Lee Correctional Institution is a correctional facility located in Bishopville, South Carolina. The facility is operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and is responsible for housing some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.
Lee Correctional Institution has a long history of violence and unrest. In recent years, the facility has been the site of several deadly riots and fights, leading to increased scrutiny from the media and public officials. Despite efforts to improve conditions and reduce violence, the prison remains a challenging and dangerous environment for both inmates and staff.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,670 |
| Physical Address | 990 Wisacky Highway Bishopville, SC 29010 |
| Mailing Address | 990 Wisacky Highway Bishopville, SC 29010 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (803) 896-2400 or (803) 428-2800 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Lee Correctional Institution is a medium to high-security prison located in Bishopville, South Carolina. It opened in 1993 as a replacement for the Central Correctional Institution. The construction of the facility began in 1989, and the Budget and Control Board approved the release of $24 million for the project. The prison was named after former South Carolina Governor Charles Lee.
Lee Correctional Institution has a capacity of 1,670 inmates and is one of the largest correctional facilities in South Carolina. The facility houses both close and medium-custody male inmates. The institution provides literacy, GED preparation, high school courses, and college correspondence courses to inmates.
The prison is known for the deadliest U.S. prison riot in the past 25 years. On April 15, 2018, a seven-hour riot broke out in three housing units, which resulted in the deaths of seven inmates and injuries to 22 others. The cause of the riot is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been triggered by gang-related tensions and contraband smuggling.
Despite the tragic incident, Lee Correctional Institution continues to provide essential correctional services to inmates in South Carolina. The facility is managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and its current warden is Shane Jackson.
Location and Directions
Lee Correctional Institution is located in Bishopville, South Carolina, at 990 Wisacky Highway. It is a maximum-security prison that houses adult male inmates. The facility is operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
The prison is situated in a rural area, surrounded by farmland and forest. It covers a total area of 1,800 acres and has a capacity of 1,670 inmates. The facility has several housing units, including general population, administrative segregation, protective custody, and death row.
Visitors to Lee Correctional Institution can reach the facility by car or public transportation. The nearest airport is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which is about 60 miles away from the facility. There are also several bus stations in the nearby town of Sumter, which is about 20 miles away.
For those who are driving, the prison can be reached by taking exit 120 off Interstate 20. From there, visitors should follow the signs for the prison, which is located about 10 miles from the exit.
It is important to note that visitors must follow strict regulations when visiting the prison. These regulations include dress codes, identification requirements, and restrictions on what can be brought into the facility. Visitors are encouraged to review these regulations before arriving at the prison to ensure a smooth visitation experience.
Facilities and Programs
Lee Correctional Institution offers a variety of facilities and programs for its inmates. These facilities and programs are designed to provide education, training, and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual re-entry into society.
Education and Training
Lee Correctional Institution offers a range of education and training programs to its inmates. These programs include GED classes, vocational training in welding, carpentry, and other trades, as well as literacy programs to improve reading and writing skills. In addition, the prison offers CDL training for inmates interested in obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
Health Care
Lee Correctional Institution has a licensed infirmary that provides medical care to inmates, including mental health care. The prison also offers a hospice program for terminally ill inmates. In addition, the prison has a Healing Species Rescue Dog program and a beekeeping program that provide therapeutic benefits to inmates.
Industry Programs
Lee Correctional Institution offers industry programs that provide inmates with job skills and training. These programs include dog grooming, carpentry, and other trades. The prison also has a Better Living Incentive Community (BLIC) Character Unit that provides inmates with opportunities to improve their behavior and prepare for re-entry into society.
In addition to these programs, Lee Correctional Institution offers chaplaincy services, recreation services, and volunteer services. These programs provide inmates with additional support and opportunities for personal growth and development. The prison also has a community services program that allows inmates to give back to the community by participating in service projects.
Inmate Information
Mail and Phone
Inmates at Lee Correctional Institution are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions and regulations. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by staff members. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls, but they must do so during designated hours and using the facility’s phone system. Phone calls may be monitored or recorded for security purposes.
To send mail to an inmate, use the following address:
Inmate Name and ID Number
Lee Correctional Institution
990 Wisacky Hwy
Bishopville, SC 29010To receive mail from an inmate, use the same address but include the inmate’s name and ID number on the envelope.
For more information on mail and phone regulations, contact the institution directly.
Visiting Hours
Lee Correctional Institution allows visitors on certain days and during specific hours. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list, and all visitors are subject to search and inspection before entering the facility. Visitors must also follow the institution’s dress code and other rules and regulations.
Visiting hours at Lee Correctional Institution are as follows:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| State Holidays | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
For more information on visiting hours and regulations, contact the institution directly.
Inmate Name and ID Number
Inmates at Lee Correctional Institution are identified by their name and ID number. This information is used for all official purposes, including mail, phone calls, and visitation. Inmates are required to provide their names and ID numbers to anyone who needs to contact or identify them.
Contact and Parole Hearings
For information about an inmate’s status, contact the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services. This agency is responsible for overseeing parole hearings and other aspects of an inmate’s release.
Inmates at Lee Correctional Institution may also be subject to disciplinary hearings and other administrative procedures. For more information on these procedures, contact the institution directly.
Security and Safety
Lee Correctional Institution takes security and safety seriously to ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff. The prison has implemented various measures to prevent and handle dangerous situations, including riots, violence, gangs, and serious crimes.
Riot and Violence
In April 2018, Lee Correctional Institution experienced one of the deadliest prison riots in the United States in the last 25 years. Seven inmates were killed and 22 others were injured in the incident. Attorney General Alan Wilson called it a “mass casualty incident” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
To prevent future incidents, the prison has increased security measures, including the installation of more cameras, metal detectors, and body scanners. Additionally, the prison has implemented a gang intelligence unit to identify and prevent gang-related violence.
Gangs and Serious Crimes
Lee Correctional Institution has a history of gang activity and serious crimes, including murder. In 2021, two inmates, Damonte Rivera and Michael Milledge, were charged with murder after allegedly killing another inmate.
To combat gang activity, the prison has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards gang affiliation and has established a gang intelligence unit. Corrections Director Bryan Stirling has stated that the prison has also increased staff training to recognize and prevent gang activity.
In addition to gang-related crimes, Lee Correctional Institution has also seen incidents of serious crimes, including the 2017 murder of inmate Raymond Scott by fellow inmate Joshua Jenkins. The prison has implemented measures to prevent and respond to such incidents, including increased staff training and the establishment of an emergency response team.
Overall, Lee Correctional Institution is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. Through implementing various measures, such as increased security, gang intelligence, and staff training, the prison aims to prevent and respond to dangerous situations.