Leath Correctional Institution: Info & Guide | Greenwood, SC
Could a place hold both a history of confinement and the potential for rehabilitation? Leath Correctional Institution, nestled in Greenwood, South Carolina, stands as a complex example of how the past shapes the present in the realm of corrections.
Leath Correctional Institution (LCIW), a South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) prison for women, opened its doors in September 1991 and has been accredited since 1993. Situated in unincorporated Greenwood County, near the city of Greenwood, this facility is a key component of the state's correctional system. Its location, just east of the Greenwood County Airport, provides a geographic reference point for those seeking to understand its place within the community. The institution is managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and serves as a level 3 women's facility, which is equivalent to a maximum security prison. Despite having a rich history, Leath houses a significant number of inmates, holding over 662 individuals, reflecting the varied custody levels ranging from minimum security to those on death row.
| Leath Correctional Institution Overview | |
|---|---|
| Facility Name: | Leath Correctional Institution (LCIW) |
| Location: | 2809 Airport Rd, Greenwood, SC |
| City: | Greenwood |
| County: | Greenwood County |
| State: | South Carolina |
| Opened: | September 1991 |
| Accreditation: | Since 1993 |
| Facility Type: | Women's Prison / Correctional Facility |
| Security Level: | Level 3 (Maximum Security) |
| Managing Agency: | South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) |
| Maximum Capacity: | 656 Female Inmates |
| Inmate Population (approximate): | 662+ |
| Custody Levels: | Minimum to Death Row |
| Named After: | Robert Leath (Former SCDC Director) |
| Visiting Hours: | Subject to change; contact facility directly |
| Important Note: | Approval required to visit an inmate. |
| Reentry Services: | South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) provides a range of reentry services. |
| Inmate Search: | Available on SCDC website; limited information provided for released offenders |
| Inmate Search Information: | Enter SCDC number or State Identification (SID) if known. Otherwise, enter inmate's name. |
| SCDC Website: | South Carolina Department of Corrections Official Website |
The Leath Correctional Institution is not merely a structure; it's a place shaped by time and purpose. It has a past as a juvenile male facility in 1970. Leath's evolution reflects shifts in societal attitudes toward justice, and it is named after former South Carolina Department of Corrections director, Robert Leath. Its location within Greenwood, a city with a population of approximately 23,222 residents as of 2015, situates the institution within the broader context of a community. The institutions evolution from 1991 to the present has seen several expansions and renovations. The facility assigns inmates based on their custody level, taking into account factors like criminal history. For those seeking to locate someone incarcerated, the "inmate search" feature provides a pathway, although it's important to note that it does not include information for offenders who have been released, are in county detention facilities, or are under parole, probation, or other community supervision.
The daily operations of Leath Correctional are intricately connected to the broader landscape of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC). The facility is part of a network that includes other institutions such as the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution, located in Columbia, and other facilities like Livesay CI, Wateree CI I, and the Camille CI. As a component of the SCDC, Leath Correctional operates under the oversight of the state government and follows established protocols for the management of inmates. It's an integral part of South Carolina's prison system. Level 3 facilities are the equivalent of a maximum security prison. Leath Correctional Institution is a state prison positioned in Greenwood, South Carolina.
The specifics of inmate management are a key facet of life at Leath Correctional Institution. The allocation of inmates is carried out carefully, based on custody levels, which are determined by an evaluation of factors such as criminal history, the severity of the offense, and behavior while incarcerated. Leath has a maximum capacity of 656 female inmates. The institutions structure and operations must adhere to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). An audit, initiated on December 29, 2020, demonstrates this commitment to maintaining safety. It's important to be aware that youthful inmates under the age of 18 are housed elsewhere. Adult females, aged 18 and over, are the primary population at Leath.
For those with loved ones incarcerated, practical considerations are important. The SCDC recognizes the importance of maintaining contact and facilitating support systems. For this purpose, the department facilitates the process of sending money to inmates via an online platform. When creating an account, you must select the South Carolina Department of Corrections as the facility. This allows family and friends to support their loved ones. The institution is committed to assisting inmates to have a successful return to the community. This is achieved by providing a range of reentry services.
Visiting hours are subject to change. It is crucial that those intending to visit an inmate at Leath Correctional Institution contact the facility directly to confirm the visitation schedule. This is vital for adherence to visitation guidelines. The rules and schedules for visitation are clearly communicated to ensure a smooth and organized process. The emphasis on visitation highlights the importance of maintaining family and community ties, even in confinement. The South Carolina Department of Corrections offers information and guidance on visitation.
The "inmate search" feature is available to locate individuals incarcerated within the SCDC system. This tool provides access to information on inmates currently serving their sentences. The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) is committed to providing a range of reentry services that address the specific needs of returning citizens, with the goal of reducing recidivism while supporting a successful return to the community. It is essential to note that this search tool has limitations; it does not include those released from the SCDC, held in county detention facilities, or under community supervision such as parole or probation. For those who know the SCDC number or state identification (SID), inputting this information is the most direct way to locate an inmate. If these details are unavailable, the inmate's name can be used as a search parameter.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates under the principles of transparency and public access. The department publishes population counts and capacities for its institutions. Information is subject to change, and any actions taken based on the information provided are at the user's discretion. Its a dynamic entity, subject to ongoing evaluation and the implementation of best practices within the correctional field. As of April 22, 2025, the institutions general housing capacity was 678. The institution is staffed by professionals such as senior account/fiscal analysts, case workers and correctional officers. The institution's management is also overseen by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The South Carolina Department of Corrections is committed to providing a range of reentry services that address the specific needs of returning citizens, with the goal of reducing recidivism while supporting a successful return to the community.
