What to Expect on Your First Visit to West County Detention Facility (Richmond)

West County Detention Facility is located at 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA 94806. If you need to reach the facility, call the main number at (510) 262-4200.

Visits happen in set time blocks, so plan around when your loved one is scheduled. The facility allows up to three visitors at a time. If more people want to come, decide beforehand who goes in together and who waits for another visit. One important note: only inmates can schedule social visits. You cannot schedule yourself directly.

Timing matters here. You must be at the facility no later than 30 minutes before the visiting block ends. Arriving right at the end of the block won't work. Cut it too close, and staff can cancel your visit for missing the check-in deadline.

There's a timing requirement on the inmate's side too. Your loved one must notify the supervising Deputy Sheriff about the visit and report to the visiting area 15 minutes beforehand.

During visits, both you and the inmate are responsible for your own behavior. Violating laws, regulations, or visit procedures can have consequences ranging from ending that day's visit to losing future visiting privileges. In serious cases, the facility can arrest someone or deny visiting access entirely.

• ✓ Termination of the current visit
• ✓ Suspension of future visits
• ✓ Restriction of visiting privileges
• ✓ Revocation of visiting privileges
• ✓ Arrest
• ✓ Denial of visiting

The Office of the Sheriff may use video-recording devices in visiting areas. Attorney consultation areas are the exception, as those spaces are excluded to protect confidentiality.

If your visit gets canceled when you arrive, check scheduling and timing first. Remember: the inmate must schedule the visit, and you need to be at the facility no later than 30 minutes before the visiting block ends. Miss either requirement, and the visit can be canceled. Confirm with your loved one that you're on the schedule before making the trip.

1. Confirm the visit is scheduled. Social visits are scheduled only by the inmate, so get confirmation from your loved one before you leave.
2. Arrive within the check-in window. Be at the facility no later than 30 minutes before the end of the visiting block.
3. Call the facility if you need to reset plans. If the visit is canceled after you arrive, call the main number and ask what your next step should be for rescheduling within their process.