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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility

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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
   446 Alta Rd
   San Diego, CA 92158
   Phone: (619) 671-4400

5. What are the visiting hours at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility 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) 671-4400 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility?

   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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility 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 East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, 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 San Diego Sheriff's Department maintains a comprehensive visitation system for inmates at East Mesa Detention Facility, with social in-person visits available five days a week through both online and telephone reservation systems. The facility operates under structured visiting hours from Wednesday through Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, utilizing the eVisit System accessible through the Who's in Jail website. This organized approach to maintaining family connections reflects the facility's recognition that sustained relationships with loved ones play a crucial role in successful reintegration into the community.

Beyond visitation services, East Mesa Detention Facility typically provides educational programs that may include GED preparation classes, adult basic education, and literacy courses designed to help inmates develop essential academic skills. The facility often offers vocational training opportunities in areas such as janitorial services, food service, and basic maintenance skills that can support employment prospects upon release. Counseling services may include substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes, and mental health support groups, as these programs are commonly available in California correctional facilities to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

The facility's programming approach generally emphasizes preparing inmates for successful community reentry through a combination of educational advancement, practical skill development, and therapeutic intervention. Inmates may also have access to library services, recreational activities, and religious programs that support personal growth and positive behavioral changes. While specific program availability can vary based on facility capacity and individual classification levels, the overall structure aims to provide meaningful opportunities for personal development during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections remain a vital part of the experience for those housed at East Mesa Detention Facility, with the San Diego Sheriff's Department operating a structured visitation program five days per week. The facility's eVisit system allows loved ones to schedule social in-person visits online through the Who's in Jail website, with reservations available Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Visitors must plan ahead, as same-day scheduling is not permitted and all visits require 24-hour advance booking. Up to three visitors, including children, may participate in each session, though visitors must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time and those under 18 need accompaniment by a qualified adult with valid identification.

The structured environment at East Mesa typically follows standard correctional protocols common throughout San Diego County facilities. Residents generally begin their day with morning counts and meal service, followed by opportunities for various activities that may include educational programming, work assignments, or recreational time when available. The facility often maintains housing modules that accommodate different classification levels and special populations, with some areas designated for medical isolation when necessary, such as COVID-19 related housing restrictions that temporarily limit visitation access.

Communication with the outside world extends beyond in-person visits, as residents may typically access telephone services and correspondence privileges in accordance with facility policies. The San Diego Sheriff's Department has centralized its custody information system, allowing families to call (619) 409-5000 for inquiries about their loved ones. Those on probation or parole must obtain special authorization before scheduling visits, reflecting the facility's attention to maintaining security protocols while supporting family relationships during incarceration.