Crime Trends Shift: Fewer Incidents, More Jail Time in Charleston

The latest yearly review from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council shows a mixed picture for Charleston County. Overall crime has slipped, but the jail is fuller than ever. Data pulled from courts, the local police and the Al Cannon Detention Center reveal that property crimes dropped by 523 cases, personal assaults fell by 102, and offenses against society decreased by 154 compared to previous years. These figures come from the daily booking records at the detention center. Driving under the influence remains the top offense for both men and women, with first‑time DUI charges leading the list. Trespassing and shoplifting round out the most common allegations. The jail’s average daily population has climbed sharply, up 57% since 2021. Inmates are also staying longer; the average length of stay rose by 14% in 2025. Still, most people—about two‑thirds—are released within a day.The court system is tackling a backlog that was reported as nearly 8, 000 cases pending over eighteen months in July. By the end of the year, only 53% of cases remained open for more than a year, an eight‑point drop from the previous year. However, the time from charge to resolution has lengthened by 15‑21%, likely because of lingering cases. Looking ahead, the council plans to focus on six key areas: mental health services, public safety initiatives, youth programs, support for survivors and victims, community outreach, and court efficiency. These priorities aim to balance the goal of reducing crime with the need to manage a growing jail population and streamline judicial processes.