Visiting the Napa County Jail
The Napa County Jail, also referred to as the Napa County Detention Center, is located in Napa, California. This facility houses people awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
If you’re looking to locate an inmate, communicate with someone incarcerated, visit the facility, or simply understand the services offered, this guide is for you. We’ve compiled important information to help navigate the Napa CA County Jail system.
Currently, the Napa County Detention Center has 264 beds. It is undergoing renovations, so please check with the facility directly for any changes to procedures or visiting hours.
How to find an inmate in Napa County Jail
Napa County offers a few ways to find someone who’s been booked into the jail.
Official Napa County Inmate Search Tools
The county provides online resources to help you locate an inmate.
Online Inmate Search
The online inmate search lets you view booking reports and current in-custody lists. These reports usually include:
- Arrest date
- Booking number
- Charges
- Bail information
Contacting the Jail Directly
You can also call the jail directly. Make sure to provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth, if possible. You’ll also need to give them your own identification information.
Understanding Bail and Bonding
If someone you know has been arrested and taken to Napa County Jail, you’re probably wondering about bail. Bail is money that the court requires as a guarantee that a person will show up for their court dates.
Most people use a bail bond to pay for bail. A bail bond is essentially an IOU, and they’re typically obtained through a bail bondsman. The bondsman promises the court that they will pay the full bail amount if the person doesn’t appear.
The amount of bail depends on several factors, including:
- How serious the crime is
- The person’s criminal history
- Whether the court thinks the person might run away
Communicating with Inmates: Phone Calls and Mail
Staying in touch with someone incarcerated at the Napa County Jail involves understanding the regulations around phone calls and mail. Here’s a breakdown of how to connect.
Inmate Phone Calls
Napa County Jail inmates are allowed three free local phone calls when they’re booked. After that, they can make collect calls, or you can deposit funds into their account so they can call you.
To add funds, you’ll need to use either Securus Technologies (securustech.net) or Access Corrections (accesscorrections.com). You can set up an account online or deposit funds in person.
It’s worth noting that leaving a voicemail message for an inmate costs $1.99 per message.
Sending Mail to Inmates
If you prefer to write, you can send mail to inmates at the Napa County Jail. However, there are specific rules about what you can send and how the mail should be addressed. Legal mail gets priority.
Make sure you address the envelope correctly with the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the jail’s address. Check the Napa County Sheriff’s Office website for the precise format.
There are also items you absolutely cannot send. These typically include things like:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Stamps
- Envelopes
- Photos that violate the jail’s policy (e.g., sexually explicit content)
- Anything that could be considered contraband
Always double-check the current regulations on the Sheriff’s Office website before sending anything to ensure it gets delivered.
Inmate Commissary and Funds
The Napa County Jail provides inmates with basic necessities. However, the jail also operates a commissary, which allows inmates to purchase additional items.
What is the Inmate Commissary?
The commissary sells items that aren’t provided by the jail, offering inmates a way to supplement their basic needs and have a few comforts.
Depositing Funds into Inmate Accounts
Inmates can use funds in their commissary accounts to buy these preferred items. Friends and family can deposit money into these accounts either online or at a 24/7 kiosk located at the jail.
Spending Limits
Note that there’s a spending limit of $80 per week.
Allowable Items
The commissary typically sells food, hygiene products, and stationery.
Napa County Jail Visitation Guidelines
If you’re planning to visit someone at the Napa County Jail, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Scheduling a Visit
The jail offers both on-site and off-site (video) visits. You’ll need to schedule your visit at least 24 hours in advance, and you’ll be required to show appropriate identification when you arrive.
Visitation Rules and Regulations
There are strict rules governing how visits are conducted. These rules cover everything from the dress code to how visitors are expected to behave during the visit. In general, there are tight restrictions on physical contact between inmates and visitors.
Video Visitation
Remote visitation is available, so you don’t necessarily have to travel to the jail to see someone. Keep in mind that you’ll need to schedule a video visit in advance, and there may be fees associated with this service.
For more detailed information on visitation, it’s best to check the Napa County Sheriff’s Office website or contact the jail directly.
Health, Safety, and Well-being of Inmates
The Napa County Department of Corrections is supposed to provide a safe and humane environment for all inmates. Here’s a brief overview of how they address inmate well-being:
- Medical Care: Inmates have access to medical, dental, and mental health services. The exact level of care may vary.
- Mental Health Services: The jail offers some mental health support, though details on specific programs are limited.
- Programs Available: Inmates may participate in various programs, including 12-step programs, Bible study, and literacy courses. Availability can change.
- PREA Compliance: The jail is committed to following the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which aims to prevent sexual assault and harassment within correctional facilities.
What are the alternatives to jail time?
The Napa County Jail sometimes allows people who have been sentenced to serve their time outside of the facility. These alternative sentencing options include work furlough (leaving the jail to work) and home detention.
To be eligible, you’ll have to meet certain requirements and apply for the program. The application process requires a one-time fee of $75.
Alternative sentencing allows you to maintain your employment, live at home, and continue to support your family while still fulfilling your legal obligations. It can also reduce jail overcrowding and save taxpayer money.
What happens to an inmate’s property?
When someone is booked into the Napa County Jail, their personal belongings are inventoried, catalogued, and stored. Generally, these items are sealed in a container and returned to the inmate upon their release.
Under certain circumstances, an inmate can authorize a visitor to pick up their property. This usually requires filling out specific forms and getting approval from jail staff.
It’s worth noting that only a very limited number of items are allowed inside the jail. Inmates are typically provided with basic necessities.
In Summary
Knowing the ins and outs of the Napa County Jail, from how to visit an inmate to how to send mail or money, can make a difficult situation a little easier.
Keep in mind that jail policies and procedures can change. So, it’s a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
For the most current and complete details on everything from visitation rules to sending packages, be sure to check the official Napa County Jail website. Staying informed is key to navigating the system effectively.