Northern Branch vs South County: Understanding visit limits and scheduling differences
The weekly visit limit and scheduling process can look very different depending on whether your loved one is housed at Northern Branch or a South County facility. Here's what to know so you plan for the right location.
Northern Branch Jail allows up to four visits per week per inmate. South County facilities cap it at two. If you're hoping to book multiple visits in the same week, confirm which facility your person is at before making plans.
Note: Visit limits are listed under different facility-specific sections of the Sheriff's visitation information. If the number of visits you can get this week matters, double-check the current limit for the exact facility where your person is housed before you schedule.
Visiting at Northern Branch Jail starts with registration. All visitors must register through Via Path before they can see someone housed there.
Once you're approved, you'll get a confirmation email. From there, schedule the visit through your Via Path profile. One thing to note: Northern Branch appointments start on the hour, so you'll be picking a time like 1:00, 2:00, and so on.
- ✓ Check in 30 minutes before your appointment time. Bring the same form of ID you used when you registered with Via Path.
- ✓ Plan around Northern Branch visiting hours: Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
At South County facilities, social visits are non-contact. You'll sit on opposite sides of a window and talk using telephone handsets, so expect a separated setup rather than sitting together in the same space.
South County also has a tighter weekly visit cap. Inmates there are limited to two visits per week, compared to four at Northern Branch.
Tip: If your loved one transfers to Northern Branch, don't assume your old routine carries over. Northern Branch requires visitors to register with Via Path first, so build in time for registration and approval before you try to schedule.
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