Visitation Reinstated at Main Jail

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Santa Barbara, Calif. – Due to COVID-19, the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office suspended in-
person visiting in June 2022. With conditions improving throughout the County, the Sheriff’s Office
has decided to lift the visiting suspension on a limited basis. Visits at the South County Custody
Operations Division, Santa Barbara Main Jail, will resume in-person visits on Sunday October 2, 2022.
In-person visiting schedules have been created for the Main Jail which allow for social distancing
between visitors. Schedules can be easily found at www.sbsheriff.org under the category of Inmate
Information. Visitors are required to ensure they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms as listed
outside the Main Jail Lobby, wear a mask when visiting those people housed in the Inmate Reception
Center (IRC), follow social distancing markers in the seating areas, and respect the social distance of
other visitors. Visitors who are required to wear a mask within the IRC will not be able to remove
their mask during their visit.

Visitors will be allowed inside in hourly intervals with all visits lasting no longer than 45 minutes.
Where appropriate, this will allow time for sanitizing before the next group. Visitors are expected to
check in at the Main Jail Lobby prior to the cut-off times, and should do so early, so that waiting lists
can be fairly maintained.

All efforts have been made to maximize visiting opportunities while also maintaining safety for
visitors and inmates. Despite this, visiting demands may be high and some visitors may not be
accommodated.

Video visitation at the Northern Branch Jail remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.