How to Send Money to West Valley Detention Center (CA)
Sending money to someone at West Valley Detention Center? Focus on three things: the weekly commissary schedule, the $200 weekly spending cap, and getting the booking number right.
Commissary at West Valley Detention Center is available once a week, so timing matters. There's a $200 per week spending cap that covers both commissary purchases and phone time. If you're helping with both, keep that combined limit in mind. Depositing more won't necessarily mean more spending power.
Funds need to be in the inmate's account before a commissary order can be filled. No money, no order. Accuracy matters too: the booking number must be entered correctly and completely on the commissary form. Even small mistakes can delay or reject an order.
Note: Violations of jail regulations can lead to loss of privileges, including commissary. If commissary access suddenly stops, a disciplinary action may be the reason.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Plan around the $200 per week limit for commissary purchases (this amount includes phone time).
- ✓ Make sure enough money is in the inmate’s account before commissary is ordered, since orders with no funds will not be filled.
- Ask housing staff for the commissary day and time - commissary is available once a week, and housing staff can tell you the schedule for that person.
- Write down the exact day and time you’re given - it helps you line up deposits and expectations with the weekly commissary run.
- ✓ Get the inmate’s booking number and enter it correctly and completely on the commissary form.
Reminder: Commissary privileges can be taken away if jail rules are violated. Staying compliant is the best way to keep access.
Before sending money, confirm the current weekly spending limit. The documented cap is $200 per week on commissary purchases, and that includes phone time. If you're budgeting for both, verify this is still how the facility applies the limit so you don't expect more spending room than actually exists.
- ✓ Confirm the inmate’s commissary day and time with housing staff (commissary is available once a week).
- ✓ Ask if there have been any recent schedule changes that could affect that week’s ordering.
Check how far in advance funds need to be available, because orders won't be filled if the account is empty. Also double-check how the booking number should be written on the commissary form. The facility requires it to be entered correctly and completely. Even small errors can cause problems.
Good to ask: Which specific rule violations can result in loss of commissary privileges, and how long those restrictions typically last. Knowing this helps you make sense of any sudden changes in access.
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