Kern County Central Receiving Facility is the first stop for everyone arrested by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, this jail handles all new bookings before inmates move to longer-term housing. When someone arrives, staff log them into the county’s electronic system, take photos and fingerprints, and assign a unique ID number. Most people stay for 24 to 48 hours while waiting for their first court hearing or release. If they need to stay longer, they are transferred to the Lerdo Complex, which holds up to 1,200 inmates in medium-security units. The facility runs 24/7 with about 80 correctional officers and medical staff. In 2023, the average daily intake was 34 bookings, with a peak of 57 in one day during law enforcement operations.
Booking Process and Inmate Identification
Every person brought into the Kern County Central Receiving Facility goes through a standard booking process. Officers enter personal details into the county’s secure database, take mugshots, collect fingerprints, and issue an inmate ID number. This number stays with the person throughout their time in custody. The system links to state and federal databases to verify identity and check for warrants. All steps follow California law, which requires arraignment within five days of arrest. Staff also screen for medical needs, mental health concerns, and security risks during intake. Records update in real time, so families and attorneys can track status changes quickly. The process ensures accurate tracking from arrest to release or transfer.
Facility Location, Capacity, and Security Level
The Kern County Central Receiving Facility sits at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. It has a maximum capacity of 600 inmates housed in minimum-to-low-medium security cells. Unlike long-term prisons, this center focuses on short stays for processing and initial hearings. Security measures include controlled movement, surveillance cameras, and regular staff patrols. Inmates have limited access to common areas and recreation during scheduled times. The design supports quick turnover while maintaining safety for staff and detainees. The facility does not house federal inmates or those sentenced to state prison unless awaiting transfer. All operations align with California Department of Corrections standards.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitors must call 661-868-6850 to schedule a Saturday appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. Visitors need a government-issued photo ID and must pass a health screening at the west-wing lobby. Appointments are confirmed by email or text after calling. Late arrivals may lose their slot. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No food, gifts, or electronic devices are allowed. Legal visits follow different rules and require prior approval. The lobby has a digital display showing available times. Staff enforce dress codes and behavior rules strictly.
Inmate Communication: Phone Calls and Mail
Inmates can only make outbound calls using prepaid cards bought through Securus, the jail’s approved vendor. Each call lasts 15 minutes and costs $0.07 per minute. Calls are monitored for security. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Mail must include a full return address or it will be returned unopened. Letters, newspapers, and magazines are allowed. Care packages must come from authorized vendors. Packages sent directly are rejected. All mail is inspected for contraband. Inmates get copies of correspondence logs upon request.
Inmate Roster and Online Search Tools
The current inmate roster updates every four hours on PrisonRoster.com. The list shows names, booking dates, charges, release dates, and visitation eligibility. Families can search by name or ID number. Information becomes available within two hours of booking. The site also shows if an inmate has been moved to the Lerdo Complex. For privacy, some details like full addresses are hidden. The roster helps attorneys, families, and reporters track cases. It does not include medical or legal records.
Commissary Accounts and Cash Deposits
Families can add money to inmate accounts using kiosks installed in 2019. The machines accept cash, credit, and debit cards. Deposits post instantly, and inmates receive email receipts. Funds buy food, hygiene items, and phone time from the commissary. Each inmate has a personal account linked to their ID number. Withdrawals are not allowed. Unused balances remain until release. Transactions are recorded and audited monthly. The system prevents overdrafts and fraud.
Medical Services and Health Screening
Medical staff conduct health checks during intake. They assess physical and mental conditions, medication needs, and emergency risks. Basic care is provided onsite. Serious cases go to local hospitals. Prescription drugs are managed by licensed nurses. Inmates can request medical visits through staff. All treatments follow state health guidelines. Records are kept confidential but shared with courts if needed. Mental health support includes crisis counseling and referrals.
Transfer to Lerdo Complex and Long-Term Housing
If an inmate stays past their first court date, they move to the Lerdo Complex. This facility holds up to 1,200 people in medium-security units. Transfers happen within 48 hours of court decisions. The move is logged in the county system. Families are notified by mail or phone. Inmates keep their ID numbers and accounts. Lerdo offers more programs, including work assignments and education. The Central Receiving Facility only handles short-term stays.
