Ventura County Inmate Search
In Ventura County, arrests are made when law enforcement officials believe an individual has committed a crime based on evidence and other investigative techniques. If the individual has committed a felony or misdemeanor in the officer's presence, officials may arrest without a warrant, according to California Law. Other reasons for arrest may include violating probation or failing to appear in court. Law enforcement officials prioritize public safety and upholding the law when making arrests while following established procedures to protect the rights of the accused.
Incarcerating an individual in Ventura County starts with the arrest, and the person is taken to a detention facility for booking and processing. During this time, their information and charges are recorded and searched for illegal items. After processing, they are held in the detention facility while awaiting trial or sentencing and may be released on bail or their own recognizance. Inmates receive necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and counseling.
Not all inmates in Ventura County jails are the same. Inmates are categorized according to their gender, age, medical needs, and the sort of crime they committed. Certain inmates may have varied privileges or limits based on their conduct or degree of detention. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office handles the categorization and housing of inmates inside the county's correctional system.
The Ventura County Main Jail houses inmates who are awaiting trial, sentencing or transfer to another facility. In contrast, the Todd Road Jail houses inmates sentenced to longer than one year in jail and inmates convicted of more serious crimes. The East Valley Jail is for female inmates and inmates with special medical or mental health needs. The Ventura Youth Correctional Facility is for juveniles who have been convicted of a crime. The Pre-Trial Detention Facility is a temporary holding facility for newly arrested individuals.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office oversees the Ventura County Jail system. The Sheriff's Office manages all aspects of the jail system, including inmate care, custody, staff, visitors, and security.
Individuals that wish to locate an inmate in Ventura County can use various inmate search tools or lookup inmate databases provided by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office or third-party websites. These resources can help one find information about an inmate's location, booking date, charges, and bail amount. However, not all inmates may be listed in the databases, and certain restrictions may apply to access inmate records.
Inmate records are considered public in the United States and therefore are made available by both traditional governmental agencies as well as third-party websites and organizations. Third-party websites may offer an easier means to search, as these services do not face geographical limitations. However, because third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the information obtained through them may vary from official channels. To find inmate records using third-party aggregate sites, requesting parties must provide:
- The location of the sought-after record, including state, county, and city where the inmate resides.
- The name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
Ventura County Crime and Incarceration Statistics
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and Ventura County Sheriff's Office, reports show that 52% of the inmate population in 2021 was incarcerated for nonviolent offenses. Examples of these offences include drug offenses, property crimes, and probation violations.
- Drug-Related Offenses: In Ventura County, drug-related offenses have been the county's most common type of arrest in recent years. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has a dedicated narcotics team that works to prevent the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in the county.
- Property Crimes: Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vandalism, are common in Ventura County. According to the FBI UCR data, the most commonly reported property crimes in Ventura County in 2020 were larceny/theft (5,231 incidents). Other popular property crimes include burglary (2,101 incidents) and motor vehicle theft (1,063 incidents).
- Violent Crimes: While not as common as drug-related and property crimes, violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and homicide still occur in Ventura County. The FBI UCR data shows that Aggravated assault was the most commonly reported violent crime, with 1,022 incidents, followed by robbery, with 262 incidents.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office released the 2021 crime statistics, which show a 5% increase in crimes according to the Uniform Crime Reporting statistics of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The report indicates that violent crimes rose by 3%, while property crimes increased by 5%. However, residential burglaries decreased by 10%. The Sheriff attributes the increase in property crimes to organized thefts from surrounding areas. Despite the increase, crime rates remain historically low.
Ventura County Prison System
According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, as of September 2021, the average daily population in Ventura County's jail facilities is around 1,400 inmates. The Ventura County jail system consists of five facilities, with a total rated capacity of 2,216 beds.
- Main Jail - rated capacity of 721 beds.
- Todd Road Jail - rated capacity of 696 beds.
- Pre-Trial Detention Facility - rated capacity of 150 beds.
- East County Jail - rated capacity of 300 beds.
- Ventura Youth Correctional Facility - rated capacity of 349 beds.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office manages the jail system. It is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for inmates. They provide care, medical services, and manage inmate programs while complying with state and federal laws, and working with community partners. They ensure that all facilities meet safety and security standards and provide educational and vocational programs for inmates to help them prepare for reintegration into society. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with community organizations to provide necessary support services.
How to Find an Inmate in Ventura County
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office provides multiple ways to search for an inmate, including an online tool, in-person visits, phone inquiries, and mail. Their online inmate search tool is accessible on their website and allows one to search for an inmate by name or booking number.
Individuals can contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Office directly or visit the office for inquiries on an inmate. Individuals can also mail a letter to the inmate at the facility where they are being held. The letter should include the inmate's full name, their booking number (if known) and their return address.
How Does a Ventura County Inmate Search Work?
In Ventura County, the laws that govern the sharing of inmate information are numerous and include both state and federal legislation. These laws include the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The CPRA requires government agencies to make records accessible to the public upon request, including information about county jail inmates unless there is a specific exception.
Ventura County has a formal process for requesting public records, including those related to inmates. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office also has established its own policies and procedures for sharing inmate information. These policies balance the public's right to access information and the inmate's right to privacy and safety.
