MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Monday, June 8, 2026) – On Monday, June 8, 2026, Berkeley County officials took part in a ceremony celebrating the completion of the Hill-Finklea Detention Center expansion project.

The new expansion, which connects to the existing detention center off California Avenue, officially broke ground in May 2023. County leaders identified the project as a critical need to address chronic overcrowding and improve safety and health conditions within the jail.

The new 80,000-square-foot wing is expected to significantly relieve those pressures and, once operational, will allow the detention center to operate under its total rated capacity for the first time in many years.

The expansion increases the facility’s total capacity to 564 beds and addresses longstanding deficiencies by adding a medical infirmary, more than 100 additional single-occupancy cells, a new public lobby, and updated staff locker rooms.

“This expansion represents a major investment in the safety of our community, our detention staff, and the individuals housed at the facility. For years, overcrowding has created serious operational concerns. This project gives us the space and resources needed to safely and effectively manage the detention center moving forward.” -Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis

“Berkeley County Council continues to keep public safety a top priority, and this project is a very important component of that. This expansion was critical to the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement throughout the County as they carry out their mission to serve and protect.” –Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb

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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-