Santa Ana City Jail

City Jail

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
62 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
County
Orange
Phone
714-245-8100
Mailing Address
PO Box 22003, Santa Ana, CA 92701

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Santa Ana Jail is for City Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Medium facility.

The phone carrier is SmartCommunications™, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is TouchPay There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of 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.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in California. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Santa Ana City Jail.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Jail inmate visitation

The visiting hours are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM

The lobby is closed from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Guidance

  • Shorts – No higher than 3 inches from the knee. Professional visitors will not be allowed to wear shorts during contact visits. Adult visitors must sign in at the Santa Ana Jail Front Lobby before any visits. Visits are on a "first come/first served" basis.
  • Visitors must be over the age of 18. An adult must accompany minors 17 years of age or under.
  • All visitors should arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the visit.
  • Visitors for inmates housed in Administrative Segregation must check in at least 30 minutes before visit.
  • Visitors will be required to produce a valid government-issued form of picture identification.
  • A maximum of three visitors are allowed per visit (minor/adult combination).
  • Inmates may have 2 one-hour visits each week.
  • Visits will not be allowed when an inmate is scheduled for court. Visits may resume after court appearances.
  • Visitors must dress appropriately or they will not be admitted into the visiting area.
  • Lewd conduct or inappropriate behavior by visitors or inmates will not be tolerated and may result in suspension of visiting privileges.
  • Children must be controlled and cannot be left unattended at any time.
  • All personal items ie. cell phones, and car keys, cannot be taken to visiting. Lockers are available for .50 cents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana City Jail – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Santa Ana City Jail, and who is held here?
    Santa Ana Jail is a City/Municipal Jail that primarily houses individuals arrested by local law enforcement. It holds pretrial detainees, individuals serving short sentences (less than 12 months), and those awaiting transfer to county or state facilities.

  2. How can I find out if someone is in custody at Santa Ana City Jail?
    To check if someone is detained at Santa Ana Jail, use the inmate locator on the website or call 714-245-8100. You may need the person’s full name and date of birth to obtain information.

  3. How long can someone be held at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Most individuals are held for less than 72 hours before being released, transferred to a county jail, or appearing before a judge. However, those serving short sentences may stay longer, depending on municipal policies.

  4. What happens during the booking process at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Booking includes fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, warrant checks, and recording of charges. The individual is then assigned to a holding cell or general population while awaiting further processing.

  5. Can I post bail for someone being held at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Yes, bail can be posted at Santa Ana Jail if the detainee is eligible. Bail payments may be made using cash, credit, or through a bail bondsman. Contact 714-245-8100 for specific bail procedures.

  6. What are the visitation rules at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Visitation is subject to facility-specific guidelines. Visitors must be pre-approved, provide valid identification, and comply with dress codes. Some city jails allow video visitation through the prison phone provider.

  7. How can I send money to an inmate at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s commissary account via an outside third-party money transfer company like JailATM, InmateCanteen, Western Union money orders, or lobby kiosks. Check their website for deposit instructions and allowable limits.

  8. Can inmates at Santa Ana City Jail make phone calls?
    Yes, detainees are allowed outgoing calls using their contracted phone carrier. Calls may be collect or prepaid, with time limits enforced. All calls are monitored and recorded.

  9. Can I send mail to an inmate at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Yes, inmates may receive letters, photographs, and approved reading materials. All mail is screened for contraband. Polaroids, explicit content, and certain materials are prohibited. Try this InmateAid app for sending letters, postcards or selfies to an inmate.

  10. Are attorneys allowed to visit inmates at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Yes, legal visits are allowed. Attorneys can visit in person during designated hours and must present bar credentials and client information. Legal calls may also be arranged.

  11. What medical care is available at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Basic medical, mental health and prescription medication services are provided. Inmates needing urgent care may be transported to a hospital for treatment.

  12. Are there work programs or educational services at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Many city jails focus on short-term detention, so educational or work programs may be limited. Some facilities offer substance abuse counseling, GED prep, or reentry support for eligible inmates.

  13. Can an inmate request a transfer from Santa Ana City Jail?
    No, inmates cannot request transfers. Transfers are determined by court orders, sentence length, and facility capacity. Some detainees are moved to county jails or state prisons based on their legal status.

  14. What happens when an inmate is released from Santa Ana City Jail?
    Upon release, individuals may be discharged from the facility, transferred to another institution, or placed under probation supervision. Some detainees must appear in court for pending cases.

  15. Can someone be held at Santa Ana City Jail for unpaid fines or warrants?
    Yes, individuals with outstanding warrants or unpaid fines may be held until their case is resolved or a bond is posted. Warrant checks are conducted during the booking process.

  16. What happens to personal belongings when someone is booked into Santa Ana City Jail?
    Personal property is collected, inventoried, and stored during booking. Upon release, individuals receive their belongings unless items are held as evidence.

  17. Can I pick up an inmate’s property if they are transferred from Santa Ana City Jail?
    Yes, with written authorization from the inmate, a designated individual may retrieve personal property. Contact 714-245-8100 to arrange a pickup.

  18. How can I report concerns about an inmate’s safety at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Concerns can be reported to the Santa Ana City Jail administration or the municipal police department overseeing the jail. In serious cases, contact legal representatives or advocacy groups for assistance.

  19. What should I do if I believe someone was wrongfully arrested and is being held at Santa Ana City Jail?
    Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The attorney can request court hearings, review charges, and determine the best legal course of action.

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Ask The Inmate

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