The West Valley Detention Center (WVDC), often called San Bernardino County Jail, is one of the largest county jails in California. It is located in Rancho Cucamonga, where it has been operational since 1991, and houses a staff of approximately 600 personnel.
This facility primarily detains medium to maximum-security inmates who are in pre-trial detention. Some convicted offenders also reside here on a short-term basis prior to transferring elsewhere.
Inmates are able to attend certain court hearings, such as arraignments, and other hearings that can be conducted over video conferencing with the courts in San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Victorville, and Barstow. Video conferencing aids in streamlining the court case process because inmates do not need to be removed from the jail to attend the hearings.
Location and Contact Information:
Address: 9500 Etiwanda Ave Rancho Cucamonga CA 91739
Phone: (909) 350-2476
Parking: Visitors may park for free at the visitor’s center.
This guide is a complete breakdown of how the West Valley Detention Centre operates. Let’s have a deeper look at it.
1. How to Post Bail
If your friend has been detained, you can pay the bail 24/7 at the San Bernardino County Jail by:
– Cash Payment. Paying the full bail amount in cash is the most effective way to secure an inmate’s release.
– Cashier’s Check or U.S. Postal Money Order. It needs to be made out to San Bernardino Trial Courts and must cover the total bail amount.
– Property Bonds: This option allows you to use a property as collateral. While the case is being heard, the court will file a lien against the property.
– Bail Bonds: Payments can also be made through a bondman. He will accept 10% of the total amount as payment. He covers the rest, but this fee is non-refundable.
What Happens If the Defendant Misses Court?
– If the defendant fails to appear, the court retains the bail funds.
– If a bondsman posted bail, expect some repayment of the bail he covered.
– Using a property bond means that the court can foreclose the property.
Need Help?
A bail bondsman isn’t free. In those circumstances, it is recommended that you work with a criminal defense attorney who practices in Rancho Cucamonga. He will seek to set a bail hearing where it will be requested to lower or even eliminate the bail.
For more details, reach out via phone to the jail at (909) 350-2476 or refer to the San Bernardino County Bail Schedule.
2. How to Get Information on an Inmate?
To get information on an inmate in West Valley Detention Center, you can:
1. Contact the jail directly at (909) 708-8371.
2. Use the Internet to Access the inmate locator of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
In most cases, inmates are arraigned no later than two days from the time of their booking. To follow up on an inmate’s case, check the San Bernardino Case Information website.
3. Inmate Communication.
Inmates cannot be contacted by phone. However, inmates can obtain a designated free call period during the day each day.
4. General Information on Inmate Visits
Inmates can receive visitors from Wednesday to Saturday between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm. All visits can only be booked twenty-four hours ahead of time by either:
– Phone app or Web browser (inmate locator/visiting portal) (Available 24/7)
– (909) 887-0364 (Tues -Fri 9 am – 3 pm)
Visitation Guidelines
Here are some of the visitation guidelines for the West Valley Detention Centre to keep in mind:
– Each inmate will be permitted to receive visitors twice a week, with a cap of two guests allowed during each encounter.
– Kids 12 years and above can visit unattended.
– Arrivals are required to come at least a half hour in advance with a Government-issued picture ID such as a:
– California DMV license
– California ID
– US shared passport
– Green card
– US Military ID
Prohibited Items
Here is a list of prohibited items:
– No handbags, arms, gadgetry, or snacks.
– Mouth coverings are mandatory.
– Those who visit prisoners run the risk of being searched, and individuals with lingering warrants or parole violations may get detained.
Special Permissions
– Written Permission must be obtained from the facility commander by convicted felons before any visits are made.
– Their probation officer will need to approve them for payroll probationers and parolees.
– Clergy members are advised to call Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center at (909) 473-1761 to arrange a visit.
5. How to Send Mail?
To send mail to an inmate, address it as follows:
[Inmate’s Name & Booking Number]
9500 Etiwanda Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Mail Restrictions
– Plain envelopes for letters are required. Postcards cannot be thin cardstock.
– A return address and the sender’s name are required on the letter.
– 50 photographs can be included, but none of the following:
– Nudity
– Gang-related content
– Stickers, glue, tape
– Perfumed, stained, or damaged letters
Content must not include violent or sexually explicit images in magazines, newspapers, and books, which must come directly from the publisher or a service like Amazon.
6. How to Send Money to an Inmate?
An inmate’s account at the West Valley Detention Center can be loaded with money through the following three methods:
– At the jail lobby, there are deposit kiosks (available 24/7) that accept:
– Cash
– Credit Cards
– Debit Cards
– Sending a U.S. Postal Money Order or Cashier’s Check to West Valley Detention Center requires the inmate’s name and booking number on it.
Money Uses
Inmates have complete control over their funds for commissary purchases, such as:
– Snacks
– Phone cards
– Hygiene products
For deposit limits, prior to sending money, please call (909) 350-2476.
7. Services Available to Inmates
Some WVDC programs include:
– Education: GED classes
– Vocational Training: Culinary art, laundry, landscaping
– Medical and Mental Health Care
– Anger Management and Substance Abuse Counseling
– Religious Services from several Chaplains
– Library & Commissary
All inmates are booked into the facility through a health screening, fingerprinting, and mug shot process.
8. Claiming an Inmate’s Property
An inmate must sign a “release of property” form if they want to relinquish their possessions. A couple of days following the claim, the nominated person will receive a call with details on how to retrieve the belongings. To collect the property, present a valid ID that corresponds to the name given on the release form.
Conclusion
Understanding the West Valley Detention Center system might be complicated, but learning the rules and procedures makes it less difficult. It does not matter if you are sending money, visiting an inmate, or trying to post bail. Taking the proper steps ensures everything goes as planned. If legal aid is needed, reach out to a prominent defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga to help safeguard the rights of the loved one.