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Mendocino County Jail

951 Low Gap Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 463-4423

Interview with Max

JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Max: One year, but that a "jail year" is really only 8 months.

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like? If you didn't where did they they take you instead?
Max: Yes. Everytime I have been to this jail I have spent no less than 12 hours in a holding cell. It is cold and stinky and filthy. If I had served all my time in holding, I probably would have never committed a crime after the first one.

If you, or someone you love, are headed to the Mendocino County Jail, you may be wondering what to expect. Going to jail can be scary, especially if this is a first. Having the right information can help you feel more prepared and able to deal with day to day life in jail.

We have interviewed former inmates of Mendocino County, who have shared their knowledge about what life is really like on the inside. To the left are links to the actual interviews. Take a few minutes to do your research and find out what you can expect in Mendocino County Jail.

Meals
Mendocino County serves inmates three meals per day. Unfortunately, the food doesn't get very high ratings. One inmate said that the food is "the best weight loss plan out there." However, there are some meals that are better than others. Sometimes the jail serves orange juice instead of the usual powdered milk in the morning.

The Salisbury steak with instant mashed potatoes, spaghetti, and enchilada casserole are some of the favorites. The jail doesn't serve snacks to inmates, but for Halloween and Christmas, local churches bring cookies and candies to the inmates. Other than that, you need to have money on your books to buy items off commissary if you want other snacks.

Telephones and Visits
For most people keeping in touch with their loved ones on the outside is a top priority while they serve time. Mendocino County allows the inmates to have regular access to phones. Inmates can make collect calls, which can be expensive but vary in price depending on where you are calling.

Inmates are also allowed one visit per week for thirty minutes at a time. Visitors must make an appointment prior to visiting. They must present ID to the jail before the visit. Visits take place in a long room with 5 or 6 booths. Each booth has plexi-glass that physically separates the inmate from the visitor. Phones are used to talk. Officers sit behind a one way mirror that allows them to observe what is happening in visits.

Continue to the interview