West County Detention Facility

Search for an Inmate in Contra Costa County

West County Detention Facility

Located in the city of Richmond, Contra Costa County, California, the West County Detention Facility is a 1104-bed jail. For inmate information, you can contact them 24 hours a day at 510-262-4200.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on their charges, inmates may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until their trial is concluded.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the roster of individuals currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this facility, while those sentenced to longer terms will be transferred to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides details on the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, send mail, receive phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s advisable to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you cannot locate it online, call West County Detention Facility at 510-262-4200 for help.

Phone: 510-262-4200

Physical Address:
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility - 1118
PO Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the West County Detention Facility?

To search for an inmate in the West County Detention Facility, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 510-262-4200 for the information you are looking for. The Jail Roster Report also links to the county arrests for the day as well as the Incident Report, which details all the calls that Contra Costa Sheriff Deputies were called to, and what the outcome was. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for Contra Costa County and every other county in California.

West County Detention Facility Inmate Search

The West County Detention Facility maintains an average of 1104 offenders in custody on any given day. The West County Detention Facility has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Contra Costa County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 65,600 offenders.

The following charts of Contra Costa County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Contra Costa County Corrections Department, the state of California Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Contra Costa County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Contra Costa County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the West County Detention Facility

Having opened in 1991, the West County Detention Facility is the newest of the Contra Costa County Facilities and it provides housing for up to 1,096 inmates at any time. It consists of five housing units - four of them for male inmates and one for female inmates. There is an outdoor recreation space for each of the housing units, as well as an indoor recreation and common area. As a minimum security facility there are freedoms provided at this location that are not available in many other jails, including the ability to freely walk through the common area, to attend classes without being escorted there and back, and to have visits.

Educational programs run daily with there being accessibility for GEDs and basic adult education, budgeting and household finances, parenting classes, and opportunities for future education with college credits or other choices. Treatments are also provided for those who are overcoming trauma, who are facing drug or alcohol addiction, anger management, and other mental health support for those who will benefit from them.

The Contra Costa County Office of Education has a contract with the facility to provide educational services with a fulltime staff onsite to support all learning endeavors including teachers, a principal, and admin staff.

Visiting with family is highly encouraged, and friends may also visit following the visitation regulations and arriving 30 minutes before their visit at the address below, and during the following visiting hours:

West County Detention Facility 
5555 Giant Highway 
Richmond, CA  94806 

510-262-4200 

Monday - Thursday:
7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m.. 9:00 a.m.,
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00p.m. 

Saturday and Sunday:
7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m.,
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.,
2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

The three adult jails in Contra Costa County are the Martinez Detention Facility, the West County Detention Facility, and the Marsh Creek Detention Facility.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Booking process details at West County Detention Facility

When someone is arrested, they are taken to West County Detention Facility for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.

It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.

The booking process at West County Detention Facility typically involves the following steps:

  • Identifying the individual.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
  • DNA collection if applicable.
  • Conducting a full-body search.
  • Confiscating personal property.
  • Allowing a phone call.

Booking times can range from one hour to 48 hours. For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 510-262-4200.

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Directions / Map to the West County Detention Facility
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to post bail for a loved one in Contra Costa County

Once booked at West County Detention Facility in Richmond, the individual has several possible outcomes:

1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 510-262-4200.

Several payment methods are available for bail.

  • Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or with a money order.
  • Licensed bail bondsmen in Contra Costa County can assist with the process.
  • Property within the county can also be used to pay bail.

For more details on the bail process in Contra Costa County, California, visit the West County Detention Facility Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?

West County Detention Facility INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE & GUIDELINES

5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

510-262-4200

  • Confirm that your inmate is in the jail and able to receive visits.
  • If possible, call 510-262-4200 at least 24 hours before the day you want to visit to schedule a visit, however you can schedule a visit same day, but it may take some time to process your request.
  • Up to three visitors may visit an inmate at one time, and all visitors must be scheduled and at the facility no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.
  • Each visit will be for 45 minutes.
  • Each inmate is allowed two visits per week. This is subject to change. 
  • Each adult visitor will complete a visitors form before registering for the visit.
  • The registration must be complete, legible and include the following:
    Visitor’s name
    Visitor’s address
    Visitor’s date of birth
    Driver’s license number
    Inmate Name and Booking Number
    Visitor’s relationship to inmate
  • Parents and/or guardians of minor children will be required to provide a birth certificate or proof of guardianship of minor children during processing of the initial visit.
DAYS TIMES
SUNDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM
4:00PM
MONDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM
4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility?

