Chula Vista City Jail

Search for an Inmate in San Diego County

Chula Vista City Jail Information

The Chula Vista City Jail is a 48 bed jail in the city of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 619-691-5228.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 619-691-5228, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Chula Vista City Jail at 619-691-5228 to get it.

Phone: 619-691-5228

Physical Address:
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's first and last name
Chula Vista City Jail
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Chula Vista City Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail, 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 619-691-5228 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for San Diego County and every other county in California. The San Diego County District Attorney also has a helpful website where you can look up an offender's criminal court case online.

The San Diego County Sheriff provides a resource for looking up Active Arrest Warrants for this county.

Chula Vista City Jail Inmate Search

This is a link to all of the city and county jails, and juvenile detention facilities in San Diego County.

The Chula Vista City Jail maintains an average of 48 offenders in custody on any given day. The Chula Vista City Jail 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 San Diego County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 131,780 offenders.

The following charts of San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 Chula Vista City Jail
The Chula Vista City Jail in California has a designed capacity of 48 inmates, but its maximum capacity is 50 beds. The facility books, processes and transports all arrestees. It is operated by the Chula Vista Police Department as a Temporary Housing Facility. Inmates can be contacted via telephone at (619) 691-5220. The South Bay Detention Facility, located in the same city, has a rated capacity of 386. The Chula Vista City Jail is located at 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910. The general information line for the jail is 619-691-5228, and for immediate inmate and bail information call 888-224-5266. The South Bay Detention Facility is also located in Chula Vista at 500 Third Avenue, with a phone number of 619-213-1433. Visitation hours at the Chula Vista City Jail in California are Monday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In-person social visit reservations can be scheduled by calling (619) 213-1433 Wednesday through Sunday, during the hours of 6:30am to 6:00pm. Extended visitation may be allowed if visitors are from another state or traveling a great distance. Inmates at the Chula Vista Jail will be permitted to have visits with their family members daily between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm. The Chula Vista City Jail is a Temporary Housing Facility operated by the Chula Vista Police Department. It was originally opened in 2004 as a 48 bed facility for male and female detainees. In May, a Supreme Court decision gave California two years to reduce its overcrowded prisons or set 33,000 offenders free, but the Chula Vista jail will not see an increase from this ruling. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department Public Information Plan states that field bookings are not normally accepted at any other jail and that medical screenings are conducted later in the booking process to ensure all conditions an inmate may have. Opponents of private prisons have falsely asserted that privately operated facilities are endangering the lives of inmates, forcing them to live in unsafe conditions. The Chula Vista City Jail in California is unique for its "Pay-to-Stay" Program, which allows inmates to serve their sentences in the facility instead of the San Diego County Jail. The City Jail was opened in 2004 and is equipped with a state-of-the-art locking system, closed circuit cameras, and other security measures. It houses male offenders who are convicted for crimes under California state and federal laws.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Chula Vista City Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Chula Vista City Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 619-691-5228.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Chula Vista City Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in San Diego County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in San Diego County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Chula Vista City Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in San Diego County and other California and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Chula Vista City Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Chula Vista City Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Chula Vista City Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in San Diego County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in San Diego County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Chula Vista City Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

In California, bail can be denied under the following circumstances:

Capital crimes as with murder, acts of violence or threats to another when the evidence given supports the likelihood that the arrested committed the crime or will act upon the threats. Bail can also be denied if terms of parole, mandatory supervision, post-release orders or felony parole are violated. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.

The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.

Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, San Diego County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.

DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.  

More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond.  This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in San Diego County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.

A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  

Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.  

There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing.

Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does San Diego County California have bail?

Yes, California is a bail state, and San Diego County allows bail; however California is among a growing number of states who will attempt to release a defendant under bail conditions and/or a reasonable dollar amount rather than impose a dollar amount that cannot be met.

What kind of bonds are accepted in San Diego County?

The court will consider what type of bonds from the following list depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

1.    Judicial public bail/bond is the release of a defendant without any money but must have some kind of supervision while out on bail. 

2.    Cash bail is payment by the defendant or another person in part or in full of the total bail.  The San Diego County Clerk of Court supervises this bond. 

3.    Property bail is when one or more people put up property owned in the state of California to cover the bond.  

4.    Professional surety bail is when the defendant is release on bail by having a professional bond company execute the bond.

5.    Unsecured bond is where the arrested is released from custody without having to pay a dollar amount upfront. Instead, the arrested and/or surety signs a bond that says that they will pay the full bond amount if they don’t show up to court. Even though there is no money paid, there are usually conditions such as supervised release, curfew, restraining order or attendance at a treatment center.

6.    A secured bond is where someone called a surety puts up property with greater value than the bond. A professional bondsperson can be a surety in California or a family or friend with property value that exceeds the amount of the bond amount.

Who can set bail in San Diego County?

For most misdemeanors, the police and bail magistrate can set bail at the time of the arrest and initial detention.

