Northern Branch Jail

Northern Branch Jail Information

The Northern Branch Jail is a 376 bed jail in the city of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 805-554-3100, 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.

Phone: 805-554-3100

Physical Address:
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Northern Branch Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Northern Branch 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 805-554-3100 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for Santa Barbara County and every other county in California.

Northern Branch Jail Inmate Search

The Northern Branch Jail maintains an average of 376 offenders in custody on any given day. The Northern Branch 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 Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 27,600 offenders.

The following charts of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Santa Barbara County and California state prisons, click the button below.
Santa Barbara County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Santa Barbara County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 3/29/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 31 2.95%
Black 55 5.24%
Hispanic or Latino 771 73.43%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 35 3.33%
Asian 94 8.95%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 31 2.95%
Other 33 3.14%
Total 1,050 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, California Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Santa Barbara County Inmate Criminal Charges - 3/29/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 174 16.57%
Felony (2rd Degree) 234 22.29%
Felony (1st Degree) 116 11.05%
State Jail Felony 82 7.81%
Felony (Uncategorized) 313 29.81%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 131 12.48%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, California Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Santa Barbara County Inmate Sex - 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 933 88.86%
Female 117 11.14%
Total 1,050 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, California Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Santa Barbara County Inmate Age - 3/29/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 6 0.57%
18-20 45 4.29%
21-24 93 8.86%
25-30 248 23.62%
31-35 136 12.95%
36-40 210 20.00%
41-45 89 8.48%
46-50 81 7.71%
51-55 65 6.19%
56-60 52 4.95%
61-65 18 1.71%
66-75 7 0.67%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 1,050 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, California Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Northern Branch Jail
The Santa Barbara County Santa Maria Jail in California has a capacity of 40 inmates. The Northern Branch Jail, also located in Santa Maria, has a capacity of 376 inmates. The Santa Barbara County Santa Maria Jail is located at 2301 Black Road near Santa Maria. The jail can be contacted by phone at 805-934-6157 or faxed at 805-934-6325. The Carpinteria Substation of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Department can be reached at 805-684-4561 and is located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, California, 93013. The Santa Barbara County Jail - Santa Maria in California permits inmates to receive social visits from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 7:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends. Each inmate is allowed one or two visits, ranging from 15 minutes to one hour in length each week. Emergency visits are also allowed. Visitation hours have recently been extended due to the newly populated Northern Jail Branch. The Santa Barbara County Jail in Santa Maria, California has resumed in-person visits for inmates beginning October 2, 2022. A lawsuit was filed alleging that inmates were subjected to unsanitary living conditions, excessive time in solitary confinement, and inadequate medical care. The Sheriff's Office also reports that inmates are tested for COVID-19 when they are brought into the jail and separated from the rest of the inmate population for several days. The Santa Barbara County Jail - Santa Maria in California is unique in that it is a predominantly direct supervision facility, meaning Custody Deputies supervise inmates while working. It houses both male and female inmates and provides incarceration and rehabilitative services for pretrial and court-sentenced inmates. The Sheriff's Programs Unit offers programs and services to enhance the safety and order of the jail, while the Sheriff's Office is responsible for providing for the custody and care of pre-sentenced and sentenced male and female adult inmates.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Northern Branch Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Northern Branch Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 805-554-3100.

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.

Northern Branch Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Northern Branch 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 Santa Barbara 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 Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff recommends that you use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Santa Barbara County.

  • You can pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Santa Barbara County, or in some cases the state of California, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Santa Barbara County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond will be between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15%.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1500.00.

Call 805-554-3100 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Santa Barbara County inmate locator.

Santa Barbara County Bail Bond Information

Because Santa Barbara County and California can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Northern Branch Jail at 805-554-3100, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Northern Branch Jail or the Santa Barbara County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Northern Branch Jail? What is the Schedule?

