Big Bear Jail

Search for an Inmate in San Bernardino County

Big Bear Jail Information

The Big Bear Jail is a 50-bed jail located in Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California. For inmate information, you can call them 24/7 at 909-866-0118.

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 Big Bear Jail at 909-866-0118 for assistance.

Phone: 909-866-0118

Physical Address:
477 Summit Bl
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Name,Booking Number
San Bernardino County Central Detention Center
630 East Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0025

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Big Bear Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Big Bear Jail, 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 909-866-0118 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for San Bernardino County and every other county in California.

Big Bear Jail Inmate Search

The Big Bear Jail maintains an average of 50 offenders in custody on any given day. The Big Bear Jail 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 Bernardino County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 174,960 offenders.

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About the Big Bear Jail
The Big Bear Lake City Jail in California has a capacity of less than 30 inmates, with two sobering cells that can hold up to 10 inmates. This is much lower than the capacity of the West Valley Detention Center, which can hold up to 3,347 inmates. The Big Bear Jail is located at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake, California. The phone number for the jail is (909) 866-0100 and the fax number is (909) 866-0110. The email address for the jail is big-bear@sbcsd.org . Visitation hours at the Big Bear Lake City Jail in California are Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with inmates permitted to have visits with their family members daily between the hours of 8 am to 4 pm. Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time and late arrivals will not be accepted. Emergency visits are also available. All visitors need to fill out an application before visiting. The Big Bear Jail in California holds less than 30 inmates at any given time and rarely allows it to get near capacity. Inmates are paid a prevailing wage, with deductions for room and board, crime victim compensation, prisoner family support and mandatory savings for release. There have been allegations of a 'culture of violence' in San Bernardino County jails, with inmates describing specific instances of excessive force by deputies that resulted in broken bones, dislocated joints, bruising, swelling and more. The recidivism rate is also high due to insufficient medical treatment and bad prison conditions. Big Bear Jail in California is a Type I facility, meaning it can only be used as a temporary holding space and not for longer stays. It houses male offenders who are convicted for crimes in the area. The jail is also historically significant, as it was the site of Big Bear's trial in 1885, where he was acquitted of charges related to the Frog Lake Massacre.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How does the booking process work at Big Bear Jail?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Big Bear Jail 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 Big Bear Jail 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 909-866-0118.

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Directions / Map to the Big Bear Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

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

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Big Bear Jail in Big Bear Lake 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 909-866-0118 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County, California, visit the Big Bear Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail? What is the Schedule?

Big Bear Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

477 Summit Bl
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-0118

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 909-866-0118 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 909-866-0118 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Big Bear Jail uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 



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 Big Bear Jail 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.
Big Bear Jail 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 Big Bear Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 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 Big Bear Jail?

Big Bear Jail uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 




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 Big Bear Jail 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.
Big Bear Jail 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 Big Bear Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Bear Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Big Bear Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from San Bernardino 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 Bernardino 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 Big Bear Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail, and what can I send them?

Big Bear Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Big Bear Jail 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 Big Bear Jail 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:
477 Summit Bl
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
477 Summit Bl
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315



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 Big Bear Jail 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 Big Bear Jail 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:
477 Summit Bl
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Bear Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Bear Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Big Bear Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Bear Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Big Bear Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Bear Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 909-866-0118 for further assistance.

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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino Mohave La Paz Riverside Orange Los Angeles Kern Inyo Clark
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Search for an Inmate in San Bernardino County

This facility, known as "Big Bear Jail" is also known as Big Bear Jail, California, San Bernardino.