Corrections Bureau Frequently Asked Questions

You can check the Sheriff's Office online booking log or call the jail's main number. Be prepared to provide the person’s full name and date of birth, if possible. Booking information is usually available within a few hours of arrest.

Home Page - Web Jail Viewer

Main Jail Number – (831)454-7800

The booking process begins with intake, which includes a pat search, property inventory, and completion of medical and mental health questionnaires. A pre-classification screening is also conducted to identify any immediate safety or housing considerations.

During processing, individuals are body scanned to prevent the introduction of drugs or contraband. They are then fingerprinted and photographed.

Next is booking, where biographical information is recorded and bail eligibility is determined. While in the Booking area, individuals are given access to jail phones to contact family, legal counsel, or arrange for bail if needed.

If the person remains in custody, they proceed to housing, where they are issued jail clothing and undergo further medical, mental health, and classification screenings to ensure proper and safe housing placement.

Once processed, individuals in custody are given access to a phone to make free local calls. They can call a friend, family member, or attorney. Please note, these calls are typically recorded and may be monitored.

In most cases, you cannot leave a direct message for someone who has just been arrested. However, individuals are allowed to make phone calls after booking. If you miss a call, they may try again later or you can set up a prepaid phone account through the jail’s phone service provider.

Prepaid collect – (888) 506-8407

ICSolutions - Friends & Family

Yes, release times vary and can happen at any hour, including overnight. If you are picking someone up, it’s best to stay in touch with the jail for updates or wait until daylight hours if safety is a concern. In compliance with SB 42 – The Getting Home Safe Act, the Corrections Bureau takes extra steps to ensure late-night releases are handled with safety in mind. Incarcerated persons have the option to voluntarily stay in jail if they are scheduled for release between 5 PM or sundown, whichever is later, and 8 AM. We also offer support through our partnership with Monarch Services, which provides safe release assistance such as transportation, phone access, and other resources when needed.

You will need to contact the law enforcement agency that took your statement or the District Attorney’s Office handling the case. The jail staff cannot assist with legal matters or case-related decisions.

In most cases, you should not bring medication directly to the jail. Instead, contact the jail who will connect you to the medical team. They will determine if the medication is necessary and how it should be provided.

Jail facilities operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, services like visiting, phone support, and public lobbies may have limited hours. Please check our visitation and contact pages for specific times.

The safety and security of the jail facilities are overseen by Correctional Officers and Supervisors under the authority of the Sheriff’s Office. They ensure the safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals through continuous monitoring, training, and adherence to state and federal regulations.

Corrections

You can call the jail’s main number and request housing information or check the online inmate locator if available. For privacy and safety reasons, only general information may be provided over the phone.

You can call the jail’s main number and request housing information or check the online inmate locator if available. For privacy and safety reasons, only general information may be provided over the phone.

Bail or bond can typically be posted at the jail facility or through an approved bail bond agency. 

Cash bail can be accepted at the Main Jail in Santa Cruz. This may be in the form of either cash or cashier’s check (Payable to Santa Cruz County Superior Court). You will also need to bring your valid DL, ID card, or Passport.

Bail or bond can typically be posted at the jail facility or through an approved bail bond agency. 

Money can be sent online or deposited via lobby kiosks. Care packages can also be ordered.

Money Deposits – (866) 345-1884

Money Deposits – Access Corrections

Care Packages – Access Securepak - Santa Cruz County Jail - CA - Welcome

Mail must be properly addressed and follow facility guidelines.

Address for Inmate Mail

Smart Communications – Santa Cruz County Jail

Attention to: (insert Incarcerated Person’s Name – ID Number)

P.O. Box 9143

Seminole, FL 33775-9143

Mailing Information

Books must be mailed directly from a publisher or online retailer like Amazon. They must be new, softcover, and meet facility guidelines. Magazines and newspapers may also be allowed. Contact the jail or check our mail rules page before ordering.

Yes, visitation is allowed based on housing location and classification. All visitors must be approved and follow rules related to dress code, behavior, and identification. Visits may be in-person or remote, depending on the facility. Check the visitation schedule for available times and requirements.

Visitor Information (English) 

Visitor Information (Spanish) 

Please note that visitation schedules are subject to change. If you have any questions regarding the schedule, please call (831) 454-7800.

Generally, personal items cannot be dropped off at the jail. All items, including hygiene products and snacks, must be purchased through the commissary. For special medical or legal items, contact the facility directly for guidance.

All facilities offer notary services for incarcerated persons. To request this, the person in custody should submit a request form through jail staff. Outside notaries may not be permitted unless pre-approved under special circumstances.

Yes, in some cases, an incarcerated person can release property to you by signing a release form. Property must be collected during designated hours, and you’ll need valid ID. Full property releases before sentencing are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The incarcerated person can request access to a signature form through jail staff, who can assist with having them signed and returned, depending on the content and legal purpose.

To request a commissary refund, the individual must provide one of their physical copies of the receipt to a Keefe employee or an officer. If the individual is no longer in custody and did not receive their order on distribution day, a refund request will be submitted to the Inmate Welfare Fund team, who will issue a check. Released individuals can then pick up the refund check from Jail Reception once it is ready.

If a check has been lost, the individual will need to contact Jail Reception to request a replacement. Jail Reception will provide a “Replacement Check Request Form” that must be completed. Once the form is submitted, the request will be reviewed, and the individual will be notified whether the check can be replaced. If approved, they will receive information about the replacement process and when the new check will be available for pickup at Jail Reception.

The Corrections Bureau offers a variety of programs focused on education, life skills, job readiness, substance use recovery, mental health support, and personal growth. Participation in programs is voluntary and often based on housing and classification.

