Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex

County Jail

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
150 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
Beds
919
County
Santa Clara
Phone
408-299-8890
Mailing Address
885 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Santa Clara Co Main Jail is for County 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 County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, 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 Clara County Main Jail Complex

You can support your loved ones at Santa Clara Co Main Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 408-299-8890.

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 Santa Clara Co Main Jail is a detention center located at 150 W Hedding St San Jose, CA which is operated locally by the Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, San Jose 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 Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex in downtown San Jose is a critical component of the county's correctional system. The complex is divided into two sections: Main Jail North and Main Jail South. With an annual budget of approximately $37 million, the facility plays a pivotal role in the county’s public safety operations. Each year, the Main Jail Complex receives and processes about 65,000 individuals, many of whom are either cited and released or post bail on their charges. The facility is supported by a dedicated team of 350 badge and civilian staff members who work to ensure the smooth operation of the jail.

The Main Jail Complex is a third-generation correctional facility that employs the "direct supervision" model of inmate management. This modern approach combines architectural design with specialized staff training and a management system that encourages positive inmate behavior. In this setup, a single officer is responsible for overseeing a locked "module" or dormitory that can house up to 64 inmates. Each inmate is provided with a private cell equipped with essential amenities such as a toilet, sink, mirror, and bed. The inmates spend their time in a common day room with tables, chairs, and telephones, where they can eat and participate in various programs. This model allows the officer to lead the module effectively and develop a deeper understanding of each inmate's personality, contributing to a safer environment for both staff and inmates. The Main Jail Facility is designed to accommodate up to 919 inmates and also hosts community events like the Every 15 Minutes and Sober Graduation programs, which aim to prevent teen drunken driving.

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.

For a thorough understanding of Santa Clara County jails and the 92-page Inmate Handbook, also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. This detailed resource provides essential information on various aspects of facility operations, inmate services, visitation guidelines, and other critical elements related to the county’s detention facilities. The handbook serves as a valuable tool for the public and anyone seeking specific information, ensuring they can access accurate and up-to-date details directly from the Sheriff's Office.

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.

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 Clara County Main Jail Complex.

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

Visiting an Inmate at Main Jail (Men & Women)

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:10 am, 9:20 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, 3:10 pm, and 4:20 pm

  • Saturday, Sunday - 7:00 am, 8:10 am, 9:20 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, 3:10 pm, and 4:20 pm

Visiting Registration/Scheduling

  • Only registered and approved visitors may schedule a visit.
  • New visitors may register online.
  • Visitor registration applications will take 2–4 business days to process.
  • Visitors must have valid government-issued picture identification to register/visit. Accepted ID types are: US Driver’s License or ID Card, Passport, Green Card, Mexican Consulate Card, or US Military ID.
  • Visits can be scheduled by telephone or online.
  • Upon availability, visits may be scheduled up to 21 days from the date of request.
  • Visits made online must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Changes to same-day visits cannot be made online.
  • Scheduled visits can be canceled or changed online. If canceling or changing a visit the same day, the visitor may call the Elmwood Visiting Office during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:30).

The Main Jail and the Elmwood Correctional Facility both utilize the same Online Visitor Registration (OVR) system, providing a seamless process for visitors to schedule visits at either location. Once a visiting account is established, it can be used for both facilities, simplifying the registration process for frequent visitors. However, visitors should note that the specific visiting rules may vary slightly between the two facilities, and it is recommended that visitors familiarize themselves with the regulations specific to each location. These rules are posted at each facility to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience.

Visits at both facilities are managed on a first-come, first-served basis through the OVR system. While every effort is made to honor scheduled visits, they may be canceled without prior notice due to facility emergencies or if an inmate has been relocated to another housing unit. In such cases, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their visit using the OVR system.

Inmates are permitted to have two 60-minute visits per week. Each visit may include up to two adults, with each adult receiving a 30-minute visitation period. For visits involving children, only those who are biologically related to the adult visitor or the inmate are allowed. A reasonable number of children may visit, provided they are under constant supervision and remain well-behaved. To verify the relationship, an original and/or notarized birth certificate is required for each child at the time of every visit. Children who are 18 years or older are considered adults and must have their account registered in the OVR system.

Visitors are required to check in 30 minutes before their scheduled visit. Adult visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification, such as a Driver’s License, Green Card, Passport, Military ID, or Mexican Consulate Card. The identification presented must match the one used during the OVR registration process. Any visitor found to have falsified identifying information will face suspension or barring from the facility, as determined by the Facility Commander or their designee, following California Penal Code 4507.5.

Punctuality is important; if a visitor arrives late, the visit will be canceled. Missing or canceling a scheduled visit will still count as having used one of the inmate’s allotted visits for the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Santa Clara Co Main Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Santa Clara Co Main Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

Ask The Inmate

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