Send Photos & Mail at East Mesa Detention Facility

How to send messages, photos, and packages

Overview

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.

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Quick Facts

  • Video visits are available seven days a week, each visit is 30 minutes, and incarcerated persons may take two video visits per week.
  • Video visit reservations must be made one day in advance through Smart Communications and require a user account.
  • Phone calls from East Mesa are limited to 15 minutes and have been free since July 1, 2021.
  • All telephone calls are recorded unless the number is verified and entered into the Detention Investigations Unit 'Do Not Record' database.
  • Email to people at East Mesa is reviewed by staff, printed and delivered in hard copy; messages are limited to two one‑page messages per day with no pictures or attachments, and an incarcerated person may receive no more than 10 messages per 24 hours and no more than two from any individual sender.

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Common Questions

How do I schedule a video visit at East Mesa Detention Facility?

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.

Are calls from East Mesa Detention Facility free and why do they show up as 727‑349‑1561?

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.

Can someone at East Mesa receive and reply to email like a normal inbox?

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).

Is there a limit to how much mail an inmate at East Mesa Detention Facility can receive or send?

No. East Mesa states there is no limit to the amount of mail a person in custody may send or receive.

Will staff read legal mail sent to someone at East Mesa Detention Facility?

No. Legal mail is checked for contraband, but it is not read by staff during screening.

Can I send books or magazines to an inmate at East Mesa Detention Facility?

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.

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