Before Your First Visit to Santa Rita: Criminal-history Rules Families Need to Know

Before heading to Santa Rita, check your recent custody and criminal-history status. The facility's visiting rules require some people to get prior authorization from the Commanding Officer (or their designee) before visiting. This applies to anyone confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months - authorization can be written or verbal. It also applies to people with certain convictions: a violent felony, bringing contraband into a jail, a non-violent felony within the last three years, or any felony that resulted in time in a California state prison. Currently on county probation or parole for a felony or misdemeanor? You'll need written permission too.

Who Needs

• ✓ Confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the past 6 months - you can’t visit without prior written or verbal authorization from the Commanding Officer or their designee.

• ✓ Previously convicted of a violent felony - you won’t be allowed to visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.

• ✓ Previously convicted of bringing contraband into a jail - you won’t be allowed to visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.

• ✓ Convicted of a non-violent felony within the last 3 years - you won’t be allowed to visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.

• ✓ Previously convicted of a felony and confined in a California state prison - you won’t be allowed to visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.

• ✓ Previously convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and currently on county probation or parole - you won’t be allowed to visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.

At Santa Rita, "permission" means authorization from the Commanding Officer (or their designee). The rule is clearest for people who were confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months - they need prior written or verbal authorization. For conviction- and probation/parole-based categories, the policy requires written permission from the Commanding Officer. The exact process for requesting authorization isn't spelled out in the rules, so call the facility to confirm before you show up.

1. Check whether you fall into a permission-required category - Look closely at the timeframes (last 6 months for Alameda County Jail System confinement; last 3 years for a non-violent felony) and whether you’re currently on county probation or parole.
2. Use the Santa Rita Jail Ombudsperson if you need help - You can contact the Ombudsperson by submitting an online form or by leaving a voicemail at 510-667-4373.
3. Include the details they ask for - Provide your name, your phone number, the incarcerated person’s name and Personal File Number (PFN), a brief description of your issue/concern, and whether you’ve tried to resolve it already (and what happened).
4. Confirm the approval method before you travel - Because the rule references Commanding Officer authorization (and sometimes specifies written permission), ask what proof you should bring or have on file so you aren’t turned away at check-in.

If Unsure

• ✓ Write down the basics before you call or message: conviction type (felony vs. misdemeanor), whether it was violent or non-violent, and the approximate dates (especially “within the last 3 years” and “within the last 6 months”).
• ✓ If you’re on county probation or parole now, assume you’ll need written permission and get guidance before you go.
• ✓ Reach out for help instead of guessing - the Santa Rita Jail Ombudsperson can be contacted through an online form or by voicemail.