Frequently Asked Questions

How can I post bail/bond for an inmate?

• If the inmate is a new booking and has completed the booking process or has appeared in court and has been remanded to the custody of the Sheriff, bail can be posted at the IRC Cashier's Office at 550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana.
• If the inmate has been sentenced, bail cannot be posted.
• Bail/Bond information will be available approximately six hours after booking time.

How long does the release process take?

• The average time is approximately 4 hours, but could be as little as 2, or as much as 6 hours.

How long after booking time are charges and bail information available?

• Usually, 2 to 3 hours.

When is an inmate going to court? / Did an inmate go to court today?

• call (714) 647-4666.

How do I put money on an inmate's account?

• If the inmate is housed in Santa Ana (Central Men's/Women's Jail or IRC) or Irvine (Musick) money may be placed in his/her account at the IRC Cashier's Office.
• If the inmate is housed at Theo Lacy, money may be placed in his/her account at the Theo Lacy Cashier's Office.

How can I get some or all of an inmate's property released to me?

• During regular visiting days and times, simply advise the Deputy at the information desk that you need a Property Release Form Complete the form in detail and return it to the Deputy who will obtain the inmate's signature. When the form is signed, the property will be brought to the information desk. You must wait until all of the above steps have been completed. If you do not wait, the property will be returned to storage and the process will begin again when you return. Only in cases of extreme emergency can it be done outside of regular visiting days and times.

When does an inmate receive Commissary?

• Inmates may order and receive regular commissary up to 3 times per week. Dependent upon jail location, commissary is delivered to the inmate population on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

What is available through Commissary?

• There are approximately 300 items available through Commissary Operations. Categories include Personal Care (hygiene for hand and body), "Hair care, Snacks, Nuts & Chips, Natural Foods, Beverages, Natural Beverages, Candy, Food Items, Stationery Supplies, Greeting Cards, Games and Gift Certificates". Inmates are continually introduced to new items through the "Introductory" category. While any of these items may be ordered with sufficient funds, "Welfare" packs (consisting of a few hygiene and stationary items) may be ordered by inmates having a balance of less than $1.00 and not ordering any items for .99 cents or less.