Merced County Main Jail Facility

Search for an Inmate in Merced County

Merced County Main Jail Facility Information

The Merced County Main Jail Facility is a 200-bed jail located in Merced, Merced County, California. For inmate information, you can call them 24/7 at 209-385-7410.

This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies within the county. They are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to stay in custody until their trial is resolved.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the jail's roster and see who is currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time in this facility. Those with sentences longer than one year will be transferred to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On this page, you'll find information on inmate services, including the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's useful to note and save the inmate's jail ID or booking number, which is often needed for sending mail or other communications. If you can't find it online, you can call Merced County Main Jail Facility at 209-385-7410 for assistance.

Phone: 209-385-7410

Physical Address:
700 W. 22nd St.
Merced, CA 95344

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

To search for an inmate in the Merced County Main Jail 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 209-385-7410 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for Merced County and every other county in California.

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Search

The Merced County Main Jail Facility maintains an average of 200 offenders in custody on any given day. The Merced County Main Jail 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 Merced County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 22,300 offenders.

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About the Merced County Main Jail Facility

The Merced County Main Jail Facility in California has a capacity of 189 inmates, which is the maximum amount of beds per facility. It is located in the city of Merced, California, which has a population of 286,000. The facility is considered a regional medium to maximum security jail. The Merced County Main Jail Facility is located at 700 W. 22nd St., Merced, CA 95340. The facility can be contacted by phone at (209) 385-7410. The John Latorraca Correctional Facility is also located in Merced County.

The Merced County Main Jail Facility in California allows visitation hours from 7:30am to 9:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Visitation is on a first-come, first-serve basis with two visitors allowed per day. Visitation privileges may be limited depending on the inmate's status.

Inmates at the Merced County Main Jail in California have raised issues about the cleanliness and sanitary standards of their housing facilities, medical care, education and job training opportunities, and safety and security incidents. In June 2020, an inmate died in a shower due to dilapidated conditions. Inmates have also protested through a hunger strike to draw attention to these issues. The Merced County Main Jail Facility in California is unique in that it works closely with the Merced County Sheriff's Department, Merced City Police Department, and the Merced State Prison.

It also has an inmate search feature on its website. If you scroll down you will find answers to all of your questions about bail, communicating with an inmate, visting them and everything you else you need to know about the Merced County Main Jail Facility.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How does the booking process work at Merced County Main Jail Facility?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Merced County Main Jail Facility for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Merced County Main Jail Facility typically includes the following steps:

  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
  • DNA collection, if required.
  • Conducting a thorough search.
  • Confiscating personal belongings.
  • Providing a free phone call.

Depending on circumstances, booking can take anywhere from one hour to up to 48 hours, especially during busy periods or if the individual is uncooperative. For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 209-385-7410.

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Directions / Map to the Merced County Main Jail Facility
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Merced County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Merced County Main Jail Facility in Merced for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 209-385-7410 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

  • Bail can be paid using cash, a money order, or a credit card.
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Merced County can assist with payment.
  • Real estate located in the county can be used as bail collateral. 

For more information on the bail process in Merced County, California, visit the Merced County Main Jail Facility Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility? What is the Schedule?

Merced County Main Jail Facility INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE

700 W. 22nd St.
Merced, CA 95344
209-385-7410

  • 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, and may then fill out a new form every month they are incarcerated between the 1st and 5th.
  • Inmates may have as many visitors on their visiting list as they like.
  • Only two visitors are allowed to visit each visiting day. Children and infants count as one of the two allowed visitors.
  • Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week. Additional visits may be allowed with permission.
  • The visitors will be signed in on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Valid and current State issued picture identification is required of visitors. 
  • Children under age 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian in order to visit.
  • The parent or guardian must also provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate or legal documentation showing proof of guardianship.

Visiting sign-ups begin the hour before the visit is to occur.
Visitors must complete the sign in process not less than 15 minutes before the scheduled visit to ensure that the inmate has time to prepare for the visit.

HOUSING DAY TIME
4 BLOCK CELLS
4 & 5
SUN 8:30-9:00AM
SHU 3 & 4 SUN 9:30-10:00AM
INMATE
WORKERS
SUN 10:30-11:00AM
4 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 3
SUN 11:30-12:00PM
3 BLOCK
CELLS 3, 4, 5
SUN 1:30-2:00PM
3 BLOCK
CELLS 1 & 2
SUN 2:30-300PM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 6 & 7
SUN 5:30-6:00PM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 5 & 8
SUN 6:30-7:00PM
1 BLOCK
CELLS 4 THRU 7
SUN 7:30-8:00PM
1 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 3
SUN 8:30-9:00PM
MONDAY
NO VISITS
MON      N/A
SHU 5 & 2 TUE 6:30-7:00PM
SHU 7 & 8 TUE 7:30-8:00PM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 4
WED 6:30-7:00PM
SHU 1 & 6 WED 7:30-8:00PM
SHU 5 & 2 THU 6:30-7:00PM
SHU 7 & 8 THU 7:30-8:00PM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 4
FRI 6:30-7:00PM
SHU 1 & 6 FRI 7:30-8:00PM
1 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 3
SAT 8:30-9:00AM
1 BLOCK
CELLS 4 THRU 7
SAT 9:30-10:00AM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 5 & 8
SAT 10:30-11:00AM
2 BLOCK
CELLS 6 & 7
SAT 11:30-12:00PM
3 BLOCK
CELLS 1 & 2
SAT 1:30-2:00PM
3 BLOCK
CELLS 3 THRU 5
SAT 2:30-300PM
4 BLOCK
CELLS 1 THRU 3
SAT 5:30-6:00PM
INMATE
WORKERS
SAT 6:30-7:00PM
SHU 3 & 4 SAT 7:30-8:00PM
4 BLOCK
CELLS 4 & 5
SAT 8:30-9:00PM

*** All 2 man SHU cells in 1 BLOCK, 2 BLOCK and INTAKE will visit seperately from other SHU cells

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Merced County Main Jail Facility

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Merced County, follow these instructions:

  • Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
  • Select California.
  • Select Merced County Main Jail Facility
  • Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 209-385-7410 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
  • Enter your billing information and send money.
  • You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Merced County Main Jail Facility.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Merced County.

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 Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Merced County Main Jail Facility, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility, and what can I send them?

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Merced County Main Jail 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 Merced County Main Jail 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 & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344



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 Merced County Main Jail Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Merced County Main Jail 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 & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Merced County Main Jail 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 Merced County Main Jail Facility:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344


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 Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility, and what can I purchase?

Merced County Main Jail Facility allows pre-determined commissary packs to be purchased by friends and family of inmates.  

The service they use is called icaregifts.

Instructions

1.    Register here.
2.    Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3.    Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4.    Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5.    Merced County Main Jail Facility has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6.    You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.

There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 

They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…

… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…

… with many gift packs priced in between.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for Merced County Main Jail Facility

Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Merced County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility follow these steps:

  • Register here to create an account with icaregifts for Merced County.
  • Choose California, then Merced County Main Jail Facility, and then the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Merced County at any one time.
  • There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 
  • The gift packs for inmates in Merced County range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper, to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Merced County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Merced County Main Jail 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 Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Merced County Main Jail Facility? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Merced County

What are the other City and County Jails in Merced County?

Merced County County Jails
Merced County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Merced County?

Merced Madera Fresno San Benito Santa Clara Stanislaus Mariposa
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Search for an Inmate in Merced County

This facility, known as "Merced County Main Jail Facility" is also known as Merced County Jail, Merced County Jail, Main Facility , Merced County Jail, Main Facility , California, Merced.