Whether you’re trying to visit a loved one, check San Diego County jail records, or understand what services are available inside, navigating the jail system can be confusing. This quick and easy guide will walk you through every facility in San Diego operated by the San Diego County Sheriff—from downtown to the outer regions. Also, check here about bail bonds in San Diego.
We’ll cover where each facility is located, what it’s used for, and how to find important info like San Diego County jail inmate release, mugshots, and visitation schedules.
Overview of the San Diego County Jail System
The County of San Diego operates several jails, each serving different populations and needs. Some specialize in reentry and rehabilitation, while others house inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
Services available vary by location, but many facilities offer:
- Medical and psychiatric services
- Video visitation and in-person visits
- Rehabilitation and reentry programs
- Programs for both men and women, including psychiatric care
These facilities are open seven days a week, though scheduling a visit depends on the facility and inmate status.
San Diego Central Jail
Address: 1173 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
Located in downtown San Diego, the San Diego Central Jail is the primary booking facility for male arrestees in the region. It serves as the intake point for new inmates and includes a full medical facility offering medical and psychiatric services.
This is the place to search for San Diego County jail mugshots, request jail records, or inquire about inmate release status.
George Bailey Detention Facility
Address: 446 Alta Rd., San Diego, CA 92158
This is the largest county jail San Diego operates. George Bailey houses medium- to maximum-security male inmates and has a range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitation programs. It is also located in the Otay Mesa area, alongside two other facilities on this list.
Inmates may stay here long-term or while awaiting trial, and video visitation is available depending on custody level.
East Mesa Reentry Facility
Address: 446 Alta Rd., Ste. 5200, San Diego, CA 92158
Also located on Alta Road, this facility focuses on reducing recidivism. It is a minimum-security facility with programs to help inmates reenter society. Services include education, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
If you’re looking for a facility in San Diego that supports rehabilitation, East Mesa is one of the most progressive options.
Rock Mountain Detention Facility
Location: Otay Mesa, San Diego, CA
Rock Mountain is a lesser-known facility used primarily for federal contract housing. It is not part of the standard county jail population but may be referred to as a San Diego County federal jail due to its collaboration with federal agencies.
If you’re searching for someone in this facility, the best approach is to contact the San Diego County Sheriff or appropriate federal agency for updates.
Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility
Address: 451 Riverview Parkway, Santee, CA 92071
Las Colinas is the primary detention facility for women in San Diego County. It is known for its focus on trauma-informed care, gender-responsive services, and mental health programs. It includes both detention and reentry components, offering psychiatric care and job training for female inmates.
Las Colinas is often cited in San Diego County jail records and is one of the most modern facilities in the system.
South Bay Detention Facility
Address: 500 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Located within the South Bay Courthouse, this facility holds inmates who are appearing in court in Chula Vista. It is smaller and often serves short-term or pre-trial detainees.
Scheduling a visit here requires working within limited hours and capacity, so plan ahead. It may also offer video visitation options.
Vista Detention Facility
Address: 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081
This county jail San Diego location is the main facility for North County residents. Like others, it offers medical and psychiatric services, and is the central hub for inmates appearing in court in Vista, Oceanside, or surrounding areas.
It houses both men and women and handles a high volume of DUI, domestic violence, and felony arrests.
Finding Inmate Records, Mugshots, and Release Info
If you’re trying to locate someone in the San Diego County jail system, here’s where to start:
Use the San Diego County Sheriff’s online tools to:
- Look up San Diego County jail records
- Search for San Diego County jail mugshots
- Get San Diego County jail inmate release information
You’ll need basic details like the person’s name, birthdate, or booking number to access this information.
Tips for Visiting a San Diego County Jail
Visiting someone in jail requires following strict protocols. Each facility has its own rules and visiting schedules, but here are some general tips:
Before You Go:
- Confirm the inmate’s location via the online database.
- Review the specific facility’s rules for scheduling a visit.
- Be prepared to go through a security check and show valid ID.
Visitation Do’s and Don’ts:
- DO arrive early and follow the dress code.
- DO use video visitation if available, especially for high-security inmates.
- DON’T bring in personal items like phones or bags.
- DON’T miss your appointment time—there may be no rescheduling.
Visits may be available several days a week, but slots fill up fast, especially at larger facilities like George Bailey or San Diego Central Jail.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Jail System in San Diego County
Whether you’re looking for a loved one, planning a visit, or trying to understand services like psychiatric care, this guide to San Diego County’s jails gives you a solid foundation.
The San Diego County Sheriff oversees a complex system, but with the right info, you can navigate it successfully. Whether you’re interested in reentry programs at East Mesa or searching jail records at San Diego Central Jail, knowing where to start makes all the difference.
Always check with the individual facility for up-to-date information, and be prepared to follow all guidelines during your visit.
