Merced County Jail
The Merced County Sheriff's Office operates two county detention facilities -- the main jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center. The main county jail is located in Merced, California, and the John Latorraca Correctional Center is located in El Nido, California.
Both facilities house adult males and females who have been arrested by county or municipal law enforcement and are awaiting trial, inmates who have been sentenced to the county jail, and inmates being held for transport to the California Department of Corrections.
Inmate Search
To find out if your loved one is being held in the Merced County Jail or the John Latorraca Correctional Center, click here or use VINE (see below).
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a free and anonymous telephone service that provides victims of crime both information and notification. VINE monitors the custody status of offenders in the Merced County Jail and receives updated information every 15 minutes.
The Toll Free Number for California VINE is 1.877.411.5588. Anyone can call the California State VINE line to determine an inmate's custody status. To search for offender information, callers will need one of the following items:
- Offender name or alias
- Secondary search option (if there is more than one offender with the same name), such as:
- Arrest date
- Date of birth
- Middle initial
- Offender identification number
VINE will let callers know about the offender's current custody status, the location of the inmate, and their offender number.
Prison Insights
Merced County Jail
Thank you for visiting us to better understand how inmates are treated while incarcerated at this institution. Please be sure to share this website with others so that we can spread the word and help to maintain rights for current and former inmates.
Please note that by checking the box below, you understand we will be contacting you via email to better understand how we can help you and where our data will be used.
After confirming by checking the box below and inputting your email address, please press "submit" and then click on "View Insights" for the area you'd like to reveal.
What Do Inmate Families Think?
What Do Former Inmates Think?
What Do Employees Think?
Visiting Hours and Rules
The visiting hours at the Merced County Jail are on Tuesday through Sunday, and the schedule is based on housing unit and custody status.
All visits are 30 minutes long, and you must arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of your inmate's visiting time to check in. Inmates are allowed a maximum of two visits per week.
The visitation schedule for the Merced County Jail is as follows:
Saturday Visits
1 Block Cells 1 through 3 8:00-8:15 am check In 8:30-9:00 am visitation
1 Block Cells 4 through 7 9:00-9:15 am check In 9:30-10:00 am visitation
2 Block Cells 5 and 8 10:00-10:15 am check in 10:30-11:00 am visitation
2 Block Cells 6 and 7 11:00-11:15 am check in 11:30-12:00 pm visitation
3 Block Cells 1 and 2 1:00 -1:15 pm check in 1:30 - 2:00 pm visitation
3 Block Cells 3 through 5 2:00-2:15 pm check in 2:30 -3:00 pm visitation
4 Block Cells 1 through 3 5:00-5:15 pm check in 5:30-6:00 pm visitation
Inmate Workers 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
SHU 3 and 4 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30-8:00 pm visitation
4 Block Cells 4 and 5 8:00-8:15 pm check in 8:30-9:00 pm visitation
Sunday Visits
4 Block Cells 1 4 and 5 8:00-8:15 am check In 8:30-9:00 am visitation
SHU 3 and 4 9:00-9:15 am check In 9:30-10:00 am visitation
Inmate Workers 10:00-10:15 am check in 10:30-11:00 am visitation
4 Block Cells 1 through 3 11:00-11:15 am check in 11:30-12:00 pm visitation
3 Block Cells 3 through 5 1:00 -1:15 pm check in 1:30 - 2:00 pm visitation
3 Block Cells 1 and 2 2:00-2:15 pm check in 2:30 -3:00 pm visitation
2 Block Cells 6 and 7 5:00-5:15 pm check in 5:30-6:00 pm visitation
2 Block Cells 5 and 8 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
1 Block Cells 4 through 7 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30-8:00 pm visitation
1 Block Cells 1 through 3 8:00-8:15 pm check in 8:30-9:00 pm visitation
Tuesday Visits
SHU 5 and 2 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
SHU 7 and 8 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30 -8:00 pm visitation
Wednesday Visits
2 Block Cells 1 through 4 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
SHU 1 and 6 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30 -8:00 pm visitation
Thursday Visits
SHU 5 and 2 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
SHU 7 and 8 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30 -8:00 pm visitation
Friday Visits
2 Block Cells 1 through 4 6:00-6:15 pm check in 6:30-7:00 pm visitation
SHU 1 and 6 7:00-7:15 pm check in 7:30 -8:00 pm visitation
The visiting schedule at the John Latorraca Correctional Center is based on housing units. All visits are a maximum of 30 minutes, and you must arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the inmate's visiting time to check in. The daily schedule is as follows:
BUILDING/DORMS SATURDAY SIGN-IN SUNDAY SIGN-IN
303,304 8:00-8:15 AM 8:00-8:15 AM
9:00-9:15 AM 9:00-9:15 AM
BI DORM 601 10:30-10:45 AM 10:30-10:45 AM
603 11:30-11:45 AM 11:30-11:45 AM
602,605 12:45-1:00 PM 12:45-1:00 PM
606,607 2:00-2:15 PM 2:00-2:15 PM
LOCKDOWN 190 CELLS
MON/WED 3:30-3:45 PM SIGN-IN ALL VISITORS
4:00-4:30 PM 1ST VISIT
4:30-5:00 PM 2ND VISIT
EASTSIDE LOCKDOWN
MON/WED 4:30-4:45 SIGN-IN ALL VISITORS
5:00-5:30 PM 1ST VISIT
5:30-6:00 PM 2ND VISIT
501 GP DORM
MON/WED 5:15-5:30 PM SIGN-IN ALL VISITORS
DORM 301 OPHU /502 / 401 BI
SIGN-IN TUESDAY SIGN-IN THURSDAY
301 4:00-4:15 PM 4:15-4:45 PM 4:15-4:45 PM
502 4:45-5:00 PM 5:00-5:30 PM 5:00-5:30 PM
BI DORM 401 5:45-6:00 PM 6:00-6:30 PM 6:00-6:30 PM
WEST SIDE LOCKDOWN
THURSDAY SIGN-IN THURSDAY VISIT FRIDAY SIGN-IN FRIDAY VISIT
6:15-6:30 PM 6:30-7:00 PM 4:30-4:45 PM 5:00-5:30 PM 1ST
IF NECESSARY 7:00-7:30 PM IF NECESSARY 5:45-6:15 PM 2ND
IF NECESSARY 7:30-8:30 PM IF NECESSARY 6:30-7:00 PM 3RD
SNY DORMS 503/504/505/506/507/508
DORMS SATURDAY SIGN-IN SUNDAY SIGN-IN
503/504/505 4:30-4:45 PM 8:30-8:45 PM
506/507/508 5:30-5:45 PM 7:30-7:45 PM
SNY DORMS 403/404/406
DORMS SATURDAY SIGN-IN SUNDAY SIGN-IN
406 6:30-6:45 PM 6:30-6:45 PM
403/404 7:30-7:45 PM 5:30-5:45 PM
Visiting List
Inmates at the Merced County Jail and JLCC must submit the names of potential visitors during intake processing. Your name must be on the inmate's visitor list in order for you to visit. The list can be updated once a month. Inmates may have as many visitors on their visiting list as they like.
