases heard in the Court of Common Pleas, send requests to the Sumter County Clerk of Court at:
Sumter County Judicial Center
Third floor
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2227
Phone: (803) 436-2228 (Common Pleas)
Fax: (803) 436-2223
Persons may request records in-person or by sending written requests letters or forms containing the case number and record description to the appropriate court clerk and paying the required fees when listed in the clerk's reply.
How to Obtain Sumter County Criminal Court Records
Individuals can access Sumter County criminal case information online with the case search tool as long as the information or document is not exempted by law or court order. On the other hand, getting copies of criminal case records may require individuals to make in-person or mailed requests to:
Sumter County Clerk of Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
Third floor
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2227
Phone: (803) 436-2232 (Criminal Court)
Fax: (803) 436-2223
Requests should contain the case number and record description, and to complete requests, requesters should pay the required fees stated in the clerk's reply.
What are Sumter County Vital Records?
Sumter County vital records are government documentation on life events that happened to persons within the county's jurisdiction. These events include births, divorces, deaths, adoptions, and marriages. However, access to some documents may be restricted to qualified or authorized persons until some decades after the event. For instance, birth and death records in South Carolina become public after 100 and 50 years, respectively.
However, unauthorized persons may still obtain uncertified copies of vital records that do not contain sensitive information upon proper requests to the custodian. The State Vital Records Office of the Department of Health and Environmental Control maintains statewide vital records, but local custodians may also be available.
Where and How to Obtain Sumter County Divorce Records
Sumter County divorce records are available at the Sumter County Clerk of Court and the DHEC State Vital Records Office. However, the Clerk of Court issues copies of the final divorce decree while the State Vital Records Office issues reports of divorces obtained from July 1962 to December 2019.
For divorce decrees, make in-person or mailed requests by paying the $10 fees and by providing case details to:
Sumter County Clerk of Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
Third floor
215 North Harvin Street,
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2227
Fax: (803) 436-2223
On the other hand, interested persons can request divorce reports from the State Vital Records Office in-person, online, via mail, or drop-off. Requesters should fill the application form and send it along with fees and valid identification to:
Mail:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person or drop-off:
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
The Vital Records Office charges $12 for the search (with one copy of the divorce report) and $3 per additional copy. Mailed payments should be in cashier's check or money order made payable to SC DHEC, whereas cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in person. Requesters should note that certified copies are only obtainable by the following:
- The divorced party
- A divorcee's child
- A divorcee's former spouse
- The legal representative of eligible persons
Otherwise, ineligible requesters can only receive a divorce statement that provides the party name, divorce date, and county of divorce.
Where and How to Get Public Sumter County Marriage Records
The Sumter County Probate Court maintains marriage licenses issued in the county, whereas the State Vital Records Office keeps records of marriages in the state from July 1950 to December 2020. However, certified copies of marriage records from the Vital Records Office are only available to the following persons:
- Either one of the married couple
- Either party's former or current spouse
- An adult child of the married party
- The couple's legal representative
Nevertheless, ineligible persons may receive statements that took place, as well as the date and county where the license was issued.
The Probate Court charges $6 for one certified copy of the marriage certificate (with postage) and $5 for each extra copy. Interested persons should submit or send completed request forms and fees in check or money order to:
Sumter County Probate Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
215 North Harvin Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2166
Fax: (803) 436-2407
Alternatively, interested persons can request Sumter County marriage certificates from the State Vital Records Office in-person, online, via mail, or drop-off. Requesters should fill the application form and send it along with fees and valid identification to:
Mail:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person or drop-off:
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
The Vital Records Office charges $12 for the record search (with one copy) and $3 per extra copy. Mailed payments should be in cashier's check or money order made payable to SC DHEC, whereas cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in person.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Sumter County
Confidential records or licenses of marriages obtained in Sumter County may be available in the Sumter County Probate Court or the State Vital Records Office. However, only the marriage parties and other authorized persons or agencies may access this document. The Probate Court charges $6 for one certified copy of the marriage certificate and postage and an additional $5 for each extra copy. Interested persons should submit or send completed request forms and fees in check or money order to:
Sumter County Probate Court
Sumter County Judicial Center
215 North Harvin Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2166
Fax: (803) 436-2407
Alternatively, interested persons can request Sumter County marriage certificates from the State Vital Records Office in-person, online, via mail, or drop-off. Requesters should fill the application form and send it along with fees and valid identification to:
Mail:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person or drop-off:
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
The Vital Records Office charges $12 for the search (with one copy of the record) and $3 per extra copy. Mailed payments should be in cashier's check or money order made payable to SC DHEC, whereas cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in person.
Where and How to Find Sumter County Birth Records
The DHEC State Vital Records Office maintains statewide birth records and restricts access until 100 years after the birth. However, persons may obtain uncertified copies of Sumter County birth certificates upon proper request made in-person, online, via mail, or drop-off. Applicants should fill the application form and send it with fees and valid identification to:
Mail:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person or drop-off:
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
The Vital Records Office charges $12 for the search (with one copy of the Sumter County birth certificate) and $3 per extra copy. Mailed payments should be in cashier's check or money order made payable to SC DHEC, whereas cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in person.
Where and How to Find Sumter County Death Records
Sumter County death records are available at the DHEC State Vital Records Office but restricted until 50 years after the death. However, persons may obtain uncertified copies of these documents upon proper request made in-person, online, via mail, or drop-off. Applicants should fill the application form and send it with fees and valid identification to:
Mail:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person or drop-off:
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
The Vital Records Office charges $12 for the search (with one copy of the record) and $3 per extra copy. Mailed payments should be in cashier's check or money order made payable to SC DHEC, whereas cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in person.
