Find the facility phone numbers and addresses you need
Before you drive to a jail or try to send anything, get the facility's phone number and correct address from an official facility directory or sheriff's office page. Some counties use a central custody information line for public questions. San Diego County, for example, has a custody information line for all detention facilities at (619) 409-5000, where you select the option for the facility you need.
Trying to confirm you have the right agency? Look for the sheriff's office headquarters contact information, then follow the links to jail or detention facility pages. For example, the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office lists its contact details as 650 Fifth Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 and (707) 464-4191.
Tip: If you need an accommodation to access a county program or service, you can request it by phone, CA Relay (711), or email, and it helps to ask at least five business days ahead.
Common Questions
Q
Why do I see different communications platforms for the same prison?
CDCR says it is transitioning providers, with an interim agreement with ViaPath to avoid service interruptions while the move to Securus is completed. During that transition, CDCR notes that families may need to use ViaPath until a specific institution transitions, then switch to Securus once it does.
Q
How can I add money to an inmate's account if I do not have online access?
Some facilities offer phone deposits and in-person kiosks as alternatives to online payment. For example, Del Norte County Jail lists deposits by phone or at a lobby kiosk, and it provides a phone deposit number: 866-394-0490.
Q
How do I become a quarterly package vendor for CDCR?
CDCR directs potential vendors to contact Lt. Victor Espinoza at Victor.Espinoza@cdcr.ca.gov for information on becoming a Quarterly Package Vendor. CDCR also states vendors must be approved before providing services to institutions.
Q
Who can I call for victim-offender dialogue information?
For information about the Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) process, CDCR lists the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) at 1-877-256-6877. CDCR also provides an email contact for VOD inquiries: OVSRS_VOD@cdcr.ca.gov.
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