The San Diego Vista Detention Facility is a 886 bed jail in the city of Vista, San Diego County, California. Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they either get bail or are released from custody on their own recognizance.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 760-936-0014, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the San Diego Vista Detention Facility at 760-936-0014 to get it.
Phone: 760-936-0014
Physical Address:
325 S. Melrose Drive, Ste. 200
Vista, CA 92081
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 760-936-0014 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for San Diego County and every other county in California. The San Diego County District Attorney also has a helpful website where you can look up an offender's criminal court case online.
The San Diego County Sheriff provides a resource for looking up Active Arrest Warrants for this county.
San Diego Vista Detention Facility Inmate Search
This is a link to all of the city and county jails, and juvenile detention facilities in San Diego County.
The San Diego Vista Detention Facility maintains an average of 886 offenders in custody on any given day. The San Diego Vista Detention Facility has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year San Diego County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 131,780 offenders.
The following charts of San Diego County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the San Diego County Corrections Department, the state of California Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in San Diego County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for San Diego County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
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San Diego Vista Detention Facility is an 886-bed jail. It does intake functions for both male and female inmates. The address is 325 S. Melrose Dr., #200, Vista, CA 92081. Although renovations have taken place on this jail, it is the oldest jail in this County's system. The phone number for San Diego Vista Detention Facility is 760-936-0014.
Search for an inmate with the Sheriff's Who's In Jail online tool.
There are low-risk to high-risk inmates in this facility, most there awaiting their trials. Some have special needs in terms of psychiatric services. There are also veterans held here, and there is a specific program for them called the Veteran's Moving Forward program which tries to help former soldiers in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Click on these links to research the services through this jail such as Visitation, Mailing, Phone, Money, Bail Bond Instructions, or scroll down to get more information.
If you wish to link to other San Diego County jails, do so below:
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the San Diego Vista Detention Facility, call the jail’s booking line at 760-936-0014.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
San Diego Vista Detention Facility Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in San Diego County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in San Diego County and other California and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the San Diego Vista Detention Facility will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?
30 Minute Visits
Lower West - Disabled Visitors
Lower West 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Upper West 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
East House 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
North House 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
M2, M3, Medical Isolation
South House 1, 4, 5, 6
60 Minute Visits
South House 2 & 3
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 7:30AM - 10:00PM |
| MONDAY | 7:30AM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | NO VISITS |
| WEDNESDAY | NO VISITS |
| THURSDAY | 7:30AM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 7:30AM - 10:00PM |
Register with Securus online prior to calling to make a reservation.
Units
N1, N4, N5, N6, S1-S6, M2, M3, E2,
E3, E5, LW1, LW2, LW3, UW1-UW6
N3, E1, E4, E6, N2
| DAYS | TIMES |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk.
Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.
What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.
How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that San Diego Vista Detention Facility inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.
Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.
Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
San Diego Vista Detention Facility Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility?
Register with Securus online prior to calling to make a reservation.
Units
N1, N4, N5, N6, S1-S6, M2, M3, E2,
E3, E5, LW1, LW2, LW3, UW1-UW6
N3, E1, E4, E6, N2
| DAYS | TIMES |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
| DAILY | 7:10AM - 10:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility?
To deposit money into the account of an inmate in San Diego County, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility?
Local, long distance, and international calls are free.
A person can make unlimited phone calls per day.
To give everyone equal opportunity to use the phone, each call will be limited to 15 minutes.
You must first register your inmate with Securus.
To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from San Diego County do the following:
1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.
2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.
To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your San Diego County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The San Diego Vista Detention Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The San Diego Vista Detention Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The San Diego Vista Detention Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the San Diego Vista Detention Facility standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
For inmates receiving mail in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the San Diego Vista Detention Facility:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Booking #
Vista Detention Facility
Mail Processing Center
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?
Friends and family of inmates in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility can purchase commissary online and have that shipped directly to an inmate.
Commissary items range from snacks to hygeine products to stationary. You can even deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own items.
Friends and family of inmates in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility can purchase commissary online and have that shipped directly to an inmate.
Commissary items range from snacks to hygeine products to stationary. You can even deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own items.
To learn everything you need to know about how to purchase commissary for an inmate, and limits to how much you can deposit, check out our Commissary Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
Search for the inmate on Who’s in Jail site using the incarcerated person’s name. To prevent conflicts in spelling, you may search using only the first two letters of the first and last name.
Next, do the Captcha code to verify you are not a bot.
You should see a list with one or more names. Click on the last name of the correct person to view the inmate's page in the Who’s in Jail system.
Halfway down the page you will see an envelope icon you can click in order to send a message. Follow the instructions on submitting your email address.
Then open your email account, click on the link and send your message.
Every San Diego Vista Detention Facility inmate is allowed to send and receive two digital messages per day, each totalling no more than 2,500 text charcters.
Search for the inmate on Who’s in Jail site using the incarcerated person’s name. To prevent conflicts in spelling, you may search using only the first two letters of the first and last name.
Next, do the Captcha code to verify you are not a bot.
For complete instructions on how to exchange emails with an inmate in the San Diego Corrections system, check out our Inmate Email page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the San Diego Vista Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Vista Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 760-936-0014 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in San Diego County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding San Diego County?
This facility, known as "San Diego Vista Detention Facility" is also known as San Diego County Jail - Vista Detention Facility.
