Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
You can call the 25-bed Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 760-384-5855.
This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. They undergo booking and processing, and depending on their charges, may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.
Use the inmate search tool to see who is currently in custody.
Inmates serving less than one year will do their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, mailing them, receiving phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.
It is useful to keep the inmate's jail ID or booking number for correspondence purposes. If it’s not available online, contact Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail at 760-384-5855 for assistance.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
For the most current information on an inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, including charges, bond, visitation eligibility, and mugshot, check the Official Jail Inmate Roster or call the jail at 760-384-5855. You can also view the criminal courts for Kern County and every other county in California.
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail Inmate Search
Checking for a warrant in Kern County or elsewhere in California? Trying to learn more about a court case involving you or someone close to you? Start with the California Superior Court.
In Kern County and every court in California, criminal defendants generally have a constitutional right to pretrial release on bail, apart from certain capital and violent felony cases. The California Supreme Court has made clear that judges must weigh a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, and must consider less restrictive conditions before holding someone who can’t afford it. Rule 4.101 prohibits judges from factoring in whether the defendant has asked for a jury trial.
The quickest way to find out what an inmate’s bail is set at is to call the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail at 760-384-5855. If you know the offense, the Kern County bail schedule also lists standard bail amounts. The county accepts cash, surety bonds, and property bonds.
Key facts about the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail:
- It is licensed for 25 inmates but often has to make room for more, especially on weekends.
- Most city and county jails in California turn over at least 35-40% of their inmates monthly.
- Another 25-30% turn over every 90 days, and another 15-20% every six months.
- About 8-9% stay six to twelve months.
- Those held longer than a year usually face serious charges like rape or murder.
Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county remain in custody at one of the Kern County facilities much longer.
Kern County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 79,780 offenders each year.
is located within the Kern County Sheriff’s Office for Ridgecrest and will be the location to which newly arrested detainees are taken.
This is a temporary holding facility only, and will hold inmates only if they are already pending release on bail or without, or if they are set to be transferred to an alternative Kern County location.
As there are no long term inmates at Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail there are no educational programs or life skills classes, however there is full access to medical care and mental health support is provided as needed. Meals are provided three times each day, and no commissary is present. Phone calls are permitted and visitors may be able to see an inmate before they are transferred or released, however there are no set visiting hours for the Sheriff’s Office.
The staff of the Sheriff are responsible for the care and control of all inmates until their release or transfer has been completed.
Mail: Inmates do not receive mail at this facility.
Phones: Phones are available and detainees may call for bail, contact their family, and call their attorney as required.
Visitation: With no set hours for visits at this temporary holding facility, family may call the location directly to ask about and schedule a visit. The main phone line is 760-384-5855.
Understanding the booking process at Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.
It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.
The following steps outline the booking procedure at Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail:
- Personal identification verification.
- Taking photographs (mugshots).
- Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
- Possibly collecting DNA samples.
- Performing a full-body search.
- Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
- Allowing one phone call.
Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 760-384-5855.
Paying bail for someone in custody in Kern County
Once someone is booked at Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail in Ridgecrest after an arrest, there are several outcomes:
1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 760-384-5855 for bail details.
Bail payments can take several forms.
- The full cash bond is paid at the jail's bonding window or at the clerk of court using cash, a cashier's check or a money order, while many jails add a card option at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond service for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and call the jail at 760-384-5855 with questions.
- A licensed bail bond agent in Kern County can help cover bail.
- Many courts take real estate as security for a bond; the property owner must show clear title plus equity at least equal to the bond, often twice it, backed by a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set the bail gives final approval.
For detailed information about the bail process in Kern County, California, see the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail Bail FAQ.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail? What is the Schedule?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
760-384-5855
- Schedule subject to change.
- Call 760-384-5855 to confirm visitation time prior to making arrangements.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per visit.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| MONDAY | Call for appointment |
| TUESDAY | Call for appointment |
| WEDNESDAY | Call for appointment |
| THURSDAY | Call for appointment |
| FRIDAY | Call for appointment |
| SATURDAY | 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation.
Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk.
SRemote video visitation is available every day.
Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.
What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.
How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.
Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.
Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
760-384-5855
- Schedule subject to change.
- Call 760-384-5855 to confirm visitation time prior to making arrangements.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per visit.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| MONDAY | Call for appointment |
| TUESDAY | Call for appointment |
| WEDNESDAY | Call for appointment |
| THURSDAY | Call for appointment |
| FRIDAY | Call for appointment |
| SATURDAY | 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail?
There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits
1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Lobby kiosk - Ask the jail whether it has an Access Corrections kiosk for deposits.
4. By mail - Ask Access Corrections or the jail whether money orders can be mailed, and to what address.
Ask who the money order should be made out to, and include the inmate name and ID number on all money orders.
5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Ask the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail whether it accepts cash deposits in person, and where.
Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages
Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: customerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Kern County
To send commissary money to an inmate in Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail follow these steps:
- Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
- Select California, then select Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
- Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail?
How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Kern County do the following:
1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.
2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.
To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Kern County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, and what can I send them?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail 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 #
Ridgecrest Jail
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Ridgecrest Jail
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the 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
Ask the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Ridgecrest Jail
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Ridgecrest Jail
128 E. Coso
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3647
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, and what can I purchase?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail contracts with Access Securepak for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.
Access Securepak's catalog groups items into categories such as:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel
Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select California.
3. Select Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
Access Securepak
10880 Linpage Place
St. Louis, MO 63132
* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST,
and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.
*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.
*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Kern County
To send commissary money to an inmate in Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail follow these steps:
- Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
- Select California, then select Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
- Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.
Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').
Steps:
1. Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.
Things you CAN do:
1. You CAN ONLY send messages from the Securus website, or with the Securus app. (links below).
2. You CAN transfer ‘stamps’ to your inmate.
3. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can purchase ‘stamps’ on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness)
Things you CANNOT do:
1. You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.
Other Things:
1. Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.
What is the cost of sending inmate messages?
- Send a text Message - 1 stamp
- Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
- Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
- Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
- Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
- Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps
What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?
- Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
- Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
- When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account
Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information
Online Customer Service Support
Phone Support: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
iphone app
Android app
Mailing Check payments
Securus Correctional Billing Services
PO Box 650757
Dallas, Texas 75265-075
How to Send a Text or Email Message to an Inmate in Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
To send a text or email message to a Kern County inmate, do the following:
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.
Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation' in Kern County or any jail or prison in the country).
Steps:
1. Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your Kern County inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.
For all Kern County information for sending secure messages to an inmate in Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail, including instructions, video examples, fees, limits, tablet rentals and more, check out out Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
- Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Send funds to the inmate and he or she will be able to subscribe and pay at the Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail.
Questions:
- By phone - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
- By email - tablets@securustech.net
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail
To rent a tablet for an inmate in Kern County follow these instructions:
- Register here. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
- Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
- You get charged the 1st of each month.
- You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
- No activation or early termination fees.
- Your Kern County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
- Call - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
- Email - tablets@securustech.net
For all Kern County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-384-5855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Kern County?
Kern County County Jails
Kern County Juvenile Facilities
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Kern County?
This facility, known as "Kern County - Ridgecrest Jail" is also known as Kern County Jail, Ridgecrest Jail , Ridgecrest Jail , California, Kern.
