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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center

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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center. 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center. 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center
   630 E Rialto Ave
   San Bernardino, CA 92415
   Phone: (909) 386-0969

5. What are the visiting hours at San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center 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 (909) 386-0969 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center, 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center?

   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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center, 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 West Valley Detention Center (WVDC) in Rancho Cucamonga, California provides comprehensive inmate instruction programs designed to develop practical job skills, including culinary arts training, laundry services instruction, and landscape maintenance certification. These vocational programs work alongside the facility's robust medical, dental, and mental health services to support individuals during their incarceration. The facility's approach emphasizes continuous care, with health professionals conducting medical screenings upon arrival and providing ongoing evaluation and treatment for both physical and mental health conditions throughout an individual's stay.

Beyond the core vocational training programs, WVDC typically may offer educational services such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration. The facility often includes substance abuse counseling programs, anger management courses, and cognitive behavioral therapy sessions as part of its rehabilitation efforts. Religious and spiritual services are facilitated for various denominations, providing chaplaincy support and faith-based programming that may include Bible study groups and religious counseling.

The detention center's comprehensive approach likely extends to reentry preparation services, which may include job placement assistance, housing resources, and family reunification support. With its large capacity and high volume of bookings, WVDC often provides library services, recreational activities, and visitation programs that help maintain family connections during incarceration. The facility's extensive civilian workforce, including maintenance crews, medical professionals, and support staff, work collaboratively to ensure these programs operate effectively while maintaining the safety and security standards essential for both inmates and the surrounding community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting appointments at West Valley Detention Center run Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, providing families with regular opportunities to maintain connections with their incarcerated loved ones. The facility, which opened in 1991, operates as one of California's largest county jails with a capacity of 3,347 beds, processing between 50,000 to 60,000 bookings and releases annually. With more than 600 staff members working to maintain operations, the environment emphasizes safety and security while supporting both pre-trial inmates who make up the majority of the population and sentenced individuals.

Medical screening begins immediately upon arrival, with healthcare professionals evaluating each person for medical and mental health conditions that may require ongoing treatment. The facility typically provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services throughout an individual's stay. Worship services accommodate various religious denominations, while educational programming offers instruction in practical skills including culinary arts, laundry services, and landscape maintenance. These programs may help residents develop job skills while maintaining structured daily routines.

Court appearances are often conducted through remote video connections to various locations including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Victorville, and Barstow courts, reducing the need for physical transportation. When court transport is necessary, the facility's Transportation Division safely manages approximately 122,000 inmate movements annually. Daily operations typically include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and program participation, all designed to maintain order while supporting rehabilitation efforts. The facility's civilian employees, including maintenance crews, medical professionals, and culinary staff, work together to ensure consistent daily operations and services.