Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton

Military Prisons

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
24100 Powder Magazine Rd, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
Beds
347
County
San Diego
Phone
760-725-4111

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Camp Pendleton Base Brig is for Military Prisons offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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 Medium facility.

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 Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton

You can support your loved ones at Camp Pendleton Base Brig on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 760-725-4111.

The Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton, located at 24100 Powder Magazine Rd in Camp Pendleton, CA, is a military prison is a specialized correctional facility operated by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to house service members who have been convicted of crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These facilities play a crucial role in maintaining military discipline, ensuring accountability, and upholding the integrity of the armed forces. Unlike civilian prisons, military correctional institutions operate under a structured system that enforces strict discipline, provides rehabilitative opportunities, and, in some cases, allows for reintegration into military service. The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is the nation’s highest-security military prison, designed for inmates serving lengthy sentences, while lower-level military brigs and regional correctional facilities house individuals serving shorter terms or awaiting court-martial.

When a service member is convicted at court-martial, they undergo a classification and intake process to determine their security level, rehabilitation needs, and facility placement. Those sentenced to less than a year may be housed in a regional Level I facility, which focuses on rehabilitation and potential return to duty. Those serving longer sentences or convicted of serious offenses, such as violent crimes or espionage, are assigned to Level II or Level III facilities, where they serve their time under stricter security protocols. Pretrial detainees, those awaiting trial or sentencing, may also be held in military jails or regional brigs. Regardless of their classification, all military prison inmates are subject to a regimented schedule, work assignments, and rehabilitative programs, including vocational training, education, and substance abuse counseling, aimed at preparing them for reintegration into society.

Military correctional facilities also have distinct parole and clemency procedures, overseen by the Military Clemency and Parole Board, which evaluates inmate progress and determines eligibility for early release. Unlike civilian inmates, those who are dishonorably discharged upon release may lose military benefits and face additional challenges reintegrating into civilian life. However, for eligible service members, military prisons provide structured programs that encourage rehabilitation and personal accountability. As part of the broader Military Justice System, these institutions ensure that justice is served while upholding the core values of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The brig supports the Commanding General, MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA. by confining military members from all branches of the armed service on board MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA. All military commanders located west of the Mississippi, including Pacific military installations, are authorized to confine personnel accused of a crime serious enough to warrant pre-trial confinement or those already convicted by a Court-Martial. The Brig has a rated capacity of 97. Custody classification of prisoners covers all custody classes from minimum to maximum-security requirements. With a staff of approximately 83 Marines and 3 civilians, the Brig is nearly self-supportive in its mission to the Commanding General. Operating 24 hours a day, this facility maintains itself in areas such as laundry, minor structural repair, and most importantly security. The security personnel are trained continuously in all areas of corrections, ensuring professionalism and consistency.
Established in 1972, the Brig has a rated capacity of 347 (including minimum annex) 313 without annex space. Custody classification of prisoners covers all custody classes from minimum to maximum-security requirements. With a staff of approximately 180, including administrative, medical and food service personnel, the Brig is nearly self-supportive in its mission to the Commanding General. Operating 24 hours a day, this facility maintains itself in areas such as laundry, minor structural repair, and most importantly security. The security personnel are trained continuously in all areas of corrections, ensuring professionalism and consistency.

Confinement - Ref: SECNAV 1640.9C (Chapter 7): The purpose of confinement. An individual is sentenced to confinement as punishment and as a deterrent to other individuals. The sentence to confinement expresses the retribution demanded by the society that the individual offended and removes offenders from society for a specified period. The confinement period shall be oriented towards the rehabilitation of the confinee. Personnel being confined at Marine Corps Base Brig, Camp Pendleton are required to have the following items in their possession:

Legal Documents, to include.

  • Original Confinement Order (Branch Specific Forms are Accepted)
  • Original Results of Trial (If Adjudged)
  • Medical Certificate (Pre-Confinement Physical, signed by a Medical Officer, must be completed within 24 hours prior to confinement)
  • Letter of Deferment, Request for Deferment (If Sentence Deferred by Convening Authority)
  • Transfer Order / Prisoner Receipt (If Transferred from Another Facility)
  • All Items on Gear Inventory Sheet.

