Marin County Jail

You can support your loved ones at Marin County Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 415-473-6655.

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 Marin County Jail is a detention center located at 13 Peter Behr Dr San Rafael, CA which is operated locally by the Marin 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. Marin County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, San Rafael 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 Marin County Jail, an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office Detention Services Bureau, is strategically located on the Civic Center grounds in San Rafael, California. As a key facility within the county's criminal justice system, the Jail serves as the primary detention center for individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or have been sentenced by the Marin County Courts.

In 2022, the Marin County Jail managed the booking of 5,454 individuals and provided housing and care for an average daily population of 245 inmates. The facility accommodates both male and female inmates, ensuring their custody, care, and supervision in compliance with state law and the regulations set forth by the California Corrections Standards Authority (CSA). However, individuals under the age of 18 are not typically housed in the Jail, with exceptions only in specific cases as dictated by law.

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.

The Marin County Jail also collaborates closely with the Probation Department to manage over 258 sentenced individuals who are either on county parole or participating in work release programs. This partnership underscores the Jail's commitment to not only secure confinement but also to facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

The Jail's operations are guided by stringent standards established by state law and the CSA, ensuring that all aspects of inmate care, security, and facility management meet the highest levels of compliance and oversight. Additionally, the Jail serves as a temporary holding facility for individuals en route to other jails or state prisons, further underscoring its role within the broader state correctional system.