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Why Calls from East Mesa May Show as 727‑349‑1561 — Number, Free Calls, and Time Limits

Getting calls from an unknown number? It's natural to assume scam or spam. Here's why calls from East Mesa might show up as 727‑349‑1561, what

• 2 min read • sdsheriff.gov
Why Calls from East Mesa May Show as 727‑349‑1561 — Number, Free Calls, and Time Limits

Calls from inside San Diego County detention facilities - including East Mesa - may show up on your caller ID as 727‑349‑1561. That number is tied to a change in the jail phone system provider, so even if your loved one is calling from East Mesa, the call may still “originate” from that same number. Some mobile carriers also flag 727‑349‑1561 in their spam settings, which can cause calls to be filtered or blocked; saving the number in your contacts or asking your carrier to unblock it can help you actually receive the call.

Phone calls from San Diego County Sheriff’s Office jails have been free since July 1, 2021. That includes local, long-distance, and international calls. If you’ve been avoiding picking up because you’re worried about surprise charges, this policy is meant to remove that cost barrier - you can answer without expecting a per-minute bill.

Even though calls are free, they aren’t unlimited in length. Each call is limited to 15 minutes, and the reason is simple: it helps give everyone in custody an equal chance to use the phones. If the line cuts off right at the 15-minute mark, that’s usually the system enforcing the time limit, not the person hanging up on you.

Tip: Treat it like a 15‑minute window. Be ready when you answer so you don’t lose time to background noise, speakerphone setup, or “can you hear me?” troubleshooting.

Why Calls from East Mesa May Show as 727‑349‑1561 — Number, Free Calls, and Time Limits

Most jail phone calls are recorded. The exception is when the incarcerated person calls a number that has been verified by the Detention Investigations Unit (DIU) as belonging to an attorney, physician, or religious advisor - and then placed into the “Do Not Record” database. If a number isn’t verified and entered that way, you should assume the call is being recorded.

  • ✓ Attorneys, physicians, and religious advisors can qualify for calls that are not recorded
  • ✓ The number has to be verified by the Detention Investigations Unit (DIU) and entered into the “Do Not Record” database
  • ✓ To start the verification process, contact DIU at (858) 285‑2051

Note: Don’t assume a call is private just because of who you are - the exemption depends on DIU verification and the number being added to the Do Not Record list.

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