How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Chula Vista City Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Chula Vista City Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Chula Vista City Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Chula Vista City Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Chula Vista City Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Chula Vista City Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Chula Vista City Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Chula Vista City Jail
   315 4th Ave
   Chula Vista, CA 91910
   Phone: (619) 691-5220

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Chula Vista City Jail?

   Visiting hours at Chula Vista City Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (619) 691-5220 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Chula Vista City Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Chula Vista City Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Chula Vista City Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Chula Vista City Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Chula Vista City Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Chula Vista Police Department operates a specialized booking and processing facility that serves as a temporary holding center rather than a long-term housing facility. As a booking-dedicated operation, the facility focuses primarily on intake procedures, processing arrestees, and coordinating transfers to appropriate long-term detention centers such as the San Diego County Jail. While individuals may post bail directly from this facility, those unable to secure release are typically transported to county-level institutions where comprehensive programming becomes available.

Given the facility’s temporary holding nature, traditional long-term rehabilitation programs are not offered on-site. However, the booking process may include initial assessments and referrals that help connect individuals with appropriate services upon transfer to county facilities. Staff typically provide information about available resources and may facilitate communication with family members, legal representatives, and bail bond services during the brief processing period.

The facility’s primary service focus centers on efficient and professional intake procedures, ensuring proper documentation, and maintaining communication channels for status inquiries through their dedicated phone line at 619-691-5228. While the Chula Vista City Jail does not provide extended programming due to its booking-dedicated function, it serves as an important entry point in the local criminal justice system, helping to streamline the process for individuals who will ultimately access rehabilitation and support services at their designated long-term facilities within the San Diego County system.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Chula Vista Police Department Jail operates as a temporary holding and booking facility, meaning individuals processed here typically spend dedicated a brief period before either posting bail or being transferred to another facility. As a booking-dedicated operation, the facility focuses on initial processing procedures rather than long-term housing, with arrestees who cannot make bail usually transported to the San Diego County Jail or other appropriate facilities for extended stays.

During the limited time spent at this facility, individuals undergo standard booking procedures including fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. The facility may offer basic amenities typical of holding facilities, such as temporary bedding and meals during processing periods. Since arrestees can bail out directly from the Chula Vista facility, many individuals may complete their stay within hours of arrival, depending on their ability to arrange bail and the completion of necessary paperwork.

For families seeking information about someone who has been arrested, the facility provides resources to check arrestee status before calling, directing inquiries to both the Chula Vista City Jail system and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Jail database. Those needing general information about jail operations can contact the facility at 619-691-5228. Given the temporary nature of stays at this booking facility, most extended services such as regular visitation, commissary access, and programming typically occur at the receiving facility where individuals are ultimately housed.