San Diego Central Jail
Save 727-349-1561 · Smart Communications
Calls from San Diego County Sheriff detention facilities — including San Diego Central Jail — are handled through Smart Communications / SmartJailMail. Incoming calls may display 727-349-1561 and can be filtered as spam. Save that number before the first call.
Prepare the phone
- Save 727-349-1561 as a contact (for example, "San Diego County jail call").
- Check blocked and spam lists on the device and with the carrier.
- Plan for a quiet 15-minute window — each call ends at the published limit.
- Answer and follow the prompt; the system identifies the call and the person calling.
Call rules that apply at this jail
| Cost | Free (local, long-distance, and international — since July 1, 2021) |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 minutes per call |
| Daily count | Unlimited (availability still depends on jail operations) |
| Published number | 727-349-1561 |
| Recording | Ordinary jail calls are recorded |
Do not discuss case strategy, witnesses, or facts that should go through counsel on a recorded call. Attorneys, physicians, and religious advisors can ask the Detention Investigations Unit about the Do Not Record process at 858-285-2051.
If calls fail, Smart Communications customer service is available at 727-349-1561 (same published number).
Video visits and messaging
Video visits, messaging, and related services for this jail route through Smart Communications at smartjailmail.com. Facility visiting copy: video visits are 30 minutes, seven days a week, two per week; no same-day scheduling.
Custody line (not the inmate call number)
For housing, visiting reservations, bail, property, mail, or deposit questions about San Diego Central Jail, call (619) 409-5000 — that is the custody information line, not the number that appears on inmate phone calls.
Facility address for context only: 1173 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101.