West County Detention Facility in Richmond, CA

Address: 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA 94806

Phone: (510) 262-4200

Custody Services Bureau (24/7 inmate info): (925) 646-4496

Operated by: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The West County Detention Facility (WCDF) is one of three jails in Contra Costa County, located in Richmond’s Point Pinole area. Opened in 1991, it’s the newest of the county’s facilities and operates as a co-educational, medium-security, direct-supervision jail — meaning officers supervise inmates within open housing units rather than from behind security barriers. WCDF has capacity for roughly 1,096 inmates across five housing units (four for men, one for women) and emphasizes educational and vocational programming. Inmates booked into Contra Costa County who don’t require maximum-security housing may be placed here after intake at the Martinez Detention Facility.

If a Loved One Has Just Been Booked

To confirm someone is in custody, use the Contra Costa Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator or call the Custody Services Bureau at (925) 646-4496 — the 24-hour line covers all three county facilities. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready.

A few things worth knowing in those first hours:

• Most arrests in Contra Costa County route through the Martinez Detention Facility first. Inmates are often transferred to West County after classification, so check both facilities if you can’t immediately find your loved one.
• All inmate phone calls are recorded. Don’t discuss what happened over the jail phone.
• Arraignment typically happens within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. Cases for arrests in West County’s jurisdiction are usually heard at the George D. Carroll Courthouse in Richmond.

Bail and Release

Bail amounts are set by the Contra Costa County bail schedule. Bail can be posted in cash, with a cashier’s check, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Property within the county can also be used as collateral. An attorney can request a bail hearing to argue for reduction or release on own recognizance (OR release).

For lower-level charges, the sheriff’s office may release someone on a citation without requiring bail.

Visiting Someone at West County

All visits must be scheduled in advance. To check inmate visiting eligibility and book a visit, contact the facility at (510) 262-4200 or visit the Sheriff’s website. Visits at WCDF are non-contact and may be scheduled same-day, though arriving 24 hours in advance is recommended.

A few things to know:

• Up to four visitors at a time, including infants carried by an adult.
• Visitors must arrive in time to register at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled visit; inmates must be present in the visiting area 15 minutes before the visit.
• Bring valid, unexpired government photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Dress code is strict — no revealing, sheer, or gang-related clothing.

If your loved one has been booked into West County, our team is available around the clock. The sooner we’re involved, the more options we have. Learn how we defend Contra Costa County criminal cases.