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Santa Barbara Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Santa Barbara Co Jail - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • All federal holidays

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 805-681-4260 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

Santa Barbara County Main Jail - Visitation

Visiting Hours - Saturday & Sunday

  • Registration - 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
  • Visitation​ - 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
    • ​Cells - MBD-1, MBD-2, MBD-3, E-23, E-24, El-11 thru El-22, Sl-13 thru Sl-17
  • Registration - 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Visitation​ - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
    • W-06, W-08, BC-01, BC-04, S-Tank, S-Dorm, WI-18 thru WI-29, SI-20 & SI-21
  • Registration - 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
  • Visitation​ - 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
    • E-01, E-04, E-06, E-08, W-13, W-16, BC-17, EI-25 thru EI-38, SI-01 thru SI-12

Cells

  • MSF
    • Registration - 7:00 am - 7:30 am
    • Visitation​ - 8:00 am - 8:45 am
  • West 1,4,10
    • Registration - 7:00 am - 7:30 am
    • Visitation​ - 8:00 am - 8:45 am
  • C-07, C-08
    • Registration - 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
    • Visitation​ - 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Required Identification - Only those visitors with the following types of valid photo identification shall be allowed to visit inmates in the custody of the Sheriff:

  • Driver’s license
  • DMV Identification Card
  • Federal, state, local government identification card (any state)
  • Military or U.S. Government identification card
  • Valid Passport
  • U.S. Immigration identification (including visas)
  • Border crossing card issued by the United States Department of Justice
  • Current high school identification for children who do not possess a current California driver’s license or California I.D. card
  • Matricula Consular ID card issued after April 22, 2002 by the Consul General of Mexico

A maximum of 2 visitors (including children) may visit an inmate at any one time. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. When preparing to schedule a visit, please have the following information ready for all visitors.

  • Full name
  • Identification number
  • Current home address

While we attempt to honor all visit reservations, visits may be changed or cancelled without notice. Also, changes in the inmate’s housing assignments may automatically cancel a scheduled visit.

General Rules for Visiting Inmates

  1. All visitors must check-in together one hour before the scheduled visit and are required to present valid photo identification. If a visitor is late, the visit may be cancelled.
  2. Walk-in visitors, that are on the inmates' pre-assigned visitation list, will be accepted on a space-available basis as long as the visitor's check-in one hour before the visit time.
  3. Visitors must be placed on a visitation list which the inmate provides. 4 visitors can be on the list. the list can be updated the last 3 days of the month and the first 3 days the inmate is in custody.
  4. Inmates have the right to refuse visits at any time.
  5. There is no expectation of privacy in a jail facility. Social visits may be monitored or recorded.
  6. Visitors who have been incarcerated within the last 12 month or on felony probation will not be permitted to visit.
  7. If you have previously been convicted of a felony and served time in state prison, you may not enter the grounds of a county jail without the permission of the Facility Commander. That permission should be obtained in writing before attempting to schedule a visit. Entry to the facility grounds without such permission is a felony (California Penal Code §4571).
  8. Visitors may be subject to a search of their person and belongings by deputies and are subject to warrant checks and arrest.
  9. Visitors must be 18 years or older to visit. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children may not be left unattended, in parked vehicles or on the facility premises, at any time.
  10. No smoking or vaping is allowed in any part of the jail including the lobby.
  11. All visitors must dress in appropriate attire. Visitors who fail to comply with the dress code will be denied their visit. Please see below more information about the Visitor’s Apparel.
  12. Visitors are only allowed to visit with the inmate they signed up to visit. You may not change or trade inmates with another visitor. Once a visitor departs the visitation area, the visit with the inmate is terminated.
  13. Covertly communicating with an inmate by using notes, letters, hand gestures associated with gang affiliation, etc. is strictly prohibited.
  14. Any visitor committing a criminal act anywhere on jail property is subject to arrest.
  15. Any visitor bringing illegal contraband into the visiting area is subject to arrest.
  16. Violation of any of the rules by a visitor may subject him/her to loss of visiting privileges.

The following items are not permitted in the visiting area:

  • Purses / bags / backpacks
  • Firearms, knives or other weapons
  • Alcohol / Drugs
  • Cigarettes / E-cigarette or Vaping device
  • Pets
  • Food / Drinks
  • Cameras / Photography
  • Cell phones / Computers / Laptops or Electronic devices capable of recording
  • A citation will be issued for cell phones and the offender will be rejected from visitation for one year.

Visitor’s Apparel - Visitors are expected to dress to meet the constraints of the institutional setting. Attire should be conservative and not revealing. Lobby staff has final determination of acceptable clothing

  • Visitors shall be fully clothed
  • Visitors shall wear shoes or sandals
  • Visitors will not be permitted to remove clothing items such as sweaters, jackets, etc. Which would violate the dress code standards.
  • Visitors’ clothing must not refer to gang affiliation, display sexual or lewd comments or pictures, or have the potential for being offensive to others.
  • Visitors must not display articles of clothing that could deemed “gang” colors, such as hats, belts, bandanas, shoes, sportswear, etc.
  • Visitors must not display tattoos or other body art that is gang or hate related.
  • Clothing must cover the upper torso and lower/midbody parts.
  • Shorts or skirts must be at least to mid-thigh length.
  • Undergarments must not be visible.
  • Visitors must not wear sleeveless, strapless, halter, spaghetti straps, swimsuits, or bare midriff clothing.
  • No sheer or “see-through” clothing.
  • No pajamas (top and/or bottom)
  • No cigarette packs, loose cigarettes, cigarette lighter or cigars

Visiting Inmates at Santa Barbara County Main Jail

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

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Santa Barbara County Main Jail, located in Santa Barbara, 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.