San Bernardino County-High Desert Detention Center

In January 2006, the High Desert Detention Center was inaugurated, providing essential additional space to the Bureau of Detention and Corrections. This facility, the first Type II detention center in the High Desert, offers secure and safe housing for over 2,100 inmates, significantly expanding the county's capacity to manage its incarcerated population.

The center is staffed by over 200 safety, general, and medical employees dedicated to ensuring the security, safety, and basic needs of the inmates. These staff members play a crucial role in maintaining the orderly operation of the facility, providing comprehensive care and oversight to the inmate population.

In full compliance with the standards set by the California State Corrections Standard Authority, the High Desert Detention Center is committed to community protection. The facility upholds its mission by maintaining a secure, safe, humane, and just environment, ensuring that all operations within the jail align with both legal requirements and ethical standards.

The facility is particularly proud of its medical and mental health services, which are provided from the moment of booking through release. All inmates undergo a medical screening upon arrival and are assessed for any medical or mental health conditions that may require ongoing care. The center’s health professionals are on duty around the clock, offering a comprehensive range of services, including daily physician sick calls, medication administration, treatments, dialysis, radiology services, dental care, and psychiatric care. WVDC houses inmates with significant medical needs, and two specialized medical/mental health housing areas are staffed 24/7 by medical and mental health professionals.

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.