Santa Barbara County Main Jail

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department operates the Santa Barbara County Main Jail in Santa Barbara, California. 

This facility houses adult males and females who are arrested by county or municipal law enforcement. It also provides incarceration and rehabilitation services for pretrial and court-sentenced inmates. The other jail facility in Santa Barbara County is the Northern Branch Jail.

When arrested individuals arrive at the Main Jail, they go through the intake process before being housed in the inmate population. Intake includes a medical screening, the booking process, and the classification interview.

Inmate Search

To find out if your loved one is being held in the Santa Barbara County Main Jail, click here for the inmate locator 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 Santa Barbara County Main 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. 

Release/Bail

Some inmates may be eligible for release on their own recognizance soon after booking. Intoxicated inmates are held for up to 12 hours (sometimes longer) to ensure they are sober enough to be safely released. 

Most inmates at the Santa Barbara County Main jail are eligible for bail, and they have access to telephones to arrange bail through friends, family, or bail agents.

When it is determined that an inmate will not be released on their own recognizance or make bail, they are given a classification interview and their housing criteria are determined.

Property

If you are picking up property for an inmate, you must have a valid photo ID. Property pick up times are Friday from 6 pm to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 4pm to 7 pm. The pick-up location is at the inmate reception center (IRC) building. 

Persons picking up property for an inmate released to prison have 30 days from the inmates’ transfer day to collect it. Inmates must fill out a release form indicating a specific person who will be picking up property prior to leaving the facility.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

 visit window using telephone handsets. The visiting schedule is based on housing unit and is as follows (click here for a printable copy):

Sunday                  10:00 am-10:30 am                             D-Barracks NWRH-1 NWRH-2
                                (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                11:00 am -11:30 am                            E-23 E-24
                                 (Check In 10:15 am -10:45 am)

                                1:00 pm -1:30 pm                                  W-10 NWB-1 through NWB-5 NWB-7 & B-8
                                (Check In 12:15 pm -12:45 pm)

                                 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm                                 W-13 W-16 NWB-6
                                 (Check In 1:15 pm -1:45 pm)

                                  3:00 pm - 3:30 pm                                E-06 E-08 NWRH-3 NWRH-4
                                  (Check In 2:15 pm -2:45 pm)

                                  4:00 pm - 4:30 pm                                NWRH-5 NWRH-6
                                  (Check In 3:15 pm -3:45 pm)

                                  5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                 NWRH-7 NWRH-8
                                  (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)

                                   7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                               NWRH-9 NWRH-10
                                   (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)

Monday                     10:00 am-10:30 am                            E-1
                                   (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                    3:00 pm - 3:30 pm                             NWRH-25
                                    (Check In 2:15 pm -2:45 pm)

                                    6:00 pm -6:30 pm                               WRH-18 through WRH-23
                                    (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                    7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                              WRH-24 through WRH-29 NWRH-21
                                    (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)           NWRH-22

                                     8:00 pm -8:30 pm                               ERH-33 through ERH-38 NWRH-23
                                    (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)             NWRH-24

Tuesday                      10:00 am-10:30 am                            W-04 W-06
                                     (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                     11:00 am -11:30 am                           W-08 W-10
                                     (Check In 10:15 am -10:45 am)

                                     2:00 pm - 2:30 pm                               E-23 E-24
                                     (Check In 1:15 pm -1:45 pm)

                                     5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                SRH-01 through SRH-06 NWRH-13
                                     (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)            NWRH-14

                                     6:00 pm -6:30 pm                                 SRH-07 through SRH-12
                                     (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                     7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                SRH-13 through SRH-17
                                     (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)

                                     8:00 pm -8:30 pm                                  ERH-11 through ERH-12 SRH-20 SRH-21
                                     (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)

Wednesday                10:00 am-10:30 am                               BD-1 BD-2
                                     (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                      11:00 am -11:30 am                             D-Barracks
                                      (Check In 10:15 am -10:45 am)

                                      2:00 pm - 2:30 pm                                 W-13 W-16
                                      (Check In 1:15 pm -1:45 pm)

                                      5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                  ERH-13 through ERH-18 NWB-1 through
                                      (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)              NWB-5 NWB-7 and B-8

                                      6:00 pm -6:30 pm                                   ERH-19 through ERH-26
                                      (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                      7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                   MSF C-17 NWB-6
                                      (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)

                                       8:00 pm -8:30 pm                                   ERH-27 through ERH-32 NWRH-19
                                       (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)                NWRH-20

Thursday                       10:00 am-10:30 am                               S-Tank E-04
                                        (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                       11:00 am -11:30 am                               E-06 E-08
                                       (Check In 10:15 am -10:45 am)

                                       2:00 pm - 2:30 pm                                  W-01 BC-01 BC-04
                                      (Check In 1:15 pm -1:45 pm)

                                      3:00 pm - 3:30                                          pmNWRH-23 NWRH-24
                                     (Check In 2:15 pm -2:45 pm)

                                     4:00 pm - 4:30 pm                                    NWRH-11 NWRH-12
                                     (Check In 3:15 pm -3:45 pm)

