Alameda County Santa Rita Jail: Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
Alameda County Santa Rita Jail is one of the largest jails in California and the United States. Located in Dublin, California, it serves as the primary detention facility for Alameda County. The jail has a capacity of approximately 4,000 inmates and houses both male and female prisoners.
Contact Information
Address: 5325 Broder Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 551-6500
Website: Alameda County Sheriff's Office - Detention and Corrections
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Santa Rita Jail, you can use the online Inmate Locator provided by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. You'll need the inmate's name or booking number to search.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the housing unit and day of the week. Visitors must register online through the Visitor Registration System. General visiting hours are typically:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- No visits on Mondays and Tuesdays
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through various methods:
1. Online: JailATM
2. Kiosk: Available in the jail lobby
3. By phone: Call 1-866-345-1884
4. By mail: Send money order to Inmate's Name and PFN, Santa Rita Jail, 5325 Broder Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through GTL. Video visitation is available through the same system used for scheduling in-person visits.
Inmate Services and Programs
Santa Rita Jail offers various programs and services, including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Mental health services
- Library services
History of the Facility
Santa Rita Jail opened in 1989, replacing the older facility in San Leandro. It was designed to be a modern, efficient correctional facility capable of housing a large inmate population.
Security and Management Information
The jail is operated by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. It utilizes modern security systems, including video surveillance, perimeter control, and centralized command centers. The facility is divided into housing units based on inmate classification and security needs.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Legal visits are not counted against regular visitation time. Inmates also have the right to receive mail, make phone calls, and have reasonable access to medical care.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a medical screening. Release times vary depending on the circumstances of release (e.g., posting bail, completion of sentence, court order).
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are only allowed to bring a valid government-issued ID and car keys. All other items must be left in lockers provided in the lobby.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Most inmates are allowed two 30-minute visits per week. However, this may vary depending on the inmate's classification and behavior.
Can I send books or magazines to an inmate?
Books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. Personal packages are not accepted.
Famous Prisoners
- Hans Reiser - Linux programmer convicted of murdering his wife
- Max Wade - Convicted of attempted murder and auto theft, known for stealing chef Guy Fieri's Lamborghini
- Derick Almena - Charged in connection with the Ghost Ship warehouse fire
- Kori Ali Muhammad - Accused of killing four people in a racially motivated shooting spree in Fresno
- John Lee Cowell - Convicted of murdering Nia Wilson at a BART station