There are many factors to consider whether the arrested should be given bail and released or be detained until the arraignment. If the circumstances are such that the bail recommendations do not apply, then bail is set by the judge in Superior Court. The Superior Court judge can also consider changing the initial bail terms at the first court appearance.

When is bail set in California?

For some lesser crimes, bail can be set at the time of initial detention and for other crimes, bail is set at the arraignment which must occur within 48 hours of the arrest. 

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in San Diego County California? 

Yes, your attorney can request a bond reduction if the bail had already been set.

In San Diego County California, who can pay bail for me? 

The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. 

A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of California could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in San Diego County California?   

Yes, California does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Chula Vista City Jail for more information about the jails in San Diego County.

What options are there to pay bail in San Diego County California? 

Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted.

Go to the Chula Vista City Jail for more information about posting bail in San Diego County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in California? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount.

If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in San Diego County? 

The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in California?  

The Chula Vista City Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.  

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail? What is the Schedule?

Chula Vista City Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-691-5228

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 619-691-5228 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 619-691-5228 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 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 Chula Vista City Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Chula Vista City 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. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

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[email protected]
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in San Diego County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Chula Vista City Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Chula Vista City 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 Chula Vista City Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail?

How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Chula Vista City Jail?

To receive phone calls from an inmate in San Diego County follow these instructions:

Chula Vista City Jail uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.

In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:

  • Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
  • Choose California.
  • Choose Chula Vista City Jail
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
  • Fund your Account. ($10-$100 at a time)

NOTE:
1.   You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2.  When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3.  When allowed by Chula Vista City Jail, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.

Fees

  • Adding funds to your account - $3.00 
  • Cost of phone call of a Prepaid Collect Account - $0.21 per minute
  • Cost of an interstate (ex. California to a different state) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost of an intrastate (ex. California to California) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost if you set up your account (or fund it) by phone using a live agent, you will be charged a one-time fee of $5.95.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
Full list of participating jails.

For all the information regarding phone calls with San Diego County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail, and what can I send them?

Postcards
The Chula Vista City Jail 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 Chula Vista City Jail may also allow regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well, however more and more jails are no longer allowing envelopes or paper letters due to concern about paper being dipped into liquefied drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine and then mailed into secure facilities.
To confirm that the Chula Vista City Jail still allows letters in envelopes call 619-691-5228 or view the Inmate Mail Instructions.
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
Most jails allow 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 above.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Chula Vista City Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
To confirm that the Chula Vista City Jail continues to allow books to be mailed by a third party publisher or bookseller, call 619-691-5228.
Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.
When a jail allows the inmate to receive Care Packages they must come directly from an approved company that specializes in serving the inmates of jails.
Call 619-691-5228 to see if the Chula Vista City Jail participates in a Care Package program and if so, how to purchase one.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail, and what can I purchase?

Chula Vista City Jail contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select California.
3. Select Chula Vista City 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 [email protected].
* 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 Chula Vista City Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Chula Vista City Jail's outside vendor for Commissary Items. 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 San Diego County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Chula Vista City Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Chula Vista City 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 Chula Vista City Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Chula Vista City Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Chula Vista City Jail allows Secure Messaging using a third-party service call Access Corrections.

They are the same company that facilitate Secure Deposits and Securepaks, so if you are already registered with them, then you are already approved to send Secure Messages to your inmate.

Register/Log in here.

After Registering/Logging In:

1.     You choose Chula Vista City Jail.
2.    You Search for your inmate by typing in his last name. You can further narrow your search by adding his first name and/or Inmate ID.
3.    You add a credit or debit card.
4.    You buy a message plan (plans and prices vary), or buy credits. One credit costs $0.01.
5.    You select the option for your inmate to be able use the credits which you purchase, to message back to you... Or not.
6.    Chula Vista City Jail charges a fee for each message sent or received.

Important Things to Know

 - Access Corrections has an iphone app and an android app for using their services.
 - ALL of your correspondence will be monitored by the jail. 
 - Do NOT write anything you wouldn’t want repeated in court.
 - Rates vary and are always subject to change.
 - Inmates can write you back ONLY if you select that option.
 - You CAN send photos up to 32MB in file size. Subject to change.
 - You CAN have unlimited credits on your account but are limited in the amount of each credit purchase.
 - You may NOT type or send emoticons.
 - You may NOT copy and paste text. Type directly.
 - You may NOT type profanities, violence or characters not approved. 
 - Due to messages having to be reviewed first, allow up to five days for a message to be delivered.
 - You may NOT transfer credits to another email.

Phone: 866-345-1884

Email:  [email protected]
FAQ
Contact Page
iphone app
Android app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in San Diego County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Chula Vista City Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Chula Vista City Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Chula Vista City Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for San Diego County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Chula Vista City Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Chula Vista City Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-691-5228 for further assistance.

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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding San Diego County?

San Diego Imperial Riverside Orange
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Search for an Inmate in San Diego County

This facility, known as "Chula Vista City Jail" is also known as Chula Vista Police Department.