The Santa Barbara Jail, also known as the Santa Barbara County Jail, is a correctional facility located in Santa Barbara, California. The jail is operated by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and is designed to house individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, as well as those who have been sentenced to serve time for misdemeanors or felonies.
History of the Santa Barbara Jail
The Santa Barbara Jail has a long history dating back to the late 19th century. The first jail in Santa Barbara was built in 1870 and was located in the downtown area. Over the years, the jail has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing population of the county. In 1976, a new jail facility was opened, which is the current location of the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Facility and Operations
The Santa Barbara County Jail is a medium-security facility that can house up to 725 inmates. The jail is divided into several sections, including:
- Booking and Intake: This is where new inmates are processed and booked into the system.
- Housing Units: These are the areas where inmates are housed, and are divided into different sections based on the level of security and the type of offense.
- Medical Unit: This is where inmates receive medical attention and treatment.
- Programs and Services: This is where inmates can participate in educational and recreational programs, such as GED classes, counseling, and exercise programs.
The jail is staffed by a team of corrections officers, sergeants, and lieutenants who are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. The jail also has a medical staff, including nurses and doctors, who provide medical care to inmates.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Santa Barbara County Jail offers a variety of services and programs to help inmates prepare for their release back into the community. Some of these programs include:
- Educational Programs: Inmates can participate in GED classes, vocational training, and other educational programs to help them improve their skills and increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
- Counseling and Therapy: Inmates can receive counseling and therapy to help them address underlying issues, such as substance abuse or mental health problems.
- Recreational Programs: Inmates can participate in recreational activities, such as exercise programs, sports, and hobbies, to help them stay physically and mentally healthy.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Inmates can receive treatment for substance abuse, including counseling and medication-assisted treatment.
Visitation and Communication
The Santa Barbara County Jail allows inmates to receive visitors, as well as send and receive mail and phone calls. Visitors must schedule an appointment in advance and must follow the jail’s rules and regulations. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls to friends and family, and can receive mail and packages.
FAQs
How do I visit an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail?
+To visit an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail, you must schedule an appointment in advance by calling the jail at (805) 681-4260. You will need to provide the inmate's name and booking number, as well as your own name and contact information. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visit time and must follow the jail's rules and regulations.
How do I send mail to an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail?
+To send mail to an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail, you must address the envelope to the inmate's name and booking number, and send it to the following address: Santa Barbara County Jail, 4434 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. You can also send mail through the jail's online mail system.
How do I post bail for an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail?
+To post bail for an inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail, you must contact a bail bondsman or pay the full amount of the bail in cash. You can also use a credit card to pay for bail. The bail amount will be determined by the court and will depend on the severity of the offense and the inmate's prior record.
Conclusion
The Santa Barbara Jail is a correctional facility that is designed to house individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, as well as those who have been sentenced to serve time for misdemeanors or felonies. The jail offers a variety of services and programs to help inmates prepare for their release back into the community, including educational programs, counseling and therapy, and recreational programs. Visitors can schedule appointments to visit inmates, and inmates can send and receive mail and phone calls. The jail is operated by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
