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CMWJ Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 20,2024


Visitation Hours

CMWJ - 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 714-834-5955, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

Central Men's Jail - Visitation

Hours:

Housing Location Check-In Time Window Closes, No Visits Accepted After Modules C-15 & C-16 (Special Handling) 7:30am 7:45am General Population 8:30am 5:00pm Module D-19, D-20 & F 29, F-30 (Special Handling) 9:00am 9:15am Modules A-03, A-04 & C-13, C-14 11:00am 11:15am Modules O/R & Sheltered Living (Special Handling) 1:00pm 1:15pm DIS/ISO Overflow (Special Handling) 3:00pm 3:15pm

Note: Inmates at The Central Men’s Jail receive their meals from 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM daily, and may refuse visits offered at the times. All visiting times are subject to change without notice.

Parking: Visitors may park in the parking structure across from the Santa Ana Police Department.

Rules

  • Visitors are required to show valid photo identification prior to a visit. Only government issued ID’s are accepted (State Driver’s License or Identification Card, Passport, Consular Card, etc.)
  • Each inmate is allowed one public visit per visiting day.
  • We strongly urge visitors to coordinate their visits with their loved ones so as to avoid a situation where two visitors show up (at different times) to visit the same inmate. One of the visitors will be turned away as inmates are only allowed one visit per day.
  • Each visit will last a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Two adults and one child under five may visit. Only two visitors plus one child under five years of age, or one adult and two children under five years of age, will be permitted to visit any one inmate.
  • Children must be under adult supervision at all times.
  • Upon prior request of the Watch Commander, unaccompanied minor children may visit any relative in custody.
  • Visitors who have been released from jail or prison within the preceding sixty (60) days are ineligible to visit. However, visits between blood relatives (i.e., mother, father, sister or brother) or spouse may be allowed even though the visitor was released from our custody within the last sixty (60) days, with Watch Commander approval.
  • Visitors may only possess identification and keys while inside the facility for their visit.
  • For visitor safety and to expedite the security screening process, bulk property (e.g., purses, make-up bags, day planners, books, backpacks, baby diaper bags, etc.) are prohibited and will not be allowed in visiting. Lockers are available at some facilities for visitors to store bulk property at their own expense.
  • Visitors with babies or toddlers may possess necessary items such as diapers, wipes, clothing or garment(s) for breast feeding, formula, and bottles, separate from the diaper bag. However, each item will be subject to search.
  • Nursing mothers shall be discreet and covered when breastfeeding their child in the visiting area. Failure to do so may result in termination of visiting for that day.
  • No food, drinks, candy, gum, cigarettes, matches, lighters, pepper spray.
  • Weapons or anything deemed inappropriate are not allowed in this facility.
  • Cell phones, laptops, cameras and other electronic devices are prohibited and not allowed on the facility.
  • All documents requiring an inmate's signature requires the permission of the visiting staff.
  • Clothing that is derogatory, offensive, revealing, or deemed inappropriate by the visiting staff will not be allowed.
  • Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed and are subject to arrest.
  • Visitors shall proceed to their assigned seat and remain there until the inmate arrives.
  • You will need the inmate's booking number when you check-in. To search for an inmate's booking number click here.

Visiting Inmates at Orange County-Central Men's and Women's Jail (CMWJ)

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 Santa Ana 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 Orange Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Orange County-Central Men's and Women's Jail (CMWJ), located in Santa Ana, 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.