Effective December 06, 2023:

The Custody Information line for all Sheriff's detention facilities has integrated to one central phone number. For public inquiries, please utilize (619) 409-5000 and select the option for your desired facility.

Quick Facts

• Opened in 1993
• Rated Capacity: 1,380
• Facility Size: 189,050 sq. ft.

Located in Otay Mesa, the George Bailey Detention Facility (GBDF) is a maximum-security facility and the largest of all the facilities operated under the San Diego County Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Construction of the facility was completed in 1991. The facility was opened for limited operation in 1993 and was fully operational in 1994.

The facility design includes six housing units, a medical area, an incarcerated persons processing area and an administrative area. Located in the administrative area are the Detentions Processing Unit, Operational Support Unit, and the Facility Command staff.

Staffing at GBDF include sworn and professional staff in both operational and support roles. They are comprised of Food Services, Religious Services, Medical Services, Counseling Services, Laundry and Supply Services, Administrative Support Services, Detention Processing Services, and Maintenance Support.

GBDF houses a very diverse population of incarcerated persons, some with special housing needs. Currently, the facility houses three units of distinct special management incarcerated persons.

Attention All Visitors

Beginning January 15, 2024, GBDF will begin offering video visitation via the SMART Communications System.

Video visitation is available 7 days a week and are 30 minutes in length. Incarcerated persons will be allowed 2 video visits per week.  Visits are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis, there will be NO same day visits.  Reservations must be made one day in advance and can only be scheduled by visiting SmartInmate™ - Corrections Communications Services (smartjailmail.com).  An account must be created prior to scheduling a visit.  Visits are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

***Due to a recent change in the phone system provider for our incarcerated population, calls from inside our detention facilities are coming from the number 727-349-1561.  It has come to our attention some mobile carriers are identifying this number in their spam settings and calls from incarcerated persons may be filtered out.  To ensure you receive these calls, please program this number into your phone or contact your phone provider to unblock this number.  We are working toward additional solutions and will post any additional changes here. ***

Hours of operation for the George Bailey Detention Facility reservation line are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

In-person social visit reservations can be scheduled by calling (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday.  Visitation is available 5 days a week, with no visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  A maximum of 3 visitors, including children, are permitted per visit.  Minors must be accompanied by a parent, court appointed guardian or other adult having legal custody.  Visitors 18 and over must have valid ID.  Social visits are 30 minutes in length.

All visits are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Video Visit Times House 1/2/5/6

 Video Visit Times House 3 A/B/C

Reservations must be made one day in advance. ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK-IN 60 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED VISIT TIME. Cancellations can be made in person with ID verification. Visits may be canceled at any time due to rule violations, incarcerated person transfers, or for jail security.

In Person Visitation Times

Houses 1B/2B/3B/4B - 30 Minute Visits

Houses 1C/2C/3C/4C - 30 Minute Visits

House 5A- 30 Minute Visits

House 5B- 30 Minute Visits

House 5C- 30 Minute Visits

House Medical- 30 Minute Visits

Learn more about visitation on our Visiting page.

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