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John Latorraca Correctional Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 20,2024


Visitation Hours

John Latorraca Correctional - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am - 6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 209-385-7575, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

Merced County Mail Jail - Visiting Hours

Visitation regulations will include regular scheduling of visits at times that will assure reasonable access to inmates by family, friends and attorneys/investigators. The Corrections Lieutenant will establish limits to the number and length of visit appropriate to the size of the visitation area and other relevant factors. Attorney/Investigator visits are not scheduled but are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and conform to regular daily events and security issues. Notice will be given to both visitors and inmates of contraband restrictions and visiting regulations, including procedures for obtaining approval for family members and friends to visit. This information will be included in the facility's Inmate Hand Book.

Approval: Each inmate will submit the names of potential visitors using the Inmate Visitor Information Form. Inmates may complete and submit the form upon intake processing. The inmate may submit a new form each month between the 1st and 5th day. Inmates may have as many visitors on their visiting list as they like. Only two visitors are allowed to visit each visiting day. The visitors will be signed in on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 (5) days from the date the visitation form was submitted. The inmate may appeal the decision to the Corrections Lieutenant through the grievance procedure. A Shift Sergeant may for compelling reasons, approve a special visit and that visit will be documented in an Incident Report. Correctional Staff will complete the approval/denial process using the following guidelines:

  1. A request which does not contain complete or accurate information will be denied.
  2. Persons with an active warrant will be denied.
  3. Persons convicted of a felony, convicted of a drug offense, charged with a violent or sex-related crime, or has been arrested in the last five (5) years for any reason, will be denied.
  4. Persons who have an active restraining order against the inmate will be denied.

Visiting Process: Any person, other than attorneys/investigators and official visitors, wishing to visit an inmate housed at a Merced County Correctional Facility will report to the Lobby Window to sign in for a visit at the times designated on the visiting schedule. Visitors will be processed in the order in which they arrive.

  1. Visiting sign-ups begin the hour before the visit is to occur. Visitors must complete the sign in the process not less than 15 minutes before the scheduled visit to ensure that the inmate has time to prepare for the visit.
  2. Visitors will be required to present a current and valid picture identification which could be any United States driver’s license, or any United States identification card, Military Identification Card or a United States Passport.
  3. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian in order to visit. Valid and current State issued picture identification is required. The parent or guardian must also provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate or legal documentation showing proof of guardianship. An infant counts as one of the two allowed visitors.
  4. Emancipated minors or underage spouses, with legal documentation may visit.
  5. No minor child, related or unrelated, who was an exploited victim of the inmate will be allowed to visit.
  6. The personnel assigned to the Lobby Window will verify the visitor’s identification information, determine if the visitor has been cleared to visit, and log the inmate’s name and visiting information.
  7. At the end of visiting sign-ups, the correctional officer will retrieve the visiting information from the Lobby Window and place the appropriate inmates into the visiting room.
  8. Visits will comply with Title 15 and may occur up to twice a week for no less than thirty minutes if otherwise permitted.
  9. Visitors will not be allowed to bring anything into the visiting areas. Keys, their ID card, and a baby bottle if they are bringing in an infant, are the ONLY exceptions. The visitor will be directed to secure any other items outside of the jail facility.
  10. Visitors are required to dress appropriately while visiting inmates in this facility. Revealing, see-through, low cut or other provocative clothing is not acceptable while visiting in this facility. A specific dress code is posted in the lobby of each facility. Visitors who are not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to visit.
  11. Cancellation of regular visiting for safety/security reasons will be at the discretion of the Corrections Lieutenant and/or Shift Sergeant.
  12. A mother may breastfeed her child during visitation. Due to the unique psychological and emotional issues involved with confinement, for the safety and security of all parties involved, it is essential that nursing mothers be discreet, i.e., breast concealed from casual observation, for example, covered with a blanket or other such item when in the visiting area. Failure to do so shall result in the termination of visiting for that day. Repeat violations shall be referred to a Corrections Lieutenant.

Denial or Termination of a Visit: A visit may be denied or terminated and visiting privileges suspended under the following circumstances:

  1. Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
  2. Refusal by a visitor to submit to search procedures;
  3. Refusal or failure to produce sufficient identification for purposes of registration, or the falsifying of identifying information by a visitor;
  4. Violation of institutional rules by a visitor or inmate;
  5. Failure to prevent children from disturbing other persons in the visiting area;
  6. Inappropriate display of affection, suggestive activity, or inappropriate dress; and/or
  7. Other conduct or conditions deemed by the shift supervisor and/or Jail Administrator to be disruptive to visiting operations or to security and good order.

A full report on any such incident will be submitted by the attending Corrections Officer to the Shift Sergeant and if the inmate was involved, a Disciplinary Report will be filed against the inmate involved.

When an individual is not approved, notice of and reasons for the exclusion will be given to the inmate who submitted the individual's name within five (5) days of the date the form was submitted.

Searches: A sign is posted at each visitation entrance stating facility rules and search policy for visitors. 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. If there is reasonable suspicion that the person is carrying contraband, a further consensual pat-down search may be undertaken and/or entry will be denied.

Visitation Schedule: Inmates will be allowed a minimum of two 30 minute visits per week. Visits for days other than the scheduled days and times may be approved by the Corrections Lieutenant or their designee.

Visiting Conditions: Visits will be supervised by staff at all times. Visits will be at such determined times and for as long as but not less than 30 minutes that permit equitable distribution of visitation resources. Space in the visitation area will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The shift supervisor may extend visits by reason of distance traveled, past infrequent visits, or other compelling reasons.

Attorney/Investigator Visits: A visitation area will be available to ensure privileged communications between inmates and their attorneys; however, the area used for these visits is subject to general staff supervision. Each attorney requesting to see an inmate must be identified through their California State Bar card and photo identification. Inmates may refuse to see any attorney. Once the inmate is placed into an interview room, the attorney/investigator will be allowed entry into the interview room.

News Media: Any News Media persons requesting entry and/or access to interviewing staff or inmates must first obtain authorization from the Sheriff or his/her designee. Refer to Merced County Sheriff’s Office Policy, Chapter 3, Section 346, News Media Relations.

Records: Inmate Visitor Information Forms will be scanned and imported in the document section of the inmate’s computer booking file. Daily records of persons entering the facility are contained in a binder and stored as needed for future reference. A copy of the attorney/investigator’s credentials will be placed into the Attorney Reference Binder.

Visiting Inmates at John Latorraca Correctional Facility

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Merced CA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Merced Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The John Latorraca Correctional Facility, located in Merced, CA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.