                                     5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                     SRH-01 through SRH-06 NWRH-21
                                    (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)                  NWRH-22

                                    6:00 pm -6:30 pm                                       SRH-07 through SRH-12
                                    (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                    7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                       SRH-13 through SRH-17 NWRH-15
                                    (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)                    NWRH-16
                                   
                                    8:00 pm -8:30 pm                                         ERH-11 through ERH-12 SRH-20 SRH-21
                                    (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)                      NWRH-17 NWRH-18

Friday                          10:00 am-10:30 am                                      S-Dorm
                                     (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                     3:00 pm - 3:30 pm                                        NWRH-9 NWRH-10
                                     (Check In 2:15 pm -2:45 pm)

                                     4:00 pm - 4:30 pm                                        NWRH-7 NWRH-8
                                     (Check In 3:15 pm -3:45 pm)

                                     5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                         NWRH-5 NWRH-6
                                     (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)

                                     6:00 pm -6:30 pm                                         WRH-18 through WRH-23
                                     (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                    7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                          WRH-24 through WRH-29 NWRH-3
                                    (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)                       NWRH-4

                                     8:00 pm -8:30 pm                                         ERH-33 through ERH-38 NWRH-1 NWRH-2
                                    (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)

Saturday                    10:00 am-10:30 am                                       E-1 NWRH-11 NWRH-12
                                    (Check In 9:15 am -9:45 am)

                                    11:00 am -11:30 am                                     W-01 BC-01 BC-04
                                    (Check In 10:15 am -10:45 am)

                                    1:00 pm -1:30 pm                                          W-04 W-06
                                    (Check In 12:15 pm -12:45 pm)

                                    2:00 pm - 2:30 pm                                           BD-1 BD-2
                                    (Check In 1:15 pm -1:45 pm)

                                     3:00 pm - 3:30 pm                                          S-Dorm NWRH-13 NWRH-14
                                     (Check In 2:15 pm -2:45 pm)

                                    4:00 pm - 4:30 pm                                           S-Tank E-04 NWRH-15 NWRH-16
                                    (Check In 3:15 pm -3:45 pm)

                                    5:00 pm -5:30 pm                                            ERH-13 through ERH-18 NWRH-17
                                    (Check In 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm)                        NWRH-18

                                    6:00 pm -6:30 pm                                             ERH-19 through ERH-26
                                    (Check In 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm)

                                    7:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                           MSF C-17 NWRH-19 NWRH-20
                                   (Check In 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm)

                                   8:00 pm -8:30 pm                                             ERH-27 through ERH-32 NWRH-25
                                   (Check In 7:15 pm -7:45 pm)

Visiting Rules

All visits should be scheduled in advance, and the staff does attempt to honor all reservations. However, visits may be canceled or changed without notice. Please be aware that changes to an inmate's housing assignment may automatically cancel a scheduled visit. 

Walk-in visitors, that are on the inmate's pre-assigned visitation list, are accepted on a space available basis as long as the visitors check in on time.

All visitors must check in together one hour before the scheduled visit and are required to present valid photo identification. If a visitor is late, the visit may be canceled. Acceptable forms of ID are: 

• Driver’s license
• DMV Identification Card
• Federal, state, local government identification card (any state)
• Military or U.S. Government identification card
• Valid Passport
• U.S. Immigration identification (including visas)
• Border crossing card issued by the United States Department of Justice
• Current high school identification for children who do not possess a current California driver’s license or California I.D. card
• Matricula Consular ID card issued after April 22, 2002 by the Consul General of Mexico

An inmate is allowed a maximum of two visitors (including children) at any one time. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Visitors may be subject to a search of their person and belongings by deputies and are subject to warrant checks and arrest.

No smoking or vaping is allowed in any part of the jail including the lobby. No cigarette packs, loose cigarettes, cigarette lighters, or cigars are allowed on jail property.

Visitors are only allowed to visit with the inmate they signed up to visit. You may not change or trade inmates with another visitor. Once you leave the visitation area, the visit with the inmate is terminated.

Covertly communicating with an inmate by using notes, letters, hand gestures associated with gang affiliation, etc. is strictly prohibited.

The following items are not allowed in the visiting area:

• Purses / bags / backpacks
• Firearms, knives or other weapons
• Alcohol / Drugs
• Cigarettes / E-cigarette or Vaping device
• Pets
• Food / Drinks
• Cameras / Photography
• Cell phones / Computers / Laptops or Electronic devices capable of recording

A citation will be issued for cell phones and the visitor will be rejected from visitation for one year.

Dress Code

All visitors must dress in conservative and not revealing attire. Visitors who fail to comply will be denied their visit. Visitors must be fully clothed, and they must wear shoes or sandals.

