San Joaquin Jail

Visiting at San Joaquin Jail works on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available slot—space fills up fast. Bring a current, valid photo ID (only specific types are accepted). A temporary or paper driver license works only if you also have the required supporting documentation. Visits last exactly 45 minutes, no exceptions. You can visit an inmate once per day, and each inmate gets two visits per week (Monday through Sunday). Kids under 18 must come with a parent or legal guardian—unescorted minors aren't allowed, and staff enforce documentation requirements for children. Visitor limits depend on location: up to 3 visitors at South Jail and Jail Core, 2 at the Honor Farm. Leave cameras, phones, and weapons at home. Removing clothing during visits is prohibited.

San Joaquin Jail warns that visiting telephone conversations may be monitored and recorded. Using the visiting room counts as consent to recording—except for properly assigned attorney, religious, or physician visits. Stay in touch through phone, video, or approved electronic messaging, including standard calls from institution phones and tablets where available. For video visits and messaging, create an account on the department's communications platform (web or mobile) and register for the specific service. If video visits require prepayment, add funds through the platform first, then register before scheduling. California is transitioning to a new statewide communications provider, so confirm which platform San Joaquin Jail currently uses before setting up accounts.

San Joaquin Jail references SmartDeposit as the online vendor for adding funds to inmate trust accounts—start there for web or mobile deposits. Before sending money, have the incarcerated person's full name and booking or facility ID ready. Follow the vendor's step-by-step instructions. Keep your receipts and transaction details: staff will only discuss funds you personally deposited and won't tell you what the inmate purchased. Depending on what's available, you can typically deposit through an online portal, by phone, at a lobby kiosk, or by U.S. Postal money order. Posting times and third-party fees vary, so check the vendor or facility instructions for accepted payment types and timing. Never mail cash.

San Joaquin Jail publishes facility-specific driving directions from Interstate 5 to French Camp, with clear turn-by-turn instructions for both Intake and Jail Visiting so you reach the right entrance. For phone help, the jail lists a Jail Records number for records and booking questions, plus separate inmate visiting lines for Jail Core, South Jail, and the Honor Farm. Use the Records number to confirm booking, release, or related records. For visitation questions, call the visiting line for the specific unit. Before calling, have the incarcerated person's full name and any booking or ID details ready.