Northern Branch Jail INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE

2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

805-554-3100

  • Confirm your inmate's housing location.
  • All Visits are 45 minutes.
  • A maximum of 2 visitors (including children) may visit an inmate at any one time. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Adult visitors must have a valid state or federal government ID.
  • All visitors must check in together up to one hour before the scheduled visit, BUT NO LATER THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE.
  • Visits are first come, first serve.
  • Visitors must be placed on a visitation list which the inmate provides. 4 visitors can be on the list. the list can be updated the last 3 days of the month and the first 3 days the inmate is in custody.
  • If you've recently been in jail (within the past 12 months), or if you've done prison time, call 805-554-3100 to get for special permission to visit.
HOUSING DAYS TIMES
A-1 thru A-4 MON
FRI
10:00-10:45AM
5:00-5:45PM
A-5 thru A-8 MON
FRI
11:00-11:45AM
6:00-6:45PM
B-2 thru B-4 MON
SAT
4:00-4:45PM
10:00-10:45AM
B-5 thru B-8 MON
SAT
5:00-5:45PM
11:00-11:45AM
C1, C5 MON
THU
12:00-12:45PM
10:00-10:45AM
C2, C6 MON
THU
1:00-1:45PM
11:00-11:45AM
C3, C7 MON
THU
2:00-2:45PM
12:00-12:45PM
C4, C8 MON
THU
4:00-4:45PM
1:00-1:45PM
D1, D5 TUE
FRI
10:00-10:45AM
1:00-1:45PM
D2, D6 TUE
FRI
11:00-11:45AM
2:00-2:45PM
D3, D7 TUE
FRI
12:00-12:45PM
3:00-3:45PM
D4, D8 TUE
FRI
1:00-1:45PM
4:00-4:45PM
KC Cells 11-17 MON
THU
7:00-7:45PM
4:00-4:45PM
KC Cells 18-24 TUE
FRI
4:00-4:45PM
7:00-7:45PM
NWRH-1 MON
FRI
6:00-6:45PM
10:00-10:45AM
NWRH-2 TUE
FRI
2:00-2:45PM
11:00-11:45AM
NWRH-3 TUE
FRI
3:00-3:45PM
12:00-12:45PM
NWRH-4 TUE
SAT
5:00-5:45PM
12:00-12:45PM
NWRH-5 TUE
SAT
6:00-6:45PM
1:00-1:45PM
NWRH-6 TUE
SAT
7:00-7:45PM
2:00-2:45PM
NWRH-7 WED
SAT
10:00-10:45AM
3:00-3:45PM
NWRH-8 WED
SAT
11:00-11:45AM
4:00-4:45PM
NWRH-9 WED
SAT
12:00-12:45PM
5:00-5:45PM
NWRH-10 WED
SAT
1:00-1:45PM
6:00-6:45PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 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 Northern Branch Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Northern Branch Jail?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Northern Branch 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 Santa Barbara County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Northern Branch Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Northern Branch Jail?

How Do Inmates in Northern Branch Jail Make or Receive Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Santa Barbara County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

1.  Start by confirming that Northern Branch Jail has the phone service you need to communicate with your inmate by the facility lookup here.
2. In the meantime, you can create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account. This account can be controlled by just you, or by both you and your inmate.
4. Last, select Northern Branch Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Santa Barbara County Services that are provided by GettingOut, a GTL company:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Video Visits (from home or jail lobby)
 - Email & Photo Sharing
 - Tablet Rental
 - Deposits


Phone & Voicemail Fees

1.  GettingOut charges $0.25 per minute for all phone calls, prepaid or collect, within California.
2. Prepaid calls between California and other states costs $0.21 per minute. International calls are $0.95 per minute.
3. There is a fee of $3.00 every time you add money to your account online, and it costs $5.95 if you add funds over the phone with a live agent.
4. You can also leave an inmate a short voice message for a flat fee of $1.25.

Note: Rates are subject to change.

Types of Phone Calls
Collect Calls
Collect calls allow you to accept and pay for calls to your land line (only) phone account. This means that if you accept your call from your inmate, all the charges for that call will then be billed to your land line phone account and will show up and be listed on your next local phone bill. Additional fees, costs, restrictions may apply.

Prepaid calls (Direct Calls)
With Prepaid Calls you can set up your account so that the inmate can only call you and/or you can just deposit money in their account and they can purchase prepaid phone cards through their commissary and call whoever they choose, provided the Northern Branch Jail approves of the phone number.

Quick Connect
Quick connect is an alternative to collect calls. It allows you to quickly pay for a phone call with your credit card.  When your inmate calls you, follow the instructions from the automated voice system to pay for that one phone call, directly billed to your card.

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Northern Branch Jail GettingOut phone services, you can call them at 866-516-0115.

* All the information you need to understand making and receiving phone calls with inmates in Santa Barbara County, can be found on our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Northern Branch Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch 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 & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455



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 Northern Branch Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Northern Branch 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 & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Northern Branch Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & CID Number
Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail
2301 Black Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455


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 Northern Branch Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Northern Branch 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 Santa Barbara County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Northern Branch Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Northern Branch Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch 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.    Northern Branch 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 Santa Barbara County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Northern Branch Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Santa Barbara County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Northern Branch Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Northern Branch 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 Northern Branch Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 805-554-3100 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Northern Branch Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Santa Barbara County

What are the other City and County Jails in Santa Barbara County?

Santa Barbara County County Jails
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Santa Barbara County?

Santa Barbara Ventura San Luis Obispo Kern
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/29/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/29/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Northern Branch Jail" is also known as Santa Barbara County Jail - Santa Maria, Santa Maria Jail - Short Term Holding Facility, Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Santa Barbara County Criminal Court, Santa Barbara County Jail, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County Jail, Santa Maria, California, Santa Barbara.