San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility

County Jail

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
325 S Melrose Dr, Ste 200, Vista, CA 92081
Beds
101
County
San Diego
Phone
619-409-5000

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Vista Detention 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.

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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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility

You can support your loved ones at Vista 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 Vista Detention is a detention center located at 325 S Melrose Dr, Ste 200 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, 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 Vista Detention Facility (VDF), located in the City of Vista, is a Type II Facility as classified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BCC). It serves as the primary intake point for both male and female individuals arrested in northern San Diego County. The facility opened in 1978 and underwent an expansion in 1989, which increased its rated capacity to 886 beds. VDF spans 170,000 square feet and is situated within the expansive North County Regional Center (NCRC), which also houses the North County Superior Courts, Vista Sheriff’s Station, and the North County Law Library. Notably, except for the Law Library, all buildings in the NCRC are physically connected.

The facility predominantly houses individuals awaiting court proceedings for North County cases, along with a special handling population that includes those with medical or psychiatric needs, individuals requiring administrative separation, and defendants involved in high-publicity trials. VDF provides a comprehensive range of medical and psychiatric services, including infectious disease control, X-ray, and dental care, supported by a team of physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, and clinical social workers.

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.

A significant initiative at VDF is its Veteran’s Module, established in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and launched on November 1, 2013. This module represents the first of its kind in the San Diego jail system. The Veterans Moving Forward Program aims to assist incarcerated veterans by offering specialized in-custody programs, services, and community resources designed to reduce recidivism. The program fosters an environment of responsibility and accountability, requiring participants to engage in all assessments and programming. Veterans in this module benefit from privileges and incentives not available in standard housing units, and participation is contingent upon adherence to facility rules and regulations. Correctional Counselors, VA Social Workers, and Sheriff's sworn staff are actively involved in the module’s operations and programming to support participants in achieving their goals.

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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility.

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

Vista Detention Facility Visitation

In-person social visit reservations can be scheduled by calling (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday, during the hours of 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. Visitation is available 5 days a week, with no visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A maximum of 3 visitors, including children, are permitted per visit. Minors must be accompanied by a parent, court-appointed guardian, or other adult having legal custody. Visitors 18 and over must have valid ID. Social visits are 30 minutes in length.

Video visitation is available 7 days a week and is 30 minutes in length. Incarcerated persons will only be allowed 2-video visits per week. Visits are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, there are NO same-day visits. Reservations must be made one day in advance and can only be scheduled by visiting SmartInmate™ - Corrections Communications Services (smartjailmail.com). An account must be created before scheduling a video visit. All visits are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

Social In-Person Visit reservations can be scheduled online. The San Diego Sheriff's eVisit System may be accessed through the Who's in Jail webpage. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.

For detailed instructions on scheduling an in-person visit online, please select from the links below:

Social in-person visit reservations can also be scheduled by telephone. Reservations may be made Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, by calling (619) 409-5000

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Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility, 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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility 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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility 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 Vista Detention 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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 Vista Detention ?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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 Vista Detention 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 Vista Detention ?
    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 San Diego County-Vista Detention Facility?
    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.

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