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 - West Valley Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at San Bernardino County - West Valley 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 - West Valley Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about San Bernardino County - West Valley 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 - West Valley Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to San Bernardino County - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   San Bernardino County - West Valley Detention Center
   9500 Etiwanda Ave
   Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
   Phone: (909) 708-8371

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at San Bernardino County - West Valley Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at San Bernardino County - West Valley 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) 708-8371 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at San Bernardino County - West Valley Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at San Bernardino County - West Valley 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 - West Valley Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At San Bernardino County - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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 - West Valley 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's comprehensive inmate instruction programs span essential vocational fields including culinary arts, laundry services, and landscape maintenance, providing practical skills training for the facility's population. These hands-on programs work alongside the facility's robust medical, dental, and mental health services to address both the immediate needs and long-term preparation of inmates. With worship services available for various denominations, the facility recognizes the importance of spiritual support as part of a holistic approach to rehabilitation and personal development.

Beyond the established vocational training programs, the facility may offer additional educational opportunities such as GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and life skills workshops that typically complement the practical training already in place. Substance abuse counseling and anger management programs are commonly available at facilities of this size and scope, potentially supporting inmates in addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. The facility's emphasis on maintaining a safe environment while providing comprehensive services suggests a commitment to preparing inmates for successful reintegration into the community.

The West Valley Detention Center's extensive staffing model, which includes more than 600 employees with many civilian specialists in medical, culinary, and support roles, enables the facility to deliver a wide range of services effectively. This diverse workforce may facilitate additional programming such as job readiness training, financial literacy education, and family reunification support services. The facility's capacity to handle remote video court assignments for multiple jurisdictions demonstrates its technological capabilities, which may extend to distance learning opportunities and digital literacy programs that help inmates develop modern workplace skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

With visiting appointments available Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, families maintain connections with their loved ones at West Valley Detention Center through scheduled visits at the Rancho Cucamonga facility. The center, which opened in 1991 and serves as one of California's largest county jails with a capacity of 3,347 beds, processes between 50,000 to 60,000 bookings and releases annually. Inmates typically begin each day with medical screenings and evaluations, as the facility provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services from the time of booking through release.

Throughout the day, inmates may participate in various instructional programs offered in culinary arts, laundry services, and landscape maintenance, which can provide valuable skills and structure to daily routines. The facility's more than 600 staff members, including many civilian employees such as maintenance crews, medical professionals, and culinary staff, work together to maintain daily operations. Court appearances are often handled through remote video connections to various locations including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Victorville, and Barstow courts, though some inmates may be transported by the facility's Transportation Division when required.

Religious services are facilitated for various denominations, offering spiritual support as part of daily life at the center. Since the majority of the population consists of pre-trial inmates, daily routines may vary based on individual legal proceedings and program participation. The facility's focus on safety and security shapes the structured environment, while medical professionals continuously monitor inmate health and mental health conditions that may require ongoing care and treatment throughout their stay.