BAIL, BOOKING AND RELEASE INFORMATION:

Charges, custody status, court dates, bail amounts, release dates, and other inmate information can be obtained at any time of the day or night by calling 925-551-6500. You must have the inmate's name and correct date of birth, or the Person File Number (PFN) in order to ensure that the information received is accurate.

• Bail can be posted in the Santa Rita Jail lobby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• All inmates who are determined to be eligible for release, will be released as quickly as possible. However, this procedure can take up to several hours. It is recommended that you wait until receiving a telephone call from the released inmate before coming to the jail.

• Inmates granted release while at court must return to the jail to complete all necessary paperwork. The inmate will receive all personal property and be released from the jail facility.

• Inmates being released who are indigent, have clothing inadequate for climatic conditions, do not have clothing available at the time of release, or who can no longer fit into their clothing, will be provided appropriate welfare clothing.

• Inmates who have no money upon release are given free bus passes and B.A.R.T. tickets. The inmates are also provided with transportation schedules and directions to the B.A.R.T. station if they choose to walk.

EMERGENCIES :  [ Back to Top ]

Inmate Services handles all outside emergencies ( please refer to Inmate Services Section ). You can reach the Inmate Services Section at ( 925 ) 551-6580, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., excluding holidays.

• After hours emergency numbers:

Santa Rita Jail : ( 925 ) 551-6500

MAIL PROCEDURES:  [ Back to Top ]

• Mail will be distributed daily ( Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays ). Mail will be delivered only to the addressee.

• Incoming mail MUST have the inmates name AND PFN (Person File Number).

• Incoming mail MUST have the name and address of the sender on the outside of the envelope.

• Sexually explicit drawings on the outside of mailing envelopes will cause U.S. Postal authorities to return the envelope to sender.

• The only packages inmates are allowed to receive through the mail are books ( NO HARDBACK BOOKS ALLOWED ), periodicals, and magazines - PROVIDED THESE ITEMS ARE SENT DIRECTLY FROM THE PUBLISHER OR REPUTABLE BOOKSTORE.  No more than 6 items will be received via the mail.  ( Inmates are provided with a vast selection of books, legal materials and religious periodicals free of charge. Please refer to Inmate Services section.)

• Envelopes, magazines, and periodicals sent to inmates may not exceed 8½" x 14". Any mail exceeding this size will be returned to sender.

• Domestic mail sent to, or from, any inmate may be opened and inspected by jail staff outside the presence of the inmate involved (except legal mail). If an inmate does not consent to receive his/her mail through the facility authorities, that inmate is to notify the mail room staff in writing. At this point, all mail sent to that inmate will be returned to the post office, marked "refused".

• Incoming mail from attorneys or governmental officials will be opened by the jail staff in the presence of the inmate involved.

• Money may be sent by MONEY ORDER ONLY. Checks and cash will be returned to sender (refer to Money section).

• Inmate newspaper subscriptions must be made directly to the newspaper company by a third party. Cancellation or change of address for subscriptions must be made directly to the newspaper company.  Newspapers will then be distributed through regular mail channels. Weekend and Holiday newspapers will be distributed the next working day.   Newspapers for inmates no longer in custody will be disposed of by the mail room staff. (Each housing unit receives 6 daily tribune newspapers, paid for by the Inmate Welfare Fund).

• POLAROID PHOTOGRAPHS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

• FEDERAL EXPRESS MAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS IT IS LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE IN NATURE.

MONEY    [ Back to Top ]

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office takes pride in the services provided to inmates; including meals, library services and inmate programs. In addition, the Sheriff's Office provides the opportunity for inmates to purchase additional items such as snacks, soups, drinks, stationary, hygiene supplies, medicines, and specialty items for women, to name a few. All proceeds from the sale of these items go directly to the Inmate Welfare Fund. This fund is used to support the numerous programs offered to inmates, as well as the televisions, games, recreational supplies, etc.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE:

• Deposits may be made by mail or in person. Only cash or money orders will be accepted for deposits on inmates accounts' (NO PERSONAL, PAYROLL, TAX REFUND OR SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS OR COINS).  Do not send cash through the mail. If depositing money in person, you must have the exact amount. NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN. If you have been an inmate within the last 6 months, you may not deposit money on another inmate's account.

• Visitors must produce valid photo identification (driver's license, military, etc.) and have the inmate's Person File Number (PFN) before depositing money on the inmate's account.

