Monterey County Main Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: May 01, 2025
Address
1410 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA 93906
Beds
1130
County
Monterey
Phone
831-755-3700
Mailing Address
PO Box 809, Salinas, CA 93906

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Monterey Co Jail 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 Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is TouchPay - Monterey County Sheriff. There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

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 Monterey County Main Jail

You can support your loved ones at Monterey Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 831-755-3700.

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 Monterey Co Jail is a detention center located at 1410 Natividad Rd Salinas, CA which is operated locally by the Monterey 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. Monterey County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Salinas 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 Detention Division of Monterey County Jail is tasked with the intake, housing, and release of all inmates within the facility, which includes both the Main Jail and the Rehabilitation Facility, along with the Classification Unit. The jail accommodates both sentenced and unsentenced male and female inmates and is equipped with an infirmary that provides comprehensive medical, psychiatric, and dental care. Additionally, the facility boasts a range of support services, including a full-scale laundry, a professional kitchen, a library, commissary services, a building maintenance shop, and a chapel.

The Division manages the reception of prisoners from all county police agencies, the California Department of Corrections for parole violations, the Probation Department for probation violations, and the Superior Court of California (County of Monterey) following sentencing. The intake process utilizes advanced technologies, including Iris Scan, digital imaging, and digital fingerprint scanning, to ensure accurate identification, with fingerprints being electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice in Sacramento. The jail's booking procedures are fully computerized, and the use of video arraignment and conferencing systems reduces security risks and costs associated with inmate transportation.

The facility houses approximately 1,100 inmates across 31 distinct housing units, ranging from single cells to open dormitory settings. Sentenced inmates, who reside in open dormitories, contribute labor to work crews responsible for various tasks within the facility, such as kitchen duties, cleaning, and general maintenance. These work crews also perform groundskeeping around the Sheriff’s Office and litter pick-up along Monterey County highways and roads. In contrast, unsentenced inmates are housed in secure units and are not eligible for work crew participation. Sentenced inmates benefit from a variety of programs, including educational and vocational classes, religious services, library access, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The ISB oversees several key units, including the Fire Camp Training Unit, Education Based Incarceration (EBI) Unit, Religious and Volunteer Services (RVS), Jail Enterprise Unit (JEU), and the Business Management Unit (BMU). Each of these units contributes to the overall mission of the ISB by offering a wide range of services and programs designed to promote inmate rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.

All merchandise and services available to inmates within the Los Angeles County Jails are provided by independent vendors, not through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or its official website. These services and products are accessible via external websites, ensuring that inmates have access to necessary items and services during their incarceration.

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.

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 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 Monterey County Main Jail.

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

Visitors to the Monterey County Main Jail are advised to check in at least 30 minutes before the inmate's scheduled visiting time to ensure they secure their visit. Inmates are granted a minimum of one hour of visiting time each week, which may be split between two adult visitors in 30-minute increments. During each session, one child and one adult are allowed in the secured visiting room at a time. Here is the Visiting Schedule for all inmate classifications.

Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Adults accompanying minors are required to supervise them at all times and must provide proof of guardianship or relationship, such as a birth certificate or legal guardianship papers. Legal guardians accompanying minors must present a court order or a notarized letter, while emancipated minors who are married must provide original court documentation and a marriage certificate.

In the visiting area, only identification and keys are permitted. Diaper bags and purses are not allowed; however, visitors may bring one diaper and one bottle for infants. All other items, including cell phones, backpacks, and personal belongings, must be secured outside the visiting area. The possession of a cell phone during a visit is a violation of California Penal Code 4570, and offenders will be cited and have their phone confiscated as evidence.

It is a crime to bring firearms, explosives, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or any controlled substances, including marijuana, into the facility or onto its grounds. Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry and may face arrest. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and gum are strictly prohibited in the visiting rooms.

Visitors must dress appropriately, with shoes or sandals and all buttons and zippers fastened. Clothing that is transparent, excessively short, strapless, or exposes the midriff is prohibited, as is attire that displays obscene language or offensive images. Any articles of clothing that may be considered gang-related, including ball caps, belts, and bandanas, are also forbidden.

Visits will be terminated for those who violate the visiting rules, cause disturbances, or fail to control their minor children. Once a visitor leaves the visiting room during a session, they are not allowed to return. In cases of severe violations, the Facility Commander may impose restrictions on visiting privileges for a specified period.

Parolees or individuals previously convicted of a felony and confined in any state prison or county jail in California are prohibited from visiting without the consent of the Jail Commander and written permission from their parole agent. A request form for such permission is available in the jail lobby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Monterey County Main Jail - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Monterey County Main Jail?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Monterey County Main Jail, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Monterey County Main Jail directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Monterey County Main Jail?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Monterey County Main Jail?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Monterey Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Monterey Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Monterey Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Monterey County Main Jail?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Monterey Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Monterey Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Monterey County Main Jail before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Monterey Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Monterey Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Monterey Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Monterey Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Monterey Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Monterey Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Monterey County Main Jail?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Monterey County Main Jail?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Monterey Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Monterey Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Monterey County Main Jail?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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