San Bernardino County-West Valley Detention Center (WVDC)

The West Valley Detention Center (WVDC), opened in 1991, stands as one of the largest county jails in California, boasting a bed capacity of 3,347. This expansive facility handles between 50,000 to 60,000 bookings and releases annually, playing a critical role in the region's law enforcement infrastructure. WVDC offers comprehensive services, including medical, dental, and mental health care, along with facilitating worship services for various denominations. The center is also notable for its inmate instruction programs, particularly in culinary arts, laundry services, and landscape maintenance, providing inmates with valuable skills and certifications.

The operation of WVDC relies on a dedicated workforce of over 600 employees, including both sworn and civilian staff. These individuals, ranging from maintenance crews and medical professionals to culinary staff and support personnel, collaborate to ensure the facility's mission is fulfilled. Their collective efforts are focused on maintaining a secure and safe environment for both employees and inmates, as well as the surrounding community. Upholding public trust and delivering effective law enforcement services are core principles guiding their work.

WVDC processes arrestees from numerous agencies, with the majority of its inmate population consisting of pre-trial detainees. To facilitate court proceedings, the facility utilizes remote video court assignments for various locations, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Victorville, and Barstow courts. Inmates required to appear in person are transported by the Transportation Division, which safely moves approximately 122,000 inmates annually, covering more than 1,000,000 miles in the process.

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.

Equally commendable is WVDC’s Food Services Division, which is highly regarded across the state. The facility’s culinary instructional programs allow inmates to attain certification in food safety management, equipping them with skills that can be utilized post-incarceration. The division is responsible for serving over three million meals annually, ensuring that inmates receive three nutritious meals each day. A dietitian collaborates closely with the medical team to consult on and oversee therapeutic diet plans and various religious dietary requirements.

The success of WVDC is attributed to the hard work and dedication of its employees, who bring a strong sense of teamwork to the facility. This commitment to excellence ensures that WVDC continues to provide premier services to the numerous agencies and communities it serves throughout San Bernardino County.