San Benito County Jail

The San Benito County Jail is a 28,000-square-foot facility that is staffed by approximately 32 Correctional Deputies, Sergeants, and administrative and maintenance personnel, including staff dedicated to Court Security and Prisoner Transportation. The jail is designed to house up to 124 inmates and includes two maximum-security modules with a capacity of 27 inmates each, two medium-security modules each accommodating up to 35 inmates, and separate housing units for female inmates. These female units consist of one medium-security unit for up to 10 inmates and one maximum-security unit for up to 8 inmates.

In 2020, a 22,000-square-foot expansion, the Curtis J. Hill Rehabilitation Center, was completed for $25 million. This addition features a two-story housing unit with 72 beds, including dayrooms, shower and storage spaces, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, a control room, and multi-purpose classrooms. The Medical Services Suite includes a doctor's office, exam room, waiting area, supply room, and janitorial storage. The Intake and Release Suite comprises a booking area, holding cells, dress-out stations, an exterior sallyport, a vehicle turnaround driveway, an officer’s lobby, offices, a public entrance and waiting room, restrooms, and a visitation room.

The facility supports an average inmate population of about 100 individuals and partners with Gavilan Community College to offer academic and vocational education through credentialed instructors. Inmate programs include GED/Academic Preparation, Career & Personal Development, Writing Workshops, Anger Management, Substance Use Disorder groups, Seeking Safety (Trauma-Informed), Reentry Planning, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Department of Child Support Services, Veteran’s Services, Medi-Cal Eligibility, Ministry Services, and a Jail Clearance Application. Inmates may be excluded or removed from programs if they fail to comply with facility rules and regulations.

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 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.

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 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.