Funds/Valuables - Prisoner Funds and Valuables maintains all prisoner/detainee articles that are not authorized to be maintained by the prisoner, such as jewelry, bank cards, ID cards, and driver license. (See the required/authorized items list for information regarding items not accepted by brig Valuables.) The Valuables Office maintains a non-interest bearing account where all prisoner/detainee funds are kept. From this account, a prisoner/detainee can access funds to pay bills or purchase necessary health and comfort items. A general ledger is kept depicting each prisoner's/detainee's available funds. Weekly, confinees receive a PX call, which allows them to request items available through the brig exchange. The Valuables office conducts this service for confinee's in both pay and non-pay status. Non-pay status confinee's are those who have been sentenced to punishment of forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

Mail Room - The mailroom is responsible for handling all mail for confinees and staff members. Outgoing and incoming confinee mail is scanned for content and searched for contraband before being forwarded to the Base Post Office or the confinee. This is an area of high risk for the entrance of unauthorized items and is carefully scrutinized. All packages are received in the same manner and unauthorized items received are returned to sender. Packages containing food items are not normally allowed except during prescribed dates set by the Commanding Officer. During this time all food items received must be store-bought and still in the manufacturers seal. No "home-made" items will be allowed. Staff personnel mail is handled the same as all other unit mailrooms in accordance with Postal Regulations.

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 Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton.

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

Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton - Visitation

Visitation Rules

  • Ensure that vehicles are parked and located in the visitors’ parking spaces that are provided.
  • All visitors are required to sign in and out in the visitor's log as directed by the Quarter Deck Sentry. All visitors must have a picture ID.
  • You must be on the Prisoner/Detainee visitation roster in order to visit.
  • All visitors must consent to an electronic search. Persons refusing an electronic search will be denied access to the facility.
  • The Duty Brig Supervisor (DBS) must approve visits by anyone other than family members.
  • All active-duty military (Sgt's and below) must have written approval from their Battalion/Squadron Commanders prior to being authorized visitation. This form is available from the Brig Administrative Officer during normal working hours.
  • Married prisoners are not allowed visitation by members of the opposite sex unless the visitor is a relative or is accompanied by the prisoner's spouse.
  • Visitors under 18 years of age are not authorized to visit the prisoner unless their parents, legal guardian or the prisoner’s parents accompany them.
  • All attire must be in good taste and be in accordance with the standards set forth in current Camp Pendleton Base regulations. The DBS may disapprove or terminate a visit by reason of improper attire or the spirit in which this regulation is intended. The standards for wear of civilian attire are summarized as follows:
  • Clothing should be clean, well maintained and properly fitted. No clothing that is torn, ragged, or dirty will be allowed.
  1. Clothing should be worn in the manner intended by its designer (e.g., buttoned, belted, or zipped, tucked or fastened). Undergarments are not authorized to be worn as outer garments.
  2. No jogging, warm-up suits or PT gear may be worn.
  3. Clothing with printing, insignia, or pictures which are obscene, gestures or profanity, or suggestive in nature, or which promote the illegal use of drugs may not be worn.
  4. Clothing which depicts derogatory social, religious, racial, or ethnic beliefs are also considered inappropriate and may not be worn.
  5. Clothing which has been altered in fit to appear either excessively brief, tight, or revealing may not be worn.
  6. Clothing such as cut-off shorts, shower shoes, flip-flops, tank tops, or swimwear will not be allowed. No bare feet.
  7. Clothing and accessories which are intended to present a paramilitary appearance or to serve as weapons will not be allowed.
  8. Do not accept from or give anything directly to a Prisoner or Detainee. All items for prisoners must be turned over to the Quarter Deck Sentry prior to the visit.
  9. No personal items (i.e. purses, diapers, baby seats, books, packages, or loose money) will be brought to the visiting area. Personal effects will be secured in vehicles or a locker that is provided. Exceptions: 1 small toy, per child, 1 baby bottle (no glass)
  10. Children must be kept under control. Diapers will be changed in bathrooms. Excessive noise and/or bad behavior will cause visits to be terminated.
  11. A brief embrace is authorized when meeting and departing from your visit. Holding hands is authorized although you must keep your hands in plain view of Security personnel at all times.
  12. No mail or correspondence of any type will be brought in for a prisoner. These items must be sent through the mail.
  13. Visits will be disallowed if the visitors are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Disorderly conduct will not be tolerated.
  14. Due to space constraints, the maximum number of visitors allowed per prisoner may be limited at the Duty Brig Supervisors discretion.
  15. Conflicts with a listed rule will be resolved by the Duty Brig Supervisor. The Duty Brig Supervisor is the direct representative of the Commanding Officer and will be the final authority on all matters relating to weekend visitation.

