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Santa Clara Co Main Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: August 20,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 408-299-8890 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General 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.

Visiting Inmates at Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this San Jose CA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Santa Clara Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex, located in San Jose, CA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.