San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)

County Jail

Last Updated: August 19, 2024
Address
1173 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
Beds
944
County
San Diego
Phone
619-610-1647

SDCJ is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)

You can support your loved ones at SDCJ on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 619-610-1647.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The SDCJ is a detention center located at 1173 Front St San Diego, CA which is operated locally by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. San Diego County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, San Diego Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for California here.

The San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ), located in downtown San Diego, stands as the primary intake facility for incarcerated males within San Diego County. Since its opening in May 1998, SDCJ has been recognized as a state-of-the-art facility, integrating advanced touch-screen controls and comprehensive video surveillance systems. Central to its operations is the Central Command Center, a sophisticated hub capable of electronically managing all jail functions, particularly in the event of emergencies or major system failures.

Staffing at SDCJ includes over 200 sworn employees and nearly 200 professional staff members, ensuring that the facility operates efficiently and securely. Architecturally, the facility is notable for its significant height, standing 230 feet tall, making it the tallest construction project ever undertaken by the County of San Diego. The building spans 11 floors with a total of 17 levels, including mezzanines and a basement. Its design has earned multiple accolades, including several “orchids” for excellence in architectural, interior, and lighting design, contributing a distinctive aesthetic to the downtown San Diego skyline.

The population at SDCJ is primarily composed of special handling inmates, newly booked individuals awaiting transfer, and pre-arraignment inmates. The special handling population includes those with serious medical conditions, individuals under psychiatric care, inmates representing themselves in court, and defendants involved in high-publicity trials.

For comprehensive details regarding San Diego County jails and the incarcerated individuals within them, the 33-page SDCS's Department Public Information Plan serves as a valuable resource. This plan provides essential information on facility operations, inmate services, visitation guidelines, and other relevant details about the management of the county’s detention facilities.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

SDCJ is equipped to provide an extensive range of medical and psychiatric services, including on-site dialysis, infectious disease control, and dental care. These services are administered by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, and clinical social workers. Notably, SDCJ houses the Psychiatric Stabilization Unit, the largest acute psychiatric treatment facility in San Diego County, underscoring the facility's critical role in managing the complex needs of its diverse inmate population.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged. For commissary information or to add money to an inmate's account, please visit sdsheriffcommissary.com.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in California. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ).

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

San Diego Central Jail Visitation

In-person social visit reservations can be scheduled by calling (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday, during the hours of 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. Visitation is available 5 days a week, with no visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A maximum of 3 visitors, including children, are permitted per visit. Minors must be accompanied by a parent, court-appointed guardian, or other adult having legal custody. Visitors 18 and over must have valid ID. Social visits are 30 minutes in length.

Video visitation is available 7 days a week and is 30 minutes in length. Incarcerated persons will be allowed 2-video visits per week. Visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, there will be NO same-day visits. Reservations must be made one day in advance and can only be scheduled by visiting SmartInmate™ - Corrections Communications Services. An account must be created before scheduling a visit. Visits are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

Social in-person visits at San Diego Sheriff's detention facilities can be conveniently scheduled online through the San Diego Sheriff's eVisit System, accessible via the Who's in Jail website. The service operates from Wednesday through Sunday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. For those requiring detailed guidance on scheduling an in-person visit, instructional links are provided in both English and Spanish.

Alternatively, visit reservations may also be made by telephone. Telephone reservations are accepted Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To schedule a visit, callers should dial (619) 409-5000 and select the appropriate option for the desired facility.

Visitors are reminded that visitation is available five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Each visit may accommodate a maximum of three visitors, including children. All visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I find out if someone is in San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    To check if an individual is incarcerated at SDCJ, use the inmate locator provided on the website or call 619-610-1647 for assistance. Some jails also have public inmate rosters accessible online.

  2. What are the visitation rules for San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Visitation at SDCJ is subject to facility guidelines. Visitors must be on an approved list, present valid photo identification, and comply with dress codes. Some jails offer in-person, video, or remote visitation through the phone provider's online app.

  3. How can I send money to an inmate at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmate funds can be deposited via their money transfer partner, a lobby kiosk at 1173 Front St, or by mailing money orders. Visit their website link for specific instructions on depositing funds.

  4. Can inmates at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) make phone calls, and how does it work?
    Inmates at SDCJ can make outgoing calls using their phone service provider. Calls may be prepaid or collect, and all calls are subject to monitoring for security purposes. Family and friends must set up an account with them.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmates can generally receive letters, photos, and books directly from approved retailers. However, care packages and other items must comply with San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)'s mail policy, which can be reviewed on the facility website above.

  6. How do I bail someone out of San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Bail can be posted at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) using cash, credit, bail bonds, or property bonds, depending on the county’s policies. Contact 619-610-1647 or visit their website for exact procedures.

  7. What happens during the booking process at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Upon arrival at SDCJ, individuals go through fingerprinting, mugshots, medical screening, and the recording of charges. They are then placed in a holding cell or assigned to housing based on classification.

  8. Can inmates receive medical care at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Yes, San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) provides medical care, including routine checkups, emergency services, and prescribed medications. Some jails charge a co-pay for non-emergency visits.

  9. How long do inmates stay in San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    This facility primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of one year or less, or being held for probation/parole violations. Longer sentences typically result in a transfer to a medium-security or higher state or federal facility.

  10. Can inmates be transferred from San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) to another facility?
    Yes, transfers occur based on court orders, sentencing requirements, security levels, or facility overcrowding. Inmates may be moved to different security level in California or a different jurisdiction.

  11. Are inmates at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) allowed to work while incarcerated?
    Some inmates with a clean disciplinary record at SDCJ participate in work programs, such as kitchen or custodial duties, in exchange for sentence reductions or privileges. Eligible individuals may also qualify for work release programs.

  12. How can an inmate access legal resources while in San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmates have access to legal representation and may use the facility’s legal library or court-appointed attorneys. Some facilities provide additional legal assistance programs.

  13. Can I pick up property left behind by an inmate at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmates may release personal property to an authorized individual. Arrangements must be made through jail staff, and identification is required. Contact SDCJ for details.

  14. What happens to mail sent to inmates at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    All incoming mail at SDCJ is screened for contraband. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate but not read. Outgoing mail is also subject to review. Mail policies can be found above, using the mailing address provided.

  15. Does San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) offer educational or rehabilitation programs?
    Many jails, including San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ), provide GED classes, drug rehabilitation, vocational training, and religious services. Program availability depends on the facility’s resources and policies.

  16. How do I report concerns about an inmate’s health or safety at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    If you have concerns about an inmate’s well-being, contact the facility’s medical staff or administration at 619-610-1647. Emergencies should be reported immediately.

  17. How does the commissary system work at San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmates can purchase snacks, hygiene products, and writing materials from the jail commissary using funds from their inmate trust account. Commissary orders are processed on designated days.

  18. What happens when an inmate is released from San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Inmates are typically released during scheduled hours. Some may have conditions upon release, such as probation check-ins. Release times and procedures vary by facility—call 619-610-1647 for details.

  19. Can inmates send emails or text messages from San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Some county jails, including SDCJ, offer electronic messaging services through their phone or video visitation provider. These services often require pre-approved contacts and may involve additional costs.

  20. How do I report a complaint or concern about San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)?
    Complaints can be directed to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office or the jail administrator. Reports of mistreatment or civil rights violations can also be filed with the appropriate oversight agency.

Ask The Inmate

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