• Money orders must be made out as follows:
   

HOURS FOR MONEY DEPOSITS:

PROPERTY  [ Back to Top ]

Property releases and clothing exchange transactions will be accepted 24 hours a day at the Santa Rita Jail ( SRJ ) .

Property Release requests forms must be submitted by the inmate and received by lobby personnel prior to the day the visitor will be picking up the property. This usually takes up to 7 working days at SRJ.

It is required that you provide photo identification when receiving the released property. It is recommended that you call the lobby to ensure the property is ready for pick-up.

Santa Rita Jail : (925) 551-6500

Court clothing for inmates will only be accepted at the Lobby within 72 hours of a jury trial, preliminary examination, or if a Court Order has been received (one set of clothing only). The clothing in the inmate's property must be taken during the exchange.

All medications are provided to the inmates through Prison Health Services. Lobby personnel will accept prescription glasses, dentures and contact lenses solution in sealed packages. It is recommended that you coordinate with Prison Health Services prior to leaving items in the lobby ( 925 ) 551-6700.

TELEPHONE CALLS:   [ Back to Top ]

Pay phones are available to all inmates daily. However, inmates can only make collect telephone calls.

• In order to eliminate problems associated with 3-way calling, the telephone system in use automatically terminates the call if an attempt is made to connect a third party.

• If you have call waiting, be advised the telephone system in use may terminate your call if the call waiting "click"  is heard. The system cannot differentiate between the call waiting "click" and the 3-way calling "click".

• Private citizens can prevent collect calls by having a BLOCK put on their personal phone line. This can be done by contacting your local telephone company.

VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT:   [ Back to Top ]

If a vehicle was impounded upon arrest, you will need to contact the arresting police agency to determine the documentation needed for the release of the vehicle. It is often necessary to provide a written letter from the registered owner authorizing the release of the vehicle. Inmates can release keys to the vehicle, by simply filling out a property release form. Keys must be picked up in the lobby of the jail in which the inmate is being housed. It is recommended that you call the jail lobby to ensure the keys are ready for pick-up.

** Santa Rita Jail (925) 551-6500 **

SRJ VISITING SCHEDULE:   [ Back to Top ]

Housing Units	Days	Times
1, 2, 3 & 4	Wednesday Thursday Saturday	8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
6, 7, 8 & 9	Wednesday Friday Saturday	12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
21, 22, 23 & 24	Thursday Friday Sunday	8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
25 - 31, 32 & Infirmary	Wednesday Friday Sunday	6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
33, 34 & 35	Thursday Saturday Sunday	12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

"VISITING IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS"

The visiting booths are only able to accommodate a certain number of visits per housing unit.  It is recommended that the visitor arrive early to obtain a visiting pass.

Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  You must provide documentation showing proof.  (Birth Certificate and School ID)

 

VISITING PROCEDURE    [ Back to Top ]

All persons waiting for visiting to start are asked to REMAIN OUTSIDE (not in the lobby) The only exceptions would be:

• To use the telephones.
• To use the restrooms.
• To access the counter.
• To leave money.
• To conduct other public business.

Visitors that would be allowed to remain in the lobby are as follows:

• Picking-up (court released) inmates.
• Waiting for (bailed) inmates.
• I.D. and releases.
• Self surrenders.
• Weekenders.
• Attorney/client appointments.
• Temporary O.R.'s.
• Property releases/clothing exchanges/money transactions.
• Disabled.
• Bail bond agents.
  

Each adult visitor (18 years or older) will fill out a visitor pass before proceeding to the appropriate visitor's entry station. The pass must be complete, legible and include the following:

• Visitor's name.
• Visitor's address (Post Office boxes are not acceptable).
• Visitor's date of birth (D.O.B.).
• Visitor's Driver's license number.
• Inmate name.
• Inmate housing location and PFN (if unknown, see clerk at the information table in the lobby).
• List your children (all minors) on the bottom right corner where it asks , "Others in vehicle".
• Visitors under 18 years old must be accompanied by the parent or legal guardian. If you are a legal guardian, bring documentation showing proof.
  

The lobby will be staffed with deputies and two metal detectors. Each visitor will present the visitor's pass and his/her identification to the deputies. Acceptable identification is:

• Valid driver's license.
• State identification card.
• Other official identification, depicting photograph, physical characteristics, and signature issued by a governmental body.
• Other types of identification approved by the visiting sergeant.
  
