San Diego Central Jail is a 980-bed jail based in San Diego, San Diego County, California. You can reach them anytime for inmate information at 619-610-1647.
Arrested individuals, whether for misdemeanors or felonies, are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on the charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.
The inmate search tool allows you to access the facility's inmate roster and see who is currently in custody.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail. Sentences longer than one year result in transfers to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides all the information you need regarding inmate services, including the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.
It's important to save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for correspondence. If you cannot locate it online, contact San Diego Central Jail at 619-610-1647 for help.
Phone: 619-610-1647
Physical Address:
1173 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the San Diego Central 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 619-610-1647 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.
San Diego Central Jail Inmate Search
This is a link to all of the city and county jails, and juvenile detention facilities in San Diego County.
The San Diego Central Jail maintains an average of 980 offenders in custody on any given day. The San Diego Central 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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San Diego Central Jail, (SDCJ), is located in downtown San Diego at 1173 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101 The facility can be contacted by phone at 619-610-1647.
The jail, which opened in 1998, has 980 beds for inmates and has 400 employees working there. When it opened, it was considered a state-of-the art jail in terms of its technology, its focus on video surveillance cameras, and their emergency response systems.
In the County of San Diego, this is the facility that handles intake for most men who will be placed in other San Diego County jails. Some inmates stay there waiting for their arraignments. There are also inmates held there due to special needs (for instance they are high-profile individuals) or medical needs, particularly psychiatric.
The jail has what is known as a "Psychiatric Stabilization Unit", the largest unit of its kind in the County. The medical and dental treatment offerings at this facility are extensive, and yet suicides, drug-related deaths and inadequate care for people's disabilities and health needs have been found to be serious problems here and in other County facilities.
If you plan to see an inmate, it is important to learn about visitation policies. You can scroll down for basic guidelines on this website or look at a more detailed schedule by cell block on the Sheriff's website here. All visits are 30 minutes in duration.
Other helpful San Diego County Jail links:
After arrest, individuals are processed at San Diego Central Jail, where they undergo a series of steps that determine their charges and whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, allowed to post bail, or held until their court date.
The first rule for anyone arrested is to remain silent. Anything they say can be used in court, so it’s best to speak only to an attorney about the incident.
Here are the typical stages of the booking process at San Diego Central Jail:
Booking time varies, with some cases completed in an hour, but more complex cases, or those involving uncooperative behavior, can take up to 48 hours. If you need details about an offender’s bail or bond, contact the facility at 619-610-1647.
If someone is taken to San Diego Central Jail in San Diego for booking, the next steps depend on their case:
1. The individual may be released without bail, under a promise to appear at a court hearing.
2. They could be held in custody until their trial.
3. They may post a bail or bond for release. To find out the exact bail amount, call 619-610-1647.
Bail payments can be handled in various ways.
For a comprehensive guide to the bail process in San Diego County, California, visit the San Diego Central Jail Bail FAQ page.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail? What is the Schedule?
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | NO VISITS |
| WEDNESDAY | NO VISITS |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
Register with Securus online prior to calling to make a reservation.
| DAYS | TIMES |
| DAILY | 7:30AM 8:15AM 9:00AM 9:45AM |
| DAILY | 1:30PM 2:15PM 3:00PM 3:45PM |
| DAILY | 7:30PM 8:15PM 9:00PM 9:45PM |
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.
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 San Diego Central 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.
San Diego Central 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 San Diego Central Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail?
Register with Securus online prior to calling to make a reservation.
| DAYS | TIMES |
| DAILY | 7:30AM 8:15AM 9:00AM 9:45AM |
| DAILY | 1:30PM 2:15PM 3:00PM 3:45PM |
| DAILY | 7:30PM 8:15PM 9:00PM 9:45PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Central Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail?
To deposit money into the account of an inmate in San Diego County, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Central Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail?
Local, long distance, and international calls are free.
A person can make unlimited phone calls per day.
To give everyone equal opportunity to use the phone, each call will be limited to 15 minutes.
You must first register your inmate with Securus.
To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from San Diego 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 [facility_name_1}, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Central Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The San Diego Central 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. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The San Diego Central 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 & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
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
The San Diego Central Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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 San Diego Central 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.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
For inmates receiving mail in the San Diego Central 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 San Diego Central Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
San Diego Central Jail
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
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 San Diego Central Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail, and what can I purchase?
Friends and family of inmates in the San Diego Central Jail can purchase commissary online and have that shipped directly to an inmate.
Commissary items range from snacks to hygeine products to stationary. You can even deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own items.
Friends and family of inmates in the San Diego Central Jail can purchase commissary online and have that shipped directly to an inmate.
Commissary items range from snacks to hygeine products to stationary. You can even deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own items.
To learn everything you need to know about how to purchase commissary for an inmate, and limits to how much you can deposit, check out our Commissary Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Central Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the San Diego Central Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Search for the inmate on Who’s in Jail site using the incarcerated person’s name. To prevent conflicts in spelling, you may search using only the first two letters of the first and last name.
Next, do the Captcha code to verify you are not a bot.
You should see a list with one or more names. Click on the last name of the correct person to view the inmate's page in the Who’s in Jail system.
Halfway down the page you will see an envelope icon you can click in order to send a message. Follow the instructions on submitting your email address.
Then open your email account, click on the link and send your message.
Every San Diego Central Jail inmate is allowed to send and receive two digital messages per day, each totalling no more than 2,500 text charcters.
Search for the inmate on Who’s in Jail site using the incarcerated person’s name. To prevent conflicts in spelling, you may search using only the first two letters of the first and last name.
Next, do the Captcha code to verify you are not a bot.
For complete instructions on how to exchange emails with an inmate in the San Diego Corrections system, check out our Inmate Email page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Central Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the San Diego Central 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 San Diego Central Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 619-610-1647 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in San Diego County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding San Diego County?
This facility, known as "San Diego Central Jail" is also known as San Diego County Central Jail.
