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Located in the heart of revitalized Chula Vista, the South Bay Detention Facility (SBDF) was constructed four stories beneath the South Bay Regional Justice Center and opened for service to the community in 1982. It is a non-booking facility consisting of two detention levels.
On average, there are 459 inmates housed at SBDF. This population is evenly divided between higher and lower classifications of inmates. As part of an agreement with the City of Chula Vista, SBDF does not house any extremely high risk inmates. Inmates housed at SBDF account for approximately 8.6% of the total inmate population of San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
South Bay Detention Facility maintains a track record as being one of the safest facilities for both inmates and staff. SBDF consistently records some of the lowest crime rates per population. As such, inmate morale is higher and incidents involving injuries (to inmates and/or staff) are minimal.
As one of San Diego County’s less populated detention facilities, SBDF can be managed by 12 deputies and a Watch Commander. A full compliment of professional support staff helps keep the facility running efficiently. A professionally trained medical staff treats inmates for minor afflictions and illnesses. Detention Processing Staff manage the inmates court appearances, dispositions, and assist the friends and family of inmates to coordinate visitation, financial transactions, and bail.
SBDF provides a wide range of services to assist inmates in preparation to rejoin society as productive, law-abiding citizens. A full time counselor is staffed to address individual needs and coordinate recovery programs for the inmates to attend. Inmates are encouraged to attend Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings conducted by certified instructors who come in and provide bilingual services. Church services and Bible Study are also provided to the inmates in both Spanish and English.