Santa Ana City Jail

You can support your loved ones at Santa Ana Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 714-245-8100.

The Santa Ana Jail serves as a low/medium-security city detention center located at 62 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana, CA. Operated locally by the police and sheriff's departments, it houses inmates and detainees awaiting trial or sentencing. Most sentenced inmates have terms of less than two years. The facility also accepts inmates from surrounding towns and occasionally from the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees are regularly admitted to the jail, with some being released on bail or placed under pretrial services caseloads. Others may be supervised by probation agencies or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who remain in custody await their court appearances at the facility, receiving accommodations such as bedding and meals.

For access to arrest records in California, you can view them here.

Under the leadership of the Jail Bureau Administrator, the Jail Bureau comprises two main divisions: the Jail Administration and Support Services Division and the Jail Operations Division. The Jail Administration and Support Services Division is responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring the effective management of the facility. The Jail Operations Division handles the intake and processing of individuals in Santa Ana Police custody who are either released or booked at the county jail. This division is also tasked with maintaining comprehensive inmate records.

The primary mission of the Santa Ana Jail Bureau is to support the Santa Ana Police Department by addressing its incarceration needs, providing both direct and indirect law enforcement support, and ensuring the safe, secure, and humane housing of incarcerated individuals. The Santa Ana Jail Operations Division is specifically dedicated to maintaining secure and safe housing for inmates.

Safety and security within the facility are maintained under the supervision of four Correctional Supervisors, each responsible for one of the four shifts, along with the Jail Security Supervisor. These supervisors enforce compliance with the Principles of Direct Supervision, the California Code of Regulations Title 15, the California Penal Code, departmental policies, and applicable laws.

The Jail Operations Division supports the Department’s community safety goals through the Community Oriented Policing (COP) model, focusing on incarcerating offenders and collecting criminal behavior data. This information is crucial for maintaining a secure jail environment and supports crime prevention and prosecution efforts. As a Type II facility, the Santa Ana Jail is adaptable to meet the diverse incarceration needs of both the department and the community, providing inmates with access to constructive and rehabilitative programs.

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.

Educational and religious services offered by seven different organizations significantly impact the lives of inmates. These organizations include Santa Ana College, Orange County Department of Education, Alcoholics Anonymous, Planned Parenthood of Orange County, Catholic Church Services, Protestant Church Services, and Orange County Department of Education (GED Testing Office).

The Santa Ana Jail stands out as a leader in inmate programming, potentially being the only city jail in the U.S. offering extensive educational opportunities. Inmates can pursue GED certificates and college-credited courses, benefiting from a range of crisis and recreational programs. This comprehensive approach to inmate programming is largely attributed to the leadership of the Jail Administration, which prioritizes personal responsibility and individual growth.

The facility offers numerous classes, including Computer Applications, Business Skills, ESL, GED, Parenting, Anger Management, Job Development, Substance Abuse, Art, Drug Court Counseling, Sex Education, Bible Studies, AA Meetings, Sociology 101, Sociology 112, and various religious services.

The GED program has successfully graduated over 130 inmates, demonstrating the effectiveness of these educational initiatives. Graduates often become role models for other inmates and are typically among the best-behaved individuals in the system. Achieving a GED certificate upon release helps reduce barriers to reintegration and contributes positively to the community.

The Santa Ana Jail’s innovative programs have garnered media attention from outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, Telemundo, and Univision. Supporters believe that these programs represent some of the best inmate services in the country, providing unparalleled opportunities for personal development and rehabilitation.