South Carolina Criminal Records Search Using SLED CATCH

A convenient South Carolina criminal records search is the rationale behind the SLED CATCH Program. Offering an alternative method where fingerprinting is inconvenient, SLED CATCH uses other parameters readily available on government-issued identifying documents. However, the program does not intend to replace the undoubtedly more accurate fingerprint-based search.

South Carolina criminal records can primarily be accessed through the state's SLED CATCH Program, which gives the public access to criminal histories. Rather than using a fingerprint verification process, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) uses other parameters to narrow down a South Carolina criminal records search to approach zero error.

These parameters include:
- Last Name of Subject
- Initial of Subject's First Name
- Birth Date
- Optional Social Security ID Number

However, SLED CATCH is not intended to replace fingerprint verification, which to this day remains the most reliable mode of verifying identity. The program only seeks to provide an alternative in cases where gathering fingerprints is inconvenient or impossible.

It may happen that a SLED CATCH search will yield different results from one that is fingerprint-based. Info on wanted persons is not part of the SLED CATCH database.

SC Criminal Records: How to Use SLED CATCH

1. Visit the SLED CATCH website.
2. Use the search engine fields to fill in data.
3. If you misspell a name, your search will either fail or turn up a false negative.
4. You can conduct a good search by using the subject's last name along with his/her birth date.
5. Pay the non-refundable $25 fee or the $8 fee if you are eligible for the reduced fee (eligibility guidelines in SLED CATCH URL below)

It is best if you use an identifying state or federal government document with photograph to get a subject's name, and keep a photocopy of it for future use.

If you intend to search for common or multiple names, you may need a more comprehensive criminal history check than the online search engine can provide. It would probably be better in this case to visit the Division's Central Records Unit at its headquarters on Broad River Rd., Columbia.

You can also mail your request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (ATTN: Central Records) at PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398.

For sex crimes, you can use the Sex Offender Registry free of charge, as ordered by federal law. Public access is only allowed for offenders age 17 and above.

It is unlawful to treat the release of juvenile records in the same manner as adult South Carolina criminal records. Disseminating data that involves minors must first be evaluated based on the guidelines found in the registry website (URL below).

Useful South Carolina Criminal Records Links:

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
SLED CATCH
Sex Offender Registry

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