West County Detention Facility INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE & GUIDELINES

5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

510-262-4200

  • Confirm that your inmate is in the jail and able to receive visits.
  • If possible, call 510-262-4200 at least 24 hours before the day you want to visit to schedule a visit, however you can schedule a visit same day, but it may take some time to process your request.
  • Up to three visitors may visit an inmate at one time, and all visitors must be scheduled and at the facility no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.
  • Each visit will be for 45 minutes.
  • Each inmate is allowed two visits per week. This is subject to change. 
  • Each adult visitor will complete a visitors form before registering for the visit.
  • The registration must be complete, legible and include the following:
    Visitor’s name
    Visitor’s address
    Visitor’s date of birth
    Driver’s license number
    Inmate Name and Booking Number
    Visitor’s relationship to inmate
  • Parents and/or guardians of minor children will be required to provide a birth certificate or proof of guardianship of minor children during processing of the initial visit.
DAYS TIMES
SUNDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM
4:00PM
MONDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM,
10:00AM, 11:00AM
1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM
4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility?

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at West County Detention Facility

Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the West County Detention Facility Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

  • Bring money to the jail in person. 
  • Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a self-serve kiosk in the lobby that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.


Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

  • Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
  • Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
  • Make the Money Order out to the Contra Costa County Sheriff and put their name and Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Mail to:
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 510-262-4200 to ask any questions about this.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for West County Detention Facility, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the West County Detention Facility Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?

West County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The West County Detention Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The West County Detention Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility - 1118
PO Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The West County Detention Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the West County Detention Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

West County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The West County Detention Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes
The West County Detention Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility - 1118
PO Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193



Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The West County Detention Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the West County Detention Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?

West County Detention Facility Inmate Commissary Online Purchases

You can order an inmate commissary or a gift package of snacks and hygiene products online and have them shipped directly to the facility by ordering from MyCarePack.com.

You can learn more about commissary purchases, including what you can purchase, how much it costs, how to deposit money and more on our inmate money and commissary page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

West County Detention Facility Digital Mail Instructions

When you send mail to an inmate in West County Detention Facility (see mailing address below), it gets sent to a third party service that takes the content and scans it, then forwarded to the jail to be printed out and given to the inmate.

Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
West County Detention Facility - 1118
PO Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193

West County Detention Facility is using this service because all too often, inmates were receiving letters soaked in illegal liquid drugs.

The service, called Pigeonly, accepts non-privileged (legal) mail.

Pigeonly will also process the following non-privileged (personal) mail:

  • Letters (including drawings)
  • Greeting Cards
  • Postcards
  • 4x6 Photos (limit of up to 10 per parcel)
  • Unbound Newsletters

As an additional service Pigeonly offers a service where you don't even have to use the USPS to send the inmate mail, but can send your letters and photos directly from your phone or computer. There are several plans; monthly and annual, that come with a fee, but save you the trouble of dealing with writing and mailing letters the old school way.

For mailing, emailing and texting an Inmate in the West County Detention Facility use Pigeonly

Pigeonly allows you to physically or digitally send an inmate:

  • Letters (including drawings)
  • Greeting Cards
  • Postcards
  • 4x6 Photos (limit of up to 10 per parcel)
  • Unbound Newsletters

Pigeonly offers a service where you don't even have to use the USPS to send the inmate mail, but can send your letters and photos directly from your phone or computer. There are several plans; monthly and annual, that come with a fee, but save you the trouble of dealing with writing and mailing letters the old school way.

{facility_name-1} will either print them out for your inmate or put them on a terminal in their unit to see and read them.

For complete information on using pigeonly to mail letters, email letters, cards, photos, articles, as well as find out pricing plans, check out our Inmate Email page or Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the West County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about West County Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 510-262-4200 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the West County Detention Facility? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Contra Costa County

What are the other City and County Jails in Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa County County Jails
Contra Costa County City Jails
Contra Costa County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa Alameda San Joaquin Sacramento Solano
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Search for an Inmate in Contra Costa County

This facility, known as "West County Detention Facility" is also known as Contra Costa County Jail - West County Detention Facility, Contra Costa County Criminal Court, Contra Costa County Sheriff, Contra Costa County Jail, West Detention, Contra Costa County Jail, West Detention, California, Contra Costa.