Contra Costa County - Martinez Detention

County Jail

Last Updated: August 19, 2024
Address
1000 Ward St, Martinez, CA 94553
Beds
1500
County
Contra Costa
Phone
925-335-4600

Contra Costa MDF is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Contra Costa County - Martinez Detention

You can support your loved ones at Contra Costa MDF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 925-335-4600.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Contra Costa MDF is a detention center located at 1000 Ward St Martinez, CA which is operated locally by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Contra Costa County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Martinez Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for California here.

The Martinez Detention Facility (MDF), established in 1981, is one of three detention facilities managed by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. As a maximum-security facility, MDF serves as the primary intake point for all individuals arrested in Contra Costa County. It houses a diverse population of pre-sentenced and sentenced inmates who are not eligible for less restrictive environments. The facility's administration and staff, comprising both sworn and professional personnel, are dedicated to maintaining a safe and clean housing environment while collaborating with community-based organizations to provide educational and rehabilitative programs.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

MDF offers a comprehensive range of inmate services and programs aimed at reducing the impact of crime on the community by helping inmates develop the skills, attitudes, and values necessary for successful reintegration into society. These programs include DEUCE, which focuses on substance abuse treatment, anger and stress management, and job development. Additional offerings include computer applications (such as web design), Adult Basic Education, parenting classes, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, independent study, transitional services, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and GED/high school diploma preparation and testing.

Vocational training is also an essential component of MDF's rehabilitative efforts. Inmate Industries, for example, operates programs like the Sign/Engraving Shop and Frame Shop, where inmates can learn valuable skills in engraving, vinyl banner production, framing, and sublimation. These skills are in demand within the community and can assist inmates in securing stable employment post-release. The Landscape Program further enhances vocational training by teaching inmates landscaping techniques, including soil preparation, planting, and the maintenance of irrigation systems. Inmates in this program also receive training in the proper and safe operation of landscaping equipment.

Library services at MDF are robust, with full-service libraries available for both male and female inmates. These libraries offer a wide selection of books and periodicals for checkout, as well as a reference library for use during scheduled visits. All library services are managed by an on-site librarian. Legal information and resources are provided by Legal Research Associates Incorporated, ensuring inmates have access to necessary legal support.

Spiritual care is provided by full-time chaplains funded through the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF). These chaplains, contracted through the Bay Area Chaplains, oversee over 200 volunteers who assist in meeting the diverse religious and spiritual needs of inmates. Chaplains offer counseling, conduct religious services and Bible studies, deliver requested religious materials, and review requests for religious diets.

The Inmate Welfare Fund, which is primarily financed through the sale of commissary items and Inmate Industry operations, supports most of the inmate services and programs offered at MDF. This fund ensures that inmates have access to the resources they need to make positive contributions to their families and communities, both during and after their incarceration.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in California. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Contra Costa County - Martinez Detention.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Martinez Detention Facility Visitation - Click here for Visiting Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday:

  • 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday:

  • 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday:

  • 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Up to four visitors may visit an inmate at one time and all visitors must be scheduled and enter the facility no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of any visiting block. Registration of scheduled visitors will begin 30 minutes before the posted visiting time. Visitors are required to have their visit slip time stamped and in the tray 30 minutes before their visit.

Social visits will be scheduled only by the inmates. Please refer to Visiting Rules and Regulations for specific guidelines regarding these visits. Custody Services Bureau information posted is for reference only and does not necessarily include a specific policy in its entirety. Custody Services policy is reviewed frequently and is subject to change at any time.

Visiting Rules and Regulations - Each inmate and visitor is responsible for his or her conduct during visits. Any violation of laws, regulations or procedures governing visits may result in termination, suspension, restriction, revocation, arrest, or denial of visiting with the person or persons involved. Visitors may be excluded from visiting activities by the Facility Commander because of prior misconduct. The visiting process is governed by rules and regulations.

Visitors are expected to dress appropriately and maintain a standard of conduct during visiting that is not offensive to others and is consistent to make visiting a safe, positive, and constructive time for families, inmates, and staff.

All regulations of visiting shall be made available to all visitors, staff, and inmates at the time of admission.

The privacy of inmates and their visitors shall be respected subject to the need to verify the identity of an inmate or visitor, enforce laws, regulations, and procedures, and/or ensure the safety of persons and facility security. The Office of the Sheriff may utilize video-recording devices in visiting areas, excluding areas where confidential attorney consultations occur.

Visiting privileges shall be suspended only by order of the Facility Commander, except where the suspension is imposed as part of a formal disciplinary proceeding. Inmates should not be denied access to visits with persons of their choice except when the Facility Commander or designee can present clear and convincing evidence that such visitation jeopardizes the safety and security of the facility or the visitors. The Classification Unit will be notified of all visiting suspensions.

Ask The Inmate

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