• Visitors are not permitted to remove clothing items such as sweaters, jackets, etc. Which would violate the dress code standards.
• Visitors’ clothing must not refer to gang affiliation, display sexual or lewd comments or pictures, or have the potential for being offensive to others.
• Visitors must not display articles of clothing that could be deemed “gang” colors, such as hats, belts, bandanas, shoes, sportswear, etc.
• Visitors must not display tattoos or other body art that is gang or hate related.
• Clothing must cover the upper torso and lower/mid body parts.
• Shorts or skirts must be at least to mid-thigh length.
• Undergarments must not be visible.
• Sleeveless, strapless, halter, spaghetti straps, swimsuits, or bare midriff clothing are prohibited.
• No sheer or “see-through” clothing.
• No pajamas (top and/or bottom)

All inmate mail must be properly addressed (including a return address) and delivered through the U.S. Mail. Inmates are allowed to purchase pre-stamped envelopes and postcards from the jail commissary.

Incoming mail that includes articles, words, drawings, pictures, or suggestions of hatred, violence, frontal nudity, jail safety and security compromises, or other issues which may jeopardize the legitimate interest of the jail facilities will not be delivered to inmates.

The following is not allowed in inmate mail:

• Gang codes or markings
• Drugs or other contraband 
• Obscene provocative or suggestive pictures
• Writing or pictures that tend to incite violence, riot, racism or threaten the security of the facility
• Blank postcards, stationary, envelopes, or greeting cards
• Postage stamps from incoming mail, stickers, gum labels, musical or plastic cards, metal cards, wood cards, or multi-layer glued/bonded cards
• Pamphlets, paper clips, wire, staples, spiral bindings, pens or pencils
• Food items, lottery tickets, musical items, balloons, jewelry, etc.
• Personal ID cards
• Heavy crayon, ink drawings, glitter, foil, cloth or clothing material or leather
• String, buttons, bows, ribbons and any similar items
• Currency, money orders, or checks addressed to the inmate.
• Any other items determined to be inappropriate or unacceptable for safety or security reasons.

If any of these items are included in inmate mail, it will be rejected and returned to the sender.

Photographs

A maximum of five photographs are allowed in an envelope addressed to an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail. “PHOTOGRAPHS” must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. 

The inmate’s name, booking and CID Number must be written on the back of each photograph. Nothing else is to be written on the photographs.

Polaroids and photos larger than 4” x 6” are not allowed. Also, photos that are pornographic, nude, suggestive, showing gangs, gang tattoos, or hand gestures (signs) are not allowed.

Books, Newspapers, and Magazines

Inmates are allowed to receive new softbound, paperback books, subscription newspapers, and subscription magazines that are properly addressed and have been delivered from the publisher or a website like Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Books that are pornographic or pose a threat to the security and safety of the jail will not be accepted. 

All books and periodicals must be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or other recognized carriers. 

Newspapers, books and magazines will be delivered to inmates as long as they don't include articles, words, drawings, pictures, or suggestions of:

• Hatred
• Violence
• Frontal nudity
• Facility safety problems and security compromises
• Material likely to incite the reader to commit any illegal act; or
• Other material or subject matter which may jeopardize the safety and security of the facility.

How to Call an Inmate

Inmates at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail cannot receive incoming phone calls. However, they have access to phones between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, and can make outgoing calls from the inmate housing area. Phone calls are recorded and may be monitored at any time.

California law has established the right of an arrested person to make at least three free local telephone calls when they are booked: one call to an attorney, one to a bail bond agent, and one to a relative or other personal contact. 

How to Send Money

You can send money to an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail via Access Corrections. Deposits can be made by phone, online, or at a kiosk which is open and accessible 24 hours a day.

The kiosks are located at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail facility, and they accept debit/credit and cash deposits. To place money on an inmate’s account by phone, call 866-345-1884. To make an on-line deposit, go to www.accesscorrections.com.

Care Packages

Family and friends may purchase a care package for those incarcerated at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail through the following link: http://icaregifts.com.

Programs For Inmates

Educational and Vocational Opportunities

Adult Basic Education

Through partnership with Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) inmates are provided classroom and computer instruction to earn a high school diploma or obtain a G.E.D. Certification.

Continuing Education

Computer Literacy is part of continuing education, which helps inmates learn the proper aspects of computer operation, typing, creating documents and other skills necessary to help prepare them for the job market.

Personal Development Series

This is a popular class that allows students to get a jump start on their education while incarcerated

ServeSafe

The ServeSafe vocational program is in collaboration with SBCC. It provides culinary arts instruction and a certification required by the State of California. 

Sheriff’s Treatment Program (STP)

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Treatment Program (STP) teaches effective, evidence-based interpersonal skills that helps inmates develop a pro-social lifestyle and change their behaviors that lead to criminality and other risky choices.

This stand-alone program is for inmates who are at a high risk of reoffending. It offers classes and services that meet the unique needs of those inmates most likely to return to custody due to extensive criminality, anti-social lifestyle choices, and limited pro-social opportunities and experiences. 

Services and classes include:

• Case Planning/Management
• Cognitive Behavioral Training
• Criminal & Addictive Thinking
• Drug and Alcohol Education
• Relapse Prevention
• Anger Management
• Release and Reintegration

Pictures of Santa Barbara County Main Jail

Careers at Santa Barbara County Main Jail

If you are interested in a career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and would like more information about the job openings at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail, click here.