No one shall be present in the Brig area after visitation hours. After visiting hours, depart the Brig promptly. No photographic equipment or walking around the Brig is authorized.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Corps Brig - Camp Pendleton - FAQs

Military prisons, also known as military correctional facilities, house service members convicted of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These facilities are operated by the Department of Defense (DoD) and serve as correctional institutions for those sentenced by court-martial, as well as for pretrial detainees awaiting trial. Unlike civilian prisons, military correctional facilities maintain strict discipline, offer rehabilitative programs, and, in some cases, allow inmates to reintegrate into military service after completing their sentences. Below are 16 frequently asked questions regarding military prisons, detailing how they operate and what service members can expect while incarcerated.

  • What is a military prison?
    A military prison is a correctional facility operated by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that houses military personnel convicted of violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These facilities are designed to maintain discipline, security, and rehabilitation for service members sentenced by court-martial.

  • Who is incarcerated in military prisons?
    Military prisons house active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel who have been convicted of military crimes, including desertion, espionage, murder, sexual assault, and other violations of military law. Some facilities also hold pretrial detainees awaiting court-martial.

  • What are the different types of military correctional facilities?
    Military correctional facilities are divided into three levels:

    • Level I: Short-term facilities for inmates serving less than a year, often with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
    • Level II: Medium-security facilities for inmates serving longer sentences who do not pose a high-security risk.
    • Level III: High-security facilities like the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, which house inmates serving lengthy or life sentences.
  • What happens when a service member is sentenced to military prison?
    After a conviction at court-martial, the service member undergoes processing, classification, and transfer to the appropriate correctional facility based on their sentence and security risk. Some may serve their sentence at a regional military brig, while those with longer sentences may be transferred to the USDB or another Level III facility.

  • Can a service member be dishonorably discharged and still serve time in a military prison?
    Yes. Some inmates receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge but still serve part of their sentence in a military facility before being transferred to a federal prison to complete their time.

  • How do military prisons differ from civilian prisons?
    Military prisons operate under strict discipline and structure, with a focus on maintaining order, security, and potential rehabilitation. Unlike civilian prisons, military correctional facilities enforce military training, work programs, and vocational rehabilitation tailored to service members.

  • Do inmates in military prisons wear uniforms?
    Yes. Inmates in military prisons wear standard-issue uniforms that distinguish them from active-duty personnel. The uniforms vary depending on the facility and security classification of the inmate.

  • Can inmates in military prisons receive visitors?
    Yes, but visitation rules vary by facility and security level. All visitors must undergo security screening and approval, and visits may be limited to certain days and times. Some inmates may be eligible for contact visits, while others may only have non-contact or video visitation.

  • Do military prison inmates have access to legal representation?
    Yes. Inmates have the right to legal counsel, appeals, and post-conviction representation. Some may also seek assistance from the Military Clemency and Parole Board or request sentence reductions and clemency reviews.

  • What kind of rehabilitation programs are available in military prisons?
    Many military correctional facilities offer vocational training, education, substance abuse counseling, and behavioral therapy to help inmates reintegrate into society. Some lower-security facilities provide job placement assistance and work release programs for those nearing the end of their sentence.

  • Are inmates required to work while in a military prison?
    Yes. Many military prisons implement work programs that require inmates to perform maintenance, administrative duties, or vocational training. The goal is to instill discipline and provide job skills that may benefit them after release.

  • Can inmates in military prisons earn parole?
    Yes. Some inmates may qualify for parole or early release based on good behavior, program participation, and a review by the Military Clemency and Parole Board. However, those convicted of serious crimes may be ineligible for parole.

  • What happens when an inmate completes their sentence?
    Upon release, inmates who were dishonorably discharged are no longer part of the military and may receive assistance with reentry into civilian life. Those without a dishonorable discharge may, in rare cases, be allowed to reintegrate into the military if approved by a special review board.

  • Can civilians be held in military prisons?
    In rare cases, civilians accused of crimes related to military operations or spies may be detained in military correctional facilities. However, most civilian offenders are transferred to federal or state prisons.

  • What is the most well-known military prison in the U.S.?
    The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is the only maximum-security military prison in the country. It houses service members serving long-term sentences, including life and capital punishment cases.

  • Are military prisons subject to the same human rights and correctional standards as civilian prisons?
    Yes. Military prisons must comply with federal and international standards for humane treatment, including provisions under the Geneva Conventions, U.S. Military Code, and Department of Defense regulations. However, the military maintains additional disciplinary and operational structures unique to its correctional system.

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