Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers | April 21, 2025 | Criminal Defense
San Diego County is home to several correctional facilities, including county jails, a state prison, and federal detention centers. These facilities are strategically located across San Diego County to house different inmate populations safely. If you or a loved one has been arrested or convicted, you may wonder where these jails and prisons are located in San Diego County.
County Jails in San Diego County, California
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department oversees several detention facilities that hold pretrial detainees and people serving short-term sentences, typically of one year or less.
Some of these facilities include:
San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ)
SDCJ serves as the primary intake facility for male inmates in the county. It handles bookings, initial court appearances, and short-term detentions.
Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility
Las Colinas serves as the county’s primary intake facility for female inmates. It also offers various rehabilitation and reentry programs.
George F. Bailey Detention Facility
George F. Bailey Detention Facility is the largest in the county, accommodating a significant portion of the inmate population, some with special housing needs. It includes six housing units, a medical area, and areas for processing and administrative services.
Vista Detention Facility
The Vista Detention Facility serves the northern areas of San Diego County. If your loved one was arrested in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, or surrounding communities, they may be housed at Vista.
South Bay Detention Facility
The South Bay Detention Facility primarily holds inmates from the South Bay region, including National City and Chula Vista. It is directly connected to the South Bay courthouse, facilitating court appearances.
East Mesa Reentry Facility (EMRF)
EMRF focuses on inmates nearing release. It provides job training, education, and other reentry services to prevent recidivism.
State Prisons in San Diego County, California
State prisons hold individuals serving longer felony sentences, unlike county jails, which typically house inmates for shorter durations. San Diego County has one state prison facility, which serves as the primary location for incarcerated individuals sentenced under California state law.
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) is the only state prison in San Diego County. Managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), it holds male inmates convicted of felonies and sentenced to serve time in state prison. It houses individuals of varying security levels and offers mental health, educational, and vocational programs.
If your loved one was recently sentenced to state prison, they may be transferred here from a county jail after classification.
Federal Detention Centers in San Diego, California
San Diego County is home to two key federal detention centers that house individuals facing charges in the federal court system or involved in immigration proceedings. These facilities are separate from state and county jails and are managed by the federal government or its contractors.
Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC San Diego)
The MCC San Diego federal detention center houses individuals awaiting trial or sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. If your loved one was charged with a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, immigration violations, or white-collar offenses, they may be detained at MCC.
Otay Mesa Detention Center
The Otay Mesa immigration detention center is a privately run facility that primarily holds individuals for immigration-related issues or federal custody. If your loved one is involved in an immigration case or facing deportation proceedings, they could be housed here.
Has Your Loved One Been Arrested in San Diego County, California?
San Diego County is home to several correctional facilities, including county jails, a state prison, and federal detention centers. These institutions are strategically placed to serve the diverse needs of the region’s criminal justice system. Contact a San Diego criminal defense attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case if you or your loved one has been arrested in San Diego County.
Contact a San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation, give us a call at (619) 357-4977, or visit our convenient location:
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers – San Diego Criminal Defense Law Firm
255 Broadway, Ste 1740. San Diego, CA. 92101
24/7
