First-Time Visitor Checklist: What to Do the Day Before a San Diego County Jail Visit

First, confirm that your visit is actually booked. San Diego County detention facilities use a central phone line for in-person social visit reservations. Call (619) 409-5000 and follow the prompts to select the facility you need. The reservation line operates Wednesday through Sunday, typically from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visits are scheduled first-come, first-served, and same-day visits are not permitted. Waiting until the morning of your visit is one of the easiest ways to lose your spot, even if you're sure you have the right day in mind.

Scheduling a video visit instead? That goes through SmartInmate (Corrections Communications Services). You'll need to create an account before you can book anything. The same timing rules apply: first-come, first-served, no same-day visits. Set up your account and reserve ahead so you're not scrambling the day you want to see your person.

1. Call the central reservation line: Dial (619) 409-5000 and select the option for the facility you are visiting.
2. Call during the reservation window: In-person social visits can be scheduled Wednesday through Sunday. Many facilities list reservation hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but some can be different (for example, George Bailey Detention Facility lists 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
3. Book for a future day (not the same day): Visits are first-come, first-served and same-day visits are not permitted.
4. Double-check which facility you selected: If your person was moved or you choose the wrong facility prompt, you can end up booked in the wrong place.

1. Log in to SmartInmate: Video visits are reserved through SmartInmate (Corrections Communications Services).
2. Create your account ahead of time: You must have an account before you can schedule.
3. Confirm you are booked at least a day in advance: Visits are first-come, first-served, and there are no same-day visits.

Documents and ID

• ✓ Valid ID for every visitor age 18 and over
• ✓ If you are bringing a minor, plan for them to be accompanied by a parent, court-appointed guardian, or another adult with legal custody
• ✓ Keep your group to three visitors total (children count toward the maximum of three visitors per visit)

Plan your arrival around the facility's check-in rule. Not all San Diego County jails use the same cutoff. Some locations require you to check in 30 minutes before your scheduled visit. Others require 60 minutes. Treat this as facility-specific. Before you leave home, verify the check-in time for the exact jail you're visiting. Showing up "on time" but missing the check-in window can cost you the entire visit.

• ✓ Call (619) 409-5000 and choose the option for your facility if you need to confirm details
• ✓ If the facility lists its own reservation hours, follow those hours (example: George Bailey Detention Facility reservation line hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
• ✓ Show up early enough to meet your facility’s check-in requirement (some require 30 minutes, others 60 minutes)

Social (in-person) visits are 30 minutes long. Plan for a short, focused visit. If you're bringing kids, set expectations ahead of time so the time together feels less rushed once you get inside.

Need to cancel? Cancellations can be made in person with ID verification. For reservation questions or to confirm where you should be booked, call the central custody line at (619) 409-5000 and select the option for the facility you need. If your plans change, handle it as early as possible. Scheduling is tied to specific time slots, and waiting until the last minute creates confusion for you and for the person you're trying to see.