During an inmate search in Ventura County, these types of information may be available, depending on the facility and the laws and policies governing the facility:
- Inmate name, booking number, and location
- Inmate booking and release dates
- Inmate charges and sentence information
- Inmate housing and visitation rules
- Inmate disciplinary records
- Inmate medical records (subject to privacy laws)
- Inmate release date (subject to privacy laws)
Where to Find a Ventura County Inmate Locator
To find a Ventura Inmate locator, some of the options that can be used to search include:
- Ventura County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: A person can use the inmate search tool of The Ventura County Sheriff's Office available on their website. The search can be done using the inmate's first and last name or booking number.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator: This tool is used for inmates sentenced to state prisons. Search can be done using the inmate's last name and first initial or their CDCR number.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator: This tool is used for inmates sentenced to federal prisons. Search can be done using the inmate's name or BOP register number.
- Third-Party Inmate Locators: Users can use third-party locators and their search feature to locate inmates in Ventura County for a fee - websites such as GoLookUp, JailBase, Pigeonly, and InmateAid. Information found through these locators may be less reliable and up-to-date than information provided by official government sources.
The cost of using third-party inmate locators can vary depending on the service provider and the type of search conducted. Some websites offer free basic searches with limited information; some charge a one-time fee of around $5-$10 for a comprehensive search. A few other websites charge a monthly subscription fee or a per-search fee.
How to Send Money to a Ventura County Inmate
In Ventura County, there are several ways for a person to send money to an inmate, and most of these methods attract a fee for the service.
Online Deposits: A person can make deposits online through the Access Corrections website. To make a deposit, a person must create an account, enter the inmate's name and booking number, and pay with a credit or debit card. This service comes at a fee.
Lobby Kiosks: There are 24/7 lobby kiosks at jail facilities where individuals can use cash or credit cards to make a deposit.
Phone Deposits: One can call Access Corrections at (866) 345-1884 to make a deposit.
Mail: A money order or cashier's check can be sent to the inmate by mail. The check or money order should be made payable to the inmate, and the inmate's full name and booking number should be included. Cash and personal checks are not accepted in the facilities.
How to Visit a Ventura County Inmate
The requirements for visiting a Ventura county jail differ depending on the facility. The general procedure for visiting facilities includes the following:
- Schedule a Visit: To schedule a visit, a person can call the jail facility where the inmate is located or use the online visitation system if the facility has one available. Visitors are required to provide their full name and other identifying information.
- Get Approved: To be approved, a person must provide valid government-issued identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Minors visiting inmates need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
- Dress Code: Visitors must dress appropriately according to the facility's regulations to be allowed to visit inmates. Revealing or gang-related clothing is not permitted.
- Arrival Time: Visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes earlier than their scheduled visitation time in order to be screened. Latecomers may not be able to visit.
- Security Screening: Visitors undergo security screening which could include a metal detector or physical pat-down by a security officer. Personal belongings like cell phones or purses are left in a locker or designated area.
- Conduct: Visitors must adhere to the code of conduct of the prison facility they are visiting. Some rules include no physical contact with the inmate, and no exchange of items are allowed. Inappropriate behavior could result in a terminated visit and a denial of future visits to the facility.
How to Send Jail Mail in Ventura County
The processes and rules for sending mail in Ventura county differ with each facility. It is essential to check the laws of the particular facility before sending a package, as a specified amount may be allowed, or the facility may have prescribed third-party vendors. However, some of the general procedures for sending jail mail include:
- Use an approved vendor: Check the facility's approved third-party vendor and follow their instructions for placing an order. Vendors' pre-approved items include non-expired packaged food, non-alcoholic beverages, hygiene products, clothing, and educational or religious materials.
- Package items appropriately: Use a sturdy box or padded envelope and include a note with the inmate's details (name and booking number). Prohibited items for jail mail include weapons, drugs, or explicit material.
- Send the package: Send the package to the facility's mailing address or through the shipping service specified by the facility.
- Delivery and inspection: On arrival, Packages are inspected to ensure compliance with the facility's rules and that no prohibited items are included. Approved items are delivered to the inmate.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has specific rules and regulations regarding what items are approved to be sent to inmates in the Ventura County jail. Items approved to be sent to inmates in Ventura County jails include:
- Letters and cards: Inmates are allowed to receive letters in standard envelope sizes. Letters should be written in blue or black ink, and cannot contain any type of stickers, glitter, or other embellishments.
- Photographs: The photograph must be 4x6 in size or smaller, and cannot be Polaroid or instant photos. They also cannot contain any nudity, sexually suggestive content, or gang-related symbols
- Money orders: Money orders must be made out to the inmate and sent in the mail.
- Legal materials: Legal materials must be approved by the facility and meet specific requirements.
- Prescription medication: Medication must be approved by the facility's medical staff and sent directly from the pharmacy.
- Personal hygiene items: Toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo may be sent if they are brand new and unopened.
- Books: Books must be new and paperback and sent directly from a publisher or bookstore.
Ventura County Jails and Prisons
Ventura county has several jails and prisons which different agencies operate. The list of jail facilities, prisons, and detention centers include:
Todd Road Jail
600 S. Todd Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: (805) 933-8501
Pre-Trial Detention Facility (Main Jail)
800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
Phone: (805) 654-3335
East County Jail
2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: (805) 494-8242
Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (CYA)
3100 Wright Road, Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: (805) 485-7951
