San Diego County Jail and Prison Communication Guide
Find the correct messaging, phone call, video visitation, and money transfer provider for correctional facilities in San Diego County, California. Using the wrong provider is the most common mistake families make. This directory shows you exactly which platform to use before you sign up.
San Diego County operates its jail system through the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Major facilities include San Diego Central Jail, George Bailey Detention Facility, Vista Detention Facility, and East Mesa Reentry Facility. All phone, video, and email communication at San Diego County jails is handled through Smart Communications using the SmartInmate system. Contact Smart Communications customer service at 1-727-349-1561 or at smartjailmail.com.
Phone calls from San Diego County jails are free for all local, long distance, and international calls. No funding is required to receive calls. You still need to create a free Smart Communications account at smartjailmail.com to be added to the approved call list. Each call is limited to 15 minutes. Calls display from the number 727-349-1561. Save this number in your contacts or some mobile carriers may flag it as spam and filter it out.
Important mail notice: San Diego County no longer accepts mail sent directly to six detention facilities. All mail must be sent to the county's central Mail Processing Center rather than to the facility address. Mail sent directly to a facility is rejected and returned to the sender. Electronic messages through SmartInmate must be plain text only, limited to one page, with no pictures or attachments. Staff reviews all messages before delivery.
Which provider do San Diego County jail families use?
Smart Communications handles all phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging at San Diego County jails through the SmartInmate system. This is different from most jails which use Securus, GTL, or JPay. If you previously had an account with another provider from a different county, you will need a new Smart Communications account for San Diego County facilities.
Are phone calls free at San Diego County jails?
Yes. Phone calls from San Diego County jail facilities have been free since July 1, 2021. Each call is limited to 15 minutes and calls are unlimited in number per day. No funds need to be deposited to receive calls. You still need a registered Smart Communications account at smartjailmail.com to receive calls.
What is the most common mistake San Diego County families make?
Missing calls because 727-349-1561 is flagged as spam is the most common problem. When San Diego County jails switched to Smart Communications, calls began displaying from this vendor number rather than a local number. Save 727-349-1561 in your contacts immediately. Check your spam or blocked calls list if you are not receiving calls from your loved one.
Communication Providers in San Diego County
These providers serve facilities in San Diego County. The correct provider depends on the specific facility.
Correctional Facilities in San Diego County
Select a facility to find the correct provider and communication options for that specific location.