San Diego Co-South Bay Detention Facility (SBDF)

You can support your loved ones at South Bay Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 619-409-5000.

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 South Bay Detention is a detention center located at 500 3rd Ave Chula Vista, CA which is operated locally by the San Diego 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. San Diego County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Chula Vista 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 SBDF, located in the City of Chula Vista, has been serving the community since it opened in 1982. Situated four stories beneath the South Bay Regional Justice Center, SBDF is a non-booking facility with two detention levels, and it has a rated capacity of 386. SBDF accommodates both high and low-level classifications of incarcerated individuals. As one of the less populated detention facilities in San Diego County, it is efficiently managed by a small team of deputies, including a Watch Commander, supported by a full complement of professional staff. The facility's medical team is trained to address minor health issues and illnesses among the incarcerated population. Detention Processing staff oversee court appearances, facilitate visitation, and assist with financial transactions and bail coordination.

For comprehensive details regarding San Diego County jails and the incarcerated individuals within them, the 33-page SDCS's Department Public Information Plan serves as a valuable resource. This plan provides essential information on facility operations, inmate services, visitation guidelines, and other relevant details about the management of the county’s detention facilities.

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.

SDCJ is equipped to provide an extensive range of medical and psychiatric services, including on-site dialysis, infectious disease control, and dental care. These services are administered by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, and clinical social workers. Notably, SDCJ houses the Psychiatric Stabilization Unit, the largest acute psychiatric treatment facility in San Diego County, underscoring the facility's critical role in managing the complex needs of its diverse inmate population.

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. For commissary information or to add money to an inmate's account, please visit sdsheriffcommissary.com.

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.

The facility is committed to preparing incarcerated individuals for reintegration into society by offering a variety of support services. A full-time counselor is on staff to address individual needs and coordinate recovery programs. Incarcerated persons are encouraged to participate in Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings conducted by certified, bilingual instructors. Additionally, SBDF provides church services and Bible study sessions in both Spanish and English, promoting spiritual and personal development.