How to Visit West County Jail (CA)

West County Detention Facility allows up to three visitors at a time per inmate. If your group is larger, coordinate ahead so only three people go in together.

You can't just show up. All visits must be scheduled, and you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the visiting block ends. That cutoff is strict, so build in extra time for parking, check-in, and anything else that might slow you down.

Part of this is on the inmate's side. They're responsible for notifying the supervising Deputy Sheriff about the visit and must report to the visiting area 15 minutes early. If they miss that internal timing, the visit might not happen, even if you did everything right.

1. Get the visit scheduled - Visits must be scheduled in advance before you go.
2. Time your arrival around the visiting block - You must be at the facility no later than 30 minutes before the end of the visiting block.
3. Make sure your loved one is ready on their side - Inmates have to report to the visiting area 15 minutes before the visit, so they should plan for that internal lead time.

• ✓ Keep your group to three visitors or fewer for the visit.
• ✓ Confirm your loved one has notified the supervising Deputy Sheriff about the scheduled visit.
• ✓ Follow the visiting regulations closely. Not following them results in a canceled visit.

Confirm the current scheduling process before you go. Ask what "scheduled" means in practice and double-check timing requirements tied to the end of the visiting block. The 30-minute arrival rule is clear, but how scheduling is handled can change.

Check whether the three-visitor limit has any exceptions for your situation, such as when children are included. Don't assume exceptions exist unless the facility confirms them.

Ask how the inmate should notify the supervising Deputy Sheriff, and what happens if that step is missed. Confirm the exact lead times enforced on both sides (including the inmate's 15-minute requirement) and what counts as a violation that can cancel a visit.