Monterey County Jail

Is someone you know in the Monterey County Jail? Check the Official Jail Inmate Roster for their charges, bond amount, visiting eligibility, and mugshot, or call 831-755-3782 to ask the jail directly. In addition, you can look up criminal courts for Monterey County or any other county in California.

Monterey County Jail Inmate Search

If you think you may have a warrant in Monterey County or elsewhere in California, or you need information about a court case involving you, a friend, or a family member, start with the California Superior Court.

Most people charged with a crime in Monterey County, and anywhere in California, have a constitutional right to be released on bail before trial, though there are exceptions for certain capital and violent felony cases. According to the California Supreme Court, judges must consider a defendant’s ability to pay, and can hold someone who can’t afford bail only if no less restrictive condition would protect public safety or ensure their return to court. Under Rule 4.101, judges also cannot consider whether a defendant has asked for a jury trial.

Find out an inmate’s bail by calling the Monterey County Jail at 831-755-3782. If you know the charge, you can also look up the standard amount on the Monterey County bail schedule. Cash, surety bonds, and property bonds are all accepted.

Licensed for 1100 inmates, the Monterey County Jail often has to make room for many more offenders, especially on weekends. A typical city or county jail turns over at least 35-40% of its population every month, another 25-30% every 90 days, and another 15-20% every six months, with approximately 8-9% staying between six and twelve months. Inmates who stay longer than a year are usually facing serious charges like rape or murder. Because it takes longer to prepare those cases for trial, offenders arrested in this county remain in custody at one of the Monterey County facilities much longer.

Monterey County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 25,980 offenders each year.

Paying bail for someone in custody in Monterey County

Once someone is booked at Monterey County Jail in Salinas 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 831-755-3782 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 831-755-3782 with questions.
• A licensed bail bond agent in Monterey 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 Monterey County, California, see the Monterey County Jail Bail FAQ.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Monterey County Jail INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
831-755-3782

• Confirm your inmate's Housing Location
• Plan on arriving at the jail at least one hour prior to the start of your planned visit.
• Convicted Felon 'Request for a Visit' form.
• Inmates are allowed a minimum of one hour of visiting per week.
• One child and one adult are allowed in the secured visiting rooms at one time. 
• Visiting will be on a first come – first served basis.
• You must be age 18 and older and present a state or federal government picture ID.
• You may only visit one inmate per visiting week.
• Complete List of Visitation Rules

Monterey County Jail uses Smart Communications for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their loved ones.

How Video Visitation Works
SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time video visitation system which can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail.
At some locations you may also use a lobby kiosk at the facility to visit for free when scheduling a local / on-site visit.
Remote visits from home cost 50 cents per minute and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute increments.
To schedule a video visit you must first open a Smart Communications account.

Remote Video Visits From Home
Once you are connected with an inmate you can use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Remote visits from home are billed on a credits-per-minute model and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute blocks.

Local / On-Site Video Visits
Once you are connected with an inmate at a location where you have a visitation kiosk in the lobby, you may use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Local / on-site visits are provided free of charge.

This link explains everything you need to know about Smart Communications Video Visitation.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

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

Monterey County Jail INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
831-755-3782

• Confirm your inmate's Housing Location
• Plan on arriving at the jail at least one hour prior to the start of your planned visit.
• Convicted Felon 'Request for a Visit' form.
• Inmates are allowed a minimum of one hour of visiting per week.
• One child and one adult are allowed in the secured visiting rooms at one time. 
• Visiting will be on a first come – first served basis.
• You must be age 18 and older and present a state or federal government picture ID.
• You may only visit one inmate per visiting week.
• Complete List of Visitation Rules

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail?

There are five choices for putting money on an inmate's books that can be used for communication services:

1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722

2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby.  The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.

3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.

4. Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.

How Do You Deposit Money in an Inmate's Account at the Monterey County Jail

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 Monterey County Jail 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 lobbies 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 MCSD Prisoner Trust Fund and put the Inmate's Name and Inmate ID# in memo section, or on the top left corner of the Money Order.
Mail to:
Monterey County Jail
MCSD Prisoner Trust Fund
1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906

For complete information on depositing money at the Monterey County Jail, including limits, where to drop or mail them and anything else, check out our Inmate Money page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail?

How to Set up a Phone Account and Receive Calls from an Inmate in Monterey County Jail

To communicate by telephone with a Monterey County inmate, follow these instructions:

• To receive phone calls from a Monterey County inmate you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• 
• Once you open an account, you may search for Monterey County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Monterey County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Monterey County Jail will then need to approve the request before you can receive phone calls.

For all the information you need to receive phone calls from a Monterey County Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, how often you can receive calls and when you can receive them and more, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: Your phone calls will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case. Anything discussed on the calls may be used in your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail, and what can I send them?

Monterey County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Monterey County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Monterey County 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 #
Smart Communications - Monterey County Jail
P.O. Box 9199
Seminole, FL 33775-9199

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Rd,
Salinas CA 93906

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
Check the Monterey County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Monterey County Jail standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Rd,
Salinas CA 93906

Monterey County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Monterey County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.

Envelopes
The Monterey County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Smart Communications - Monterey County Jail
P.O. Box 9199
Seminole, FL 33775-9199

Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Rd,
Salinas CA 93906

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
Check the Monterey County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Monterey County Jail standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Rd,
Salinas CA 93906

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Monterey County Jail

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 Monterey County Jail 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 lobbies 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 MCSD Prisoner Trust Fund and put the Inmate's Name and Inmate ID# in memo section, or on the top left corner of the Money Order.
Mail to:
Monterey County Jail
MCSD Prisoner Trust Fund
1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting his account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 831-755-3782 to ask any questions about this.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Monterey County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Monterey County Jail uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.

SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

• The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
• Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
• To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
• Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
• Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Monterey County Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Monterey County inmate, follow these instructions:

• To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• 
• Once you open an account, you may search for Monterey County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Monterey County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Monterey County Jail will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Monterey County Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Monterey County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Monterey County Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Monterey County Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

• 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.
• Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Monterey County Jail at 831-755-3782 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Monterey County:

• Keeps inmates busy.
• The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
• Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
• Allows communication with family members.
• Educational programming.
• Legal research.
• Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

Monterey County Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Monterey County Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

• 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.
• Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Monterey County Jail at 831-755-3782 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Monterey County:

• Keeps inmates busy.
• The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
• Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
• Allows communication with family members.
• Educational programming.
• Legal research.
• Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

For more information about Tablets and how your inmate can get one to use while he is in jail, chek out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monterey County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 831-755-3782 for further assistance.

What are the other City and County Jails in Monterey County?

Monterey County County Jails

Monterey County Juvenile Facilities

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Monterey County?