How to contact an inmate at South County Detention Center
This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
South County Detention Center inmate search
To contact a person start by searching for the person on the facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the persons full name. Nicknames should not be used.
After finding the person you are looking for you can then create a messaging account to send letters and photos.
How to message an inmate
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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at South County Detention Center .
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to loved one at South County Detention Center 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 County Detention Center.
Frequently asked questions about South County Detention Center
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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 County Detention Center.
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How much does it cost to send a message to South County Detention Center?
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.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at South County Detention Center?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 County Detention Center. 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 for 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 County Detention Center. 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.
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What is the mailing address of South County Detention Center?
Mailing address:
South County Detention Center
1960 W Scranton Ave
Porterville , CA 93257
(559) 782-7800Business hours:
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Overview of South County Detention Center
South County Detention Center is a correctional facility located in southern California. It is also known as the Men's Central Jail Annex, which was built to specifically address the overpopulation in the Men's Central Jail. The South County Detention Center or SCDC began operations in 1997 and has since housed male inmates with more significant classifications, including those who have been charged with violent crimes, are serving long-term sentences, or are awaiting trial.
The SCDC houses up to 768 inmates and is managed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The detention center's primary mission is to ensure that its high-risk inmates remain safe, secure and supervised. In one of the most spacious and modern facilities in the region, SCDC's focus is on rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
Facilities include a full-service kitchen, staffed medical clinic, and religious services. Programs also emphasize counseling services, voluntary educational programs, and remote video visitation. Most importantly, the SCDC assures the inmates' safety protections that are essential, ranging from sturdy fences and electronic locks to armed staff. All activities are designed to balance institutional discipline and security with humaneness and respect.
While the South County Detention Center fulfills its part in keeping the streets of southern California safe from the incarcerated felons, it serves a higher purpose by offering services such as education and employment opportunities upon release. All these features make the South County Detention Center an institutional model that balances the safety requirements
What services are provided by South County Detention Center?
South County Detention Center, located in Orange County, California, provides a range of programs and services to inmates to help them maintain their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. One of the primary programs offered at the facility is the rehabilitative treatment program. The program offers long-term drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment for inmates with substance abuse or mental health issues. The aim of this program is to provide assistance to the inmates on their path to recovery, help them understand the root cause of their addiction, and provide tools to help them stay on track.
The education program offered at South County Detention Center is another significant feature. The facility offers inmates various educational programs to help boost their knowledge and skills. The educational programs cover a range of subjects, including basic literacy to advanced degree courses. Inmates who participate in these programs have the opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones, which can then help them secure employment after their release.
The work program offered at South County Detention Center enables the inmates to gain new skills, work experience, and establish a work routine in a structured environment. The work programs are available for both sentenced and unsentenced inmates. The program works with a range of industries including agriculture, mechanics, and manufacturing, among others; this allows the inmates to have access to a wide range of vocational training experiences that can be valuable skills in their future employment.
South County Detention Center also provides physical fitness programs which include activities such as daily exercise, group sporting events, yoga, and meditation. The programs offered at South County Detention Center aim to help the inmates develop positive habits while incarcerated. These programs can help emphasize the need to continue a healthy lifestyle after release and support a meaningful integration back into society.
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