Greenville County, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Greenville County is enhancing oversight of Sentinel Offender Services after criticisms surrounding employee misconduct and communication failures. A new ‘Quality Surveillance Assurance Plan’ will be introduced, requiring regular performance reports and quarterly audits. These changes aim to ensure accountability and address community concerns about the management of the house arrest program, particularly for low-income individuals facing financial burdens due to fees. The existing contract with Sentinel is set to continue under stricter regulations until its expiration in 2025.
Greenville County is taking new steps to enhance oversight of Sentinel Offender Services, the for-profit contractor that manages the county’s house arrest program. This decision follows significant criticism against Sentinel, which has been linked to an employee accused of bribery and multiple communication failures resulting in three deaths. These controversies have raised questions about the company’s management practices and its treatment of low-income individuals.
Sentinel Offender Services has previously faced numerous lawsuits and accusations of negligence, prompting alternative companies to express interest in taking over the contract. However, despite these criticisms, Greenville County renewed its contract with Sentinel in August 2025, following the established procedure for such agreements.
To address concerns surrounding its services, a new “Quality Surveillance Assurance Plan” will be implemented. This plan mandates that Sentinel provide regular performance reports and adhere to specific safety standards. Additionally, Greenville County has committed to conducting quarterly audits of Sentinel’s performance; failure to meet set requirements could potentially lead to the termination of the contract.
Representatives from Sentinel assert that the new oversight measures will serve as a valuable tool to demonstrate their effectiveness and commitment to improvement in their services. Under the current arrangement, Sentinel is responsible for monitoring individuals on bond or house arrest, conducting drug tests for probationers without any financial burden on Greenville County. However, these services come at a cost to the individuals being monitored, who may incur fees that total hundreds of dollars each month.
The previous lack of accountability in Sentinel’s operations, combined with issues such as an employee’s arrest for bribery and several cases leading to fatalities, has underscored the need for these new measures. One significant reform will require Sentinel to immediately notify law enforcement if a participant approaches a victim and to inform prosecutors of any violations within a strict 48-hour window.
To enhance its services, Sentinel has indicated that it will reduce costs for certain services while maintaining competitive daily rates for its offerings. Previously, the oversight of Sentinel’s operations did not include regular audits and evaluations; instead, the county relied on reviews of contractual compliance.
National organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Brennan Center for Justice, have expressed serious concerns regarding Sentinel’s practices. The current contract with Sentinel began on July 20, 2020, and is set to expire on June 30, 2025, with the newly established oversight measures geared toward ensuring better management of house arrest oversight moving forward. This change in protocol is a response to the ongoing challenges and demands from the community for improved accountability in the management of the house arrest system.
Overall, Greenville County’s renewed relationship with Sentinel is now under a more stringent framework of oversight, aimed at fostering an environment of accountability while addressing both local and national concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations under supervision.
FAQ
What new oversight measures are being implemented for Sentinel Offender Services?
The county will establish a new “Quality Surveillance Assurance Plan” requiring Sentinel to provide regular performance reports and meet safety standards. Quarterly audits of Sentinel’s performance will also be conducted, with the potential for contract termination if compliance fails.
What issues have caused criticism against Sentinel Offender Services?
Sentinel has faced criticism due to an employee being accused of bribery and communication failures leading to three deaths. Additionally, the company has been involved in lawsuits and accusations of negligence, claiming that its operations exploit low-income individuals.
What changes will be made to improve Sentinel’s accountability?
Proposed requirements include immediate notification to law enforcement if a participant approaches a victim and informing prosecutors about any violation within 48 hours.
When did Greenville County’s contract with Sentinel begin, and when is it set to expire?
Greenville County’s contract with Sentinel began on July 20, 2020, and is set to expire on June 30, 2025.
How much do individuals under supervision typically pay for Sentinel’s services?
Individuals under supervision are charged a daily fee, leading to monthly costs that can reach hundreds of dollars.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Oversight Measures | Implementation of the Quality Surveillance Assurance Plan requiring regular performance reports |
| Contract Renewal Date | August 2025 |
| Audit Frequency | Quarterly audits conducted by the county |
| Monitoring Authority | Sentinel Offender Services |
| Contract Start Date | July 20, 2020 |
| Contract Expiration Date | June 30, 2025 |
| Cost to Individuals | Daily fees leading to potential monthly costs in the hundreds |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mother Sues Greenville County Over Deceased Son’s Photos
Greenville County Extends Partnership with Sentinel Offender Services
Greenville County Delays House Arrest Monitoring Contractor Change
Greenville County Reviews Offender Monitoring Contract Amid Scandal
Greenville County Reevaluates Offender Management Contract
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Greenville County Sentinel Electronic Monitoring Oversight
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Considers New Options to Supervise House Arrest Program
- Greenville Online: Greenville County to Review Contract with Sentinel Offender Service
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Evaluating Proposals for House Arrest Supervision Program
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Decides to Stay with Old House Arrest Supervision Company
- Wikipedia: House Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: House Arrest
- Google Search: Greenville County Sentinel
- Google Scholar: Sentinel Offender Services
- Google News: Greenville County House Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