Contact Information and Official Resources
Call 661-868-6850 for inmate status, visitation, or general questions. The line connects to the inmate services desk. Staff answer weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, leave a voicemail. The public liaison office helps with dress codes, legal documents, and special requests. The official website is kernsheriff.org. Address mail to 1415 Truxtun Ave., PO Box 2208, Bakersfield, CA 93303-2208. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number.
Legal Rights and Arraignment Timeline
California law requires arraignment within five days of arrest. The Central Receiving Facility coordinates with the district attorney to meet this deadline. Inmates see a judge for charges, bail, and next steps. If released, they get paperwork and instructions. If held, they stay until transfer or trial. Attorneys can request early hearings. All rights are explained during intake. Failure to arraign on time may lead to release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to find an inmate, send money, or visit. Others want to know about phone calls, mail rules, or medical care. This section answers common questions with clear, direct information. Each answer comes from official sources and current policies. Updates happen as rules change. Always call 661-868-6850 for the latest details.
How do I check if someone is at the Kern County Central Receiving Facility?
Call 661-868-6850 and ask the inmate services desk. Give the person’s full name and date of birth. Staff will confirm if they are housed there and show status, release date, and visitation eligibility. You can also search the online roster at PrisonRoster.com. The list updates every four hours and includes current detainees. Information appears within two hours of booking. If the person was moved to the Lerdo Complex, the roster will note the transfer. Always use the inmate’s ID number for faster results. Do not visit without confirming their location first.
Can I send money to an inmate at this facility?
Yes, use the cash-deposit kiosks at the jail or online through Access Corrections. The kiosks accept cash, credit, and debit cards. Deposits post instantly to the inmate’s commissary account. The inmate gets an email receipt. Funds buy food, hygiene items, and phone time. Each transaction is recorded and audited. You need the inmate’s full name or ID number. Withdrawals are not allowed. Unused money stays in the account until release. Avoid sending cash by mail. Only use approved methods to prevent loss or delays.
What are the visitation rules for the Central Receiving Facility?
Visits happen only on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Call 661-868-6850 at least 24 hours ahead to schedule. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Bring a government-issued photo ID and pass a health screening. Children under 18 need an adult with them. No food, gifts, or electronics are allowed. Dress modestly—no revealing clothes. Late arrivals may lose their slot. Legal visits require special approval. The lobby has a screen showing open times. Staff enforce all rules strictly. Violations can lead to banned visits.
How long do inmates stay at the Central Receiving Facility?
Most stay 24 to 48 hours while waiting for their first court hearing or release. If they need to stay longer, they move to the Lerdo Complex. The average daily intake in 2023 was 34 bookings. Peak days saw up to 57 new inmates. Short stays help manage space and ensure quick processing. State law requires arraignment within five days. After that, inmates go to long-term housing. The facility is not designed for extended stays. Transfers happen fast to keep operations smooth.
What happens if mail doesn’t have a return address?
Mail without a return address is returned unopened. This rule protects inmate privacy and prevents unwanted contact. Always write your full name and address on the envelope. Letters, newspapers, and magazines are allowed if properly labeled. Care packages must come from approved vendors. Direct shipments are rejected. All mail is inspected for safety. Inmates can request copies of their mail logs. Use the correct mailing address: 1415 Truxtun Ave., PO Box 2208, Bakersfield, CA 93303-2208. Include the inmate’s name and ID number.
Can inmates receive phone calls at this facility?
No, inmates cannot receive incoming calls. They can only make outbound calls using prepaid cards from Securus. Each call lasts 15 minutes and costs $0.07 per minute. Calls are monitored for security. Families must buy cards online or at kiosks. Inmates dial approved numbers only. Emergency contacts can leave messages with staff. The system blocks unauthorized numbers. Phone time is limited to prevent abuse. Inmates can add numbers to their approved list through staff.
Where do inmates go after leaving the Central Receiving Facility?
Most are released after their first court hearing. If they stay longer, they move to the Lerdo Complex. This medium-security facility holds up to 1,200 inmates. Transfers happen within 48 hours of court decisions. The move is logged in the county system. Families get notice by mail or phone. Inmates keep their ID numbers and accounts. Lerdo offers more services, including work programs and education. The Central Receiving Facility only handles short-term stays. Long-term housing is not available onsite.
Official Website: kernsheriff.org
Phone: 661-868-6850
Visiting Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Address: 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301