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 South Bay Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at South Bay Detention Facility 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 South Bay Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about South Bay Detention Facility

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 South Bay Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to South Bay Detention Facility?

   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 South Bay Detention Facility?

   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 South Bay Detention Facility. 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 South Bay Detention Facility. 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 South Bay Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   South Bay Detention Facility
   500 3rd Ave
   Chula Vista, CA 91910
   Phone: (619) 213-1433

5. What are the visiting hours at South Bay Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at South Bay Detention Facility 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 (619) 213-1433 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 South Bay Detention Facility?

   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 South Bay Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at South Bay Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at South Bay Detention Facility 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 South Bay Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At South Bay Detention Facility, 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 South Bay Detention Facility?

   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 South Bay Detention Facility 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 South Bay Detention Facility, 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

Recovery programs and substance abuse support form a cornerstone of services at South Bay Detention Facility, where a full-time counselor coordinates comprehensive programs designed to address individual needs. The facility provides Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings led by certified instructors who offer bilingual services in both Spanish and English, ensuring language barriers don’t prevent access to critical recovery support. Religious services, including church services and bible study sessions, are also conducted in both languages to serve the diverse population housed within this underground facility beneath the South Bay Regional Justice Center.

The facility’s professional support staff work alongside detention processing personnel who manage court appearances and assist families with visitation coordination, financial transactions, and bail processes. Medical services are provided by professionally trained staff who treat individuals for minor health issues and illnesses. Given the facility’s manageable size with a rated capacity of 386, the relatively small staff-to-individual ratio may allow for more personalized attention to rehabilitation needs.

While the website highlights these specific programs, South Bay Detention Facility may also offer additional services typical of California correctional facilities, such as educational opportunities including GED preparation, vocational training programs, life skills workshops, and pre-release planning services. The facility’s stated mission to assist individuals “in preparation to rejoin society as productive, law-abiding citizens” suggests a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that likely extends beyond the substance abuse and religious programming explicitly mentioned, potentially including job readiness training and community reintegration support services.

Daily Life & Visitation

Situated four stories beneath the South Bay Regional Justice Center in Chula Vista, the South Bay Detention Facility operates across two detention levels that house both high and low-level classifications of incarcerated individuals. The facility’s underground location creates a comprehensive environment where natural light is limited, and residents typically follow structured schedules that may include meals, recreation periods, and program participation times coordinated by the facility’s dozen deputies and Watch Commander. Medical staff are available to address minor health concerns, while Detention Processing staff help coordinate the logistics of court appearances and family communications throughout each day.

The facility emphasizes rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into society through various daily programming options. Incarcerated individuals may participate in Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings led by certified bilingual instructors, providing both English and Spanish language support. Religious services and bible study sessions are also offered in both languages, giving residents structured opportunities for spiritual reflection and community connection. A full-time counselor works individually with residents to address personal needs and coordinate access to recovery programs that fit their circumstances.

Family connections are maintained through the facility’s visitation services, with video visitation options that began in December 2023. Friends and family members can coordinate visits and handle financial transactions through the Detention Processing staff, who serve as liaisons to help maintain these important relationships. The facility’s smaller population of 386 rated capacity allows for more personalized attention from staff, and the professional support team works to ensure that daily operations run efficiently while providing the services needed for residents to work toward successful reentry into their communities.