Yes. Educational opportunities include GED preparation, literacy support, College preparation. Vocational training includes construction and culinary arts, depending on the facility and partnerships with outside organizations.

Yes, substance use recovery programs are offered in partnership with licensed providers. These include group sessions, counseling, and structured recovery classes tailored to support individuals dealing with addiction.

Mental health services include screenings at intake, crisis intervention, regular check-ins with licensed clinicians, and access to psychiatric care when needed. Individuals may also be referred to specialized housing units for closer mental health monitoring.

Reentry programs focus on life skills, job readiness, housing resources, and connections to community services. Staff work with incarcerated individuals prior to release to support a successful transition back into the community.

Yes. Incarcerated persons are allowed to practice their religion. The facility provides access to chaplains, religious materials, and services. Reasonable accommodations are made for dietary restrictions, prayer, and religious observances based on faith tradition.

Public tours of the jail facilities are not routinely offered. However, educational institutions or community organizations may request a tour by contacting the facility directly. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis, considering security protocols and operational requirements.

Yes, the Corrections Bureau engages in various community outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and fostering positive relationships. These include working with the Sheriff’s Activity League (SAL), participation in National Night Out, Trunk or Treat, the County Fair, and fundraising for the Special Olympics.

To file a complaint or express a concern, you can contact the Corrections Bureau directly through their official communication channels. Optionally, you can submit a complaint form (link below).

Complaint Form (English) – 2025 Sheriff's Complaint Form-English.pdf

Complaint Form (Spanish) – 2025 Sheriff's Complaint Form-Spanish.pdf

The Corrections Bureau recognizes the importance of family connections and offers various services to support families of incarcerated individuals. These include facilitating visitation, providing resources for maintaining communication, and offering information on community support programs.

Information about career opportunities within the Corrections Bureau, including current job openings, application procedures, and qualification requirements, can be found on the official website. Additionally, the Recruitment and Hiring Unit is available to answer questions and provide further assistance.

Legal and Court-Related Questions

31. How do incarcerated persons attend court proceedings while in custody?
Incarcerated persons are transported to court by the Corrections Bureau or appear remotely via video conferencing, depending on the case type and court requirements. Court appearances are scheduled and coordinated through the courts and facility staff.

Incarcerated persons are transported to court by the Corrections Bureau or appear remotely via video conferencing, depending on the case type and court requirements. Court appearances are scheduled and coordinated through the courts and facility staff.

Attorneys can schedule confidential in-person or video visits with their clients. Attorneys may also be contacted directly by the incarcerated person. All legal visits/calls are confidential and not monitored.

Pretrial detention means a person is awaiting trial or sentencing and has not yet been convicted. Serving a sentence means the individual has been convicted and is completing a court-ordered jail term.

The Corrections Bureau ensures incarcerated individuals have access to legal counsel, law library services, confidential communications with attorneys, and due process protections. Staff do not provide legal advice but help facilitate access.

Contact the County Court Clerk’s Office for case-related information. For release date or custody status, contact the jail facility or check the online inmate locator.

The incarcerated person should be able to tell you directly. If they are represented by a public defender, contact the local Public Defender’s Office with their name and booking number.

A Public Defender is a court-appointed attorney who represents individuals who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer. Public Defenders provide legal defense in criminal cases at no cost to the defendant.

Only licensed attorneys are permitted to enter secure areas of the facility for legal visits if they are the attorney on record. Members of the public must use regular visitation channels and are not allowed to accompany attorneys in confidential meeting areas.

Pre-trial refers to the time before a person’s case is resolved in court. Probation is a court-ordered alternative to incarceration or a form of supervision after serving time. Probation terms are managed by the Probation Department.

Yes, court clothing may be dropped off for jury trials only. Clothing must be clean, appropriate, and dropped off by a deadline before the trial date. However, this will need to be arranged with the incarcerated person’s attorney, and not the Corrections Bureau.

Releases occur throughout the day and night, depending on court orders, sentence completion, or posting of bail. Most releases are processed within several hours once all legal requirements are met.

Yes, individuals can make phone calls before release if they have access to the phone system and funds on their account. After release, they may call using their personal phone or a public phone outside the facility.

The Corrections Bureau offers educational, vocational, substance use, and life skills programs designed to support rehabilitation. Re-entry planning and partnerships with community-based organizations also help individuals succeed after release.

Yes. Incarcerated persons have access to outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Mental well-being is supported through counseling services, support groups, and partnerships with behavioral health providers.

The bureau follows strict internal policies, participates in state and local audits, and maintains compliance with legal standards. It encourages public feedback and regularly reviews procedures to improve operations and service.

The Corrections Bureau collaborates with community partners to offer programs, reentry services, and volunteer-led initiatives. These partnerships strengthen rehabilitation efforts and increase support for individuals inside and outside the facility.

Contact the In-Custody Programs Manager. They can provide information on opportunities, requirements, and how to get started. 

Call reception or email the clearance team at shfjailclearance@santacruzcountyca.gov

Please include your full name and the purpose of your clearance request in your message to help us assist you efficiently.

Reach out directly to the Program Coordinator at your assigned facility. They will provide guidance and assist with rescheduling or addressing your concerns. If the Program Coordinator is not available, call reception.

Yes. Volunteers, program staff, and visitors must have prior clearance and a scheduled appointment or visit. Walk-ins are not allowed due to security protocols.

You can report concerns or provide feedback by contacting the Corrections Bureau directly by phone, mail, or email. All concerns or issues are reviewed and handled according to policy.

Media inquiries must be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer. Requests for interviews with incarcerated persons require advance approval, consent from the individual, and coordination with facility administration.