Santa Barbara County Jail: A Detailed Guide to Inmate Search, Posting Bail, and Telephone Contact

The Santa Barbara County Jail, a facility steeped in over 170 years of history, lies in the enchanting coastal city of Santa Barbara, CA. This imposing detention center incarcerates both pre-sentenced detainees and individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor and felony crimes in California. Manned by the indomitable Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, the jail can house approximately 1,000 male and female inmates.

A New Dawn: The Northern Branch Jail

The Sheriff’s Department’s expanding jurisdiction means a second jail will soon open its doors to the public. The Northern Branch Jail, a 375-bed facility, will join the main jail and provide much-needed relief for the latter’s overcrowding issues.

Inmate Search: Who is in Custody?

Are you curious about an inmate in the Santa Barbara County Jail? Find out by using the “Who is in Custody” feature on the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department website. By simply typing in the first or last name of the incarcerated individual, you can gain access to their information, including their date of birth, height/weight, and other unique physical characteristics. You’ll also find other pertinent details such as the inmate’s CID number, bail amount (if granted), projected release date, and visiting hours.

Posting Bail: A Ray of Hope

Most criminal detainees can post bail, a lifeline that helps them gain their freedom from incarceration. You can post bail at the jail or seek the assistance of a bail bonding agency (Note that a bail bondsman will charge a nonrefundable fee). For more information on the bail options available for your friend or relative, call the jail at (805) 681-4100.

Telephone Contact: A Vital Lifeline

Inmates can contact loved ones and lawyers through the phones in the housing units from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. by using a prepaid phone card. However, family and friends cannot call directly into the Santa Barbara Jail to speak with an inmate. The law permits incoming jail detainees to make at least three free local phone calls. To establish an account to fund your loved one’s telephone contact, visit gettingout.com or call (866) 516-0115. You can also leave a short voicemail message for an inmate for only $1.00 per message.

Be mindful of the fact that all jail phone calls are subject to monitoring and recording. Therefore, avoid discussing criminal charges and the inmate’s case specifics.

With this detailed guide on inmate search, posting bail, and telephone contact, you can be a reliable source of support for your friend or loved one in the Santa Barbara County Jail.

Visiting Loved Ones at the Santa Barbara Correctional Facility

Temporarily Halted Due to Covid-19

Visiting your loved ones at the Santa Barbara Correctional Facility is an opportunity to connect and provide support, despite being separated by bars and distance. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, inmate visitation has been temporarily halted until further notice.

Non-Contact Visits with Family and Friends

Visitation days for the Main Santa Barbara Jail are Saturdays and Sundays, and each inmate is granted two 45-minute visits per week. The visiting hours are determined by the inmate’s cell unit, and the Sheriff’s Department provides a detailed schedule to help you plan your visit.

At the Santa Barbara Correctional Facility, jail visits are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each month, inmates have the opportunity to choose up to four people to be pre-approved for visits. Only two visitors (including children) are permitted per visit, and unfortunately, pets are not allowed.

Strict Visitation Rules to Follow

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff enforces strict rules for inmate visits, which include the following:

• Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Each adult visitor must bring acceptable identification, including a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID.
• Children must remain under supervision at all times.
• Visitors are only allowed to visit one inmate per day.
• Once the visit begins, visitors are not allowed to leave the visiting room.
• Visitors are not permitted to bring any food, beverages, electronic devices, or weapons into the visiting area.
• Cell phones, cameras, and recording devices are strictly prohibited. If found, visitors may receive a citation and be banned from visiting for a full year.
• Visitors must check in one hour prior to the scheduled visit and must be present to do so.
• Felons on parole or those who have been released from jail in the past 12 months are not permitted to visit.
• Visitors are expected to dress appropriately, avoiding pajamas, swimsuits, provocative clothing, and gang-related attire.

It’s important to note that all visits may be monitored and recorded.

Commissary Funding for Inmates

Inmates at the Santa Barbara Correctional Facility have access to basic supplies, but many may wish to purchase additional comfort items from the commissary. The selection includes food items, toiletries, and writing materials.

Family and friends can help fund commissary purchases by contributing to the inmate’s cash account. To register for a deposit account, call (866) 232-1899 or visit the Touchpay website. To make a deposit, you will need the facility locator number (293160) and the inmate’s booking number, which can be found online at the “Who is in Custody” website.

With the Touchpay system, you can make deposits to your loved one’s trust account at any time using a credit or debit card or electronic check. Deposits can also be made through the kiosk machine in the jail lobby or by purchasing care package items at icaregifts.com.

Alternative Incarceration Programs in Santa Barbara County

Breaking Free from Conventional Jail Time

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office offers two revolutionary alternative custody programs for minimum security offenders, providing a chance to serve their sentence outside the detention center.

Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP)

Inmates sentenced to 60 days or less can trade in manual labor for one day of their sentence through the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP). The sheriff’s department determines the work site, where inmates put in eight hours of general labor for every day of their sentence.

Electronic Monitoring (EM)

For those serving sentences longer than 60 days, the Electronic Monitoring (EM) program presents an opportunity to serve time from the comfort of their own home. Inmates are monitored 24/7 with a GPS ankle transmitter, providing a safer and more flexible alternative to traditional jail time.

To be considered for either program, inmates must complete an application in English or Spanish. Further details can be found online or by calling the Alternative Sentencing Bureau at (805) 681-4221.

Inmate Property: Safekeeping and Convenient Pick-Up

Inmates can leave their property in the capable hands of the jail, where it will be stored securely until their release. Friends or family members can collect the property with the inmate’s signed release form, during designated pick-up hours on Fridays (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Proper identification is a must for a smooth property release.

California Legal Defense Group: Navigating the Criminal Justice System

Facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience, but the criminal defense lawyers at California Legal Defense Group are here to help. Our seasoned attorneys provide comprehensive representation for clients accused of all types of crimes throughout California, often helping them avoid severe consequences such as jail time. The key to success is seeking legal counsel early on, before entering a plea. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation and case review.