• After being identified, the visitor will go to the metal detector. Once the visitor clears the metal detector, they will go directly to the inmate's housing unit visiting control booth or down stairs to the gymnasium for minimum male visiting.
  
• Visitors will present their visiting pass and ID to the visiting control booth personnel and follow their instructions.
  
• At the end of the allotted time, visitors are expected to exit the visiting area without delay.
  
• At this time, the visitor may either leave the facility, or register to visit a different inmate by completing another visiting pass and presenting that at the appropriate control booth.
  

  VISITING RULES AND REGULATIONS

  The visiting process is governed by the following rules and regulations. Any violation of the rules and regulations by a visitor may result in the end of the visit, and the visitor will be required to leave the facility. If the visitor engages in unlawful conduct, he/she is subject to arrest. Violation of the rules and regulations or infractions of the law may result in the visitor having privileges suspended or permanently revoked.
   

  1. Any person who has been confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six (6) months cannot visit an inmate without the permission of the on-duty Watch Commander. Visitors who have been convicted of a felony and served time in state prison may not enter jail property without approval from the Commanding Officer; P.C. 4571.
     
  2. All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are married to the inmate receiving the visit. The visitor must provide proof of the relationship (documentation) upon request.
     
  3. Bringing firearms, explosives, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or any controlled substance, including marijuana, into the facility is a crime, and the visitor will be subject to arrest.
     
  4. Any visitor under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to visit and may be subject to arrest.
     
  5. Visitors are not allowed to carry cameras, tape recorders, purses, bags, briefcases, cell phones, baby strollers/carriers or any other items into the visiting areas. Personal items should be left at home or locked in the visitor's vehicle. Items may also be locked in the public lockers located in the lobby area. Items not reclaimed by visitors at the conclusion of visiting will be removed and disposed of. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is not responsible for lost, stolen, or removed items.
     
  6. Visitors and their possessions are subject to search by Sheriff's Office personnel. Entering the facility is consent to search.
     
  7. Smoking is prohibited in the building and ramps.
     
  8. You must provide your own pen or pencil. None will be given out in the lobby.
     
  9. No food or drink is permitted in the visiting areas.
     
  10. All visitors are required to proceed directly to their respective visiting areas and to remain there until their visit is completed. Upon completion of the visit, the visitors must leave the facility, or if they wish, may visit another inmate. At any time, the visitor may terminate the visit and return to the lobby. Visits will last approximately twenty (20) minutes at Santa Rita Jail with each visitor.
      
  11. Visitors will not be allowed to revisit an inmate whom they have previously visited that day.
      
  12. Visitors are not allowed to loiter in or about vehicles parked at Santa Rita Jail.
      
  13. If visitors are found visiting an inmate other than the one noted on the visiting pass, they will have their visiting privileges revoked and will be required to leave the facility.
      
  14. There will be no physical contact between visitor and inmate.
      
  15. Visitors and inmates shall not exchange or pass any item. If they do, the visit will be terminated. Any person passing contraband is subject to arrest and additional charges may be added to the inmate.
      
  16. Visitors and inmates are to refrain from loud talking or any disruptive behavior. Visitors with disruptive children may have their visit terminated.
      
  17. When a deputy announces that the visit is over, the visit will end immediately.
      
  18. An inmate may refuse to see any visitor.
      
  19. Children must be supervised and controlled by an adult at all times.
      
  20. Any discourteous acts will immediately terminate your visit.
      

  VISITOR APPAREL

  Visitors are expected to dress to meet the constraints of the institutional setting. Attire should be conservative and not be revealing. Visitors shall adhere to the following basic dress standards:

  • Visitors shall be fully clothed;
  • Visitors shall wear shoes or sandals;

  THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF CLOTHING/ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED:

  • No bib-overalls/clothing of any kind with metal.
  • No attire displaying obscene offensive language or drawings.
  • No steel toed boots/shoes.
  • No cigarette packs, loose cigarettes, cigarette lighters or cigars.
     

  WARNING All persons entering or leaving jail property are subject to search for contraband. Entry, is a consent to search. No photographs may be taken on jail property without first obtaining permission from the facility Commanding Officer. Unauthorized photographs will be confiscated. Possession of firearms, narcotics, drugs, or alcohol is a felony on jail property. VIOLATORS WILL BE ARRESTED.

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  This page last updated: May 16, 2008