What happens to an inmate's property when they're transferred from Santa Ana Jail (90‑day rule)

Santa Ana Jail enforces a firm timeline. If an inmate's property isn't released, the facility disposes of it 90 days after the date of release or transfer. If you think there's property that needs to be picked up, treat that 90-day mark like a hard deadline, not a suggestion.

Two windows make this easiest: before the inmate is transferred out of Santa Ana Jail, or after the transfer or release (as long as it's still within 90 days). Either way, the process is the same. The inmate releases property to a designated person so it can be picked up instead of sitting until the disposal deadline. If you're the person being designated, timing matters. Once that 90-day period passes, the facility may dispose of the property if it hasn't been released. Start the process as early as you can.

1. Complete a Request for Return of Property form - this is the form used to request the return of property from Evidence.
2. Submit the form to Evidence - you can return it to the Evidence Counter in the Santa Ana Police Department lobby, or mail the completed form to the Santa Ana Police Department, Attention: Evidence Section (M-18), 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702.
3. Wait for processing and watch for a response - allow several weeks for processing. You will be notified either by telephone or by mail.
4. Call if you have questions - for follow-up or questions, call (714) 245-8080.

Clothing exchanges work differently than a typical property release. At Santa Ana Jail, they're completed only under a court order or with authorization from the Chief of Security.

• ✓ Clothing exchanges are done on weekends.