How to send messages, photos, and packages
East Mesa Detention Facility offers video visits seven days a week. Each session lasts 30 minutes, and people in custody can have two video visits per week. Book at least one day ahead through Smart Communications—you'll need a user account. Phone calls are limited to 15 minutes and have been free since July 1, 2021. Incoming calls may display as 727-349-1561 and could get flagged as spam by your carrier. All phone calls are recorded unless the receiving number is verified and added to the Detention Investigations Unit (DIU) "Do Not Record" database. Email works differently here: messages are reviewed, printed, and delivered as hard copies. There are strict daily and inbox limits, and the person in custody can't reply electronically.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Emailing someone at East Mesa Detention Facility isn't like regular email. Your message gets reviewed, printed, and handed to them on paper. It's one-way communication with a few strict limits worth knowing about.
Schedule a video visit through Smart Communications at least one day in advance, using a user account. Visits are 30 minutes, and people in custody can have two video visits per week.
Yes—calls from East Mesa (and other San Diego County jails) have been free since July 1, 2021. They may show up as 727-349-1561 on your phone and can sometimes be flagged as potential spam by carriers.
No. Email messages are reviewed by staff, printed, and delivered in hard copy, and the person in custody can’t reply electronically. Messages are limited to two one-page emails per day with no pictures or attachments, and the system caps delivery to 10 messages per 24 hours (no more than two from any one sender).
No. East Mesa states there is no limit to the amount of mail a person in custody may send or receive.
No. Legal mail is checked for contraband, but it is not read by staff during screening.
Yes, but only under specific rules. Books and magazines must be sent directly from reputable vendors or publishers, and you should use the person’s full booked name and required identifier with a printed return address while avoiding decorative or hard-to-inspect items.
East Mesa Detention Facility caps visitors at three per visit, and check-in will turn you away if your group or paperwork doesn't match the rules. Here's how the limit works, who can bring minors, and what ID you'll need at the door.
Planning an in-person visit at East Mesa? You might hit a frustrating snag: the Sheriff's website shows two different schedules for visiting days. Here's what each page says—and how to confirm the current schedule before you make the trip.
East Mesa video visits run through Smart Communications (SmartInmate). Once you know the time limits and scheduling rules, setup is straightforward.