Merced County Corrections Division staff will approve or deny the Inmate’s Visitor request after conducting a criminal history evaluation, warrants check and local Incident Report System. Visitor requests will be approved or denied within five days from the date the visitation form was submitted.
Visiting Rules
Only two visitors per inmate are allowed to visit each visiting day. The visitors are signed in on a first-come, first-served basis. Visiting sign-ups begin the hour before the visit is scheduled to occur. Visitors must complete the sign-in process at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit.
Visitors must report to the Lobby Window to sign in for a visit at the times designated on the visiting schedule. Visitors are processed in the order they arrive, and they are required to present a current and valid photo ID. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Visitors are not allowed to bring anything into the visiting areas. The only exceptions are: keys, ID card, and a baby bottle if bringing in an infant. All other items must be left in your vehicle.
Visitors are required to dress appropriately while visiting inmates at Merced County Jail and JLCC. Revealing, see through, low cut, or other provocative clothing is not acceptable. A specific dress code is posted in the lobby of each facility. Visitors who are not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to visit.
A visit may be denied or terminated and visiting privileges suspended under the following circumstances:
- Visitor is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Visitor refuses to submit to search procedures
- Visitors fails to present a valid photo ID
- Violation of institutional rules by a visitor or inmate
- Failure to prevent children from disturbing other persons in the visiting area
- Inappropriate display of affection, suggestive activity, or inappropriate dress
Each visitor must register and submit to a search prior to entry into the visiting room. Visitors, who refuse registration, fail to consent to search, or violate any of the posted facility rules, will be denied admission into the visiting room.
Physical Address
Merced County Jail
700 W. 22nd St.
Merced, CA 95340
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/hnps8tzvjDhGgVm86
John Latorraca Correctional Center
2584 W. Sandy Mush Rd.
El Nido, CA 95317
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/4bvvgj6CrGjvryww5
General Phone Number
Merced County Jail (209) 385-7410
JCCC (209) 385-7575
Visiting Information
Main Jail (209) 385-7419
JLCC (209) 385-7575
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Merced County Jail
Inmate's Name and Booking Number
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344
JLCC
Inmate Name and Booking Number
2584 W. Sandy Mush Road
Merced, CA 95341
Images of nude or partially nude persons are not allowed in inmate mail. The receipt of postage stamps or packages is not permitted. Magazines are not accepted unless sent directly from the publisher.
How to Call an Inmate
Inmates at the Merced County Jail cannot receive incoming phone calls. However, they have access to phones and can make outgoing collect calls from the inmate housing area.
California law has established the right of an arrested person to make at least three free local telephone calls upon being booked: one call to an attorney, one to a bail bond agent, and one to a relative or other personal contact. Phone calls are recorded and may be monitored at any time.
How to Send Money
There are three ways to fund an inmate account at the Merced County Jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center.
By Lobby Kiosk
Merced County Sheriff's Office
700 W. 22nd Street
Merced, CA 95340
Or
John Latorraca Correctional Center
2584 W. Sandy Mush Road
El Nido, CA 9531
Online via TouchPay
Go to http://tponlinepay.com/ to send money via debit/credit card or checking account.
By Telephone
Call 1-866-232-1899 (Toll Free) and follow the voice prompts. You must have a debit/credit card or a checking account.
You must have the following information to fund an inmate account:
Site ID No. 295340
Merced County, CA
Inmate ID No. and Inmate Name
Programs For Inmates
The Merced County Jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center offer numerous behavior intervention programs. They include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Anger Management, Parenting, Life Skills, and Job Placement.
Inmates also have the opportunity to obtain their GED, and are able to challenge the GED test at any time.
The Celebrate Recovery program is available through the Chaplin Services.
Employment Program
The Reentry program staff at the Merced County Jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center assist employment program participants in job preparation and placement services upon their release. It is the participant's responsibility to pursue job leads.
The Merced County Jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center are committed to locating employers that will hire ex-offenders in order to provide stable employment situations.
Pictures of Merced County Jail
Careers at Merced County Jail
If you are interested in a career with the Merced County Sheriff's Department and would like more information about the job openings at the Merced County Jail and the John Latorraca Correctional Center, click here.
