County jail · San Diego
San Diego Central Jail
San Diego Central Jail is the Sheriff's main booking facility for men in downtown San Diego.
About San Diego Central Jail
Men arrested in the city of San Diego and much of the central and southern county are booked at Central Jail. That includes arrests by the San Diego Police Department.
Central Jail is in downtown San Diego near the county courthouse.
After booking, people may be housed at Central or moved to George Bailey, East Mesa or South Bay.
How to look up someone at this facility
- Go to the official San Diego County Sheriff's Office website and open its inmate search.
- Search by full legal name. Add a date of birth if the tool allows it.
- Write down the booking number. You'll need it for mail, money deposits and visits.
What families should know
People at San Diego Central Jail may be moved to other San Diego County facilities or taken to court, so housing can change quickly. Always confirm the person's current location before you visit or mail anything.
For bail and release questions, see our California bail basics. This site doesn't provide legal advice. Talk to a licensed attorney or the public defender's office about a specific case.
Location
San Diego Central Jail is in San Diego, San Diego County, California. View on a map. Check the official San Diego County Sheriff's Office website for the current visitor entrance and mailing address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if someone is at San Diego Central Jail?
Use the free official inmate search on the San Diego County Sheriff's Office website. Search by full legal name and date of birth, and write down the booking number.
Can I visit someone at San Diego Central Jail?
Visits follow the rules posted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. Most Southern California jails require visits to be scheduled ahead of time and require a valid government-issued photo ID. Confirm the current schedule on the official website before you travel.
How do I send money to someone at San Diego Central Jail?
Use only the deposit methods listed on the San Diego County Sheriff's Office's official website. These usually include online, kiosk or money order options. Never send money to someone who contacts you claiming they can get a person released.
Is SoCal Inmate Info affiliated with San Diego Central Jail?
No. We are an independent informational resource and are not affiliated with any law enforcement or government agency.