Kern County Work Release Center

About Kern County Work Release Center

Kern County Work Release Center is a Adult correctional facility in Kern County, California. The facility operates under the county Department of Corrections and holds individuals awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or awaiting transfer to a state prison. It has a capacity of approximately 500 beds.

Kern County Work Release Center provides a range of correctional services to both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. The Kern County correctional system plays a key role in maintaining public safety and administering justice in the local community. Inmates may participate in educational programs, work assignments, and substance abuse treatment depending on their classification.

Families and loved ones of inmates housed at Kern County Work Release Center are encouraged to stay connected through approved communication channels. Regular contact — through mail, phone calls, and scheduled visitation — supports inmate well-being and reduces recidivism after release. Read our guide on calling an inmate and visiting an inmate to get started.

Facility Type and Security Level

Kern County Work Release Center is classified as a Adult facility operating at a medium level of security. Medium-security facilities balance inmate supervision with rehabilitation programming, allowing inmates greater movement within the facility than high-security institutions. Visitation is typically permitted on scheduled days during facility operating hours.

Contact Kern County Work Release Center Administration

Phone

Reach the facility's administration directly at 661-868-5501. Staff are available during standard business hours to answer questions about inmate status, visiting, and facility policies.

Fax

You can fax documents to Kern County Work Release Center at 661-868-5520. Faxing is useful for submitting legal documents or visitation applications.

Email

For non-urgent correspondence, email the facility at WorkRelease@kernsheriff.com. You can use this address to submit visitation paperwork, requests, or general inquiries.

How to Contact an Inmate at Kern County Work Release Center

Send Mail

You may send letters, photos (non-Polaroid), and approved publications to an inmate at the following address:

Phone Calls

Kern County Work Release Center allows inmates to make outgoing phone calls through the facility's approved carrier, Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork. You must set up a prepaid account with the carrier before you can receive calls from the facility. All calls are recorded and subject to monitoring. Read our first-time inmate phone setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

How to Send Money to an Inmate's Trust Fund

Sending money to an inmate's commissary trust account allows them to purchase hygiene products, food, and phone credits from the facility store.

An inmate trust account allows your loved one to buy essential items from the prison commissary — including hygiene products, food, clothing, and calling credits. California prisons accept deposits through several approved services. Choose the method that works best for you.

Method 1 — Access Corrections (Online, Recommended)

• Visit accesscorrections.com and create a free account.
• Pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account (ACH). Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
• Funds typically post within 24–48 hours on business days.
• A service fee is charged per transaction; the fee amount is shown before you confirm.

Method 2 — JPay (Online & Mobile)

• Visit JPay.com or download the JPay app: Android iOS
• Select the California Department of Corrections facility and enter your inmate's ID to proceed.
• Phone deposits available 24/7 at 1-800-574-5729.

Method 3 — Facility Kiosk (In-Person)

• Many California correctional facilities have on-site kiosks that accept debit or credit cards.
• Walk up to the kiosk in the lobby or visiting area, enter the inmate's ID, and deposit the desired amount.
• Funds post immediately in most cases.

Method 4 — Phone (TouchPay / JPay)

• Call JPay at 1-800-574-5729 to send money by phone with a debit or credit card.
• Call TouchPay at 1-866-232-1899 for an alternative phone deposit option.
• Service fees may apply for phone transactions.

Method 5 — Money Order or Cashier's Check by Mail

• Make the money order or cashier's check payable to the inmate's full committed name and include the inmate ID on the memo line.
• Some facilities require an additional deposit form. Download the California deposit form and include it with your mail.
• Send via USPS only — private carriers (FedEx, UPS) are not accepted.
• Processing time: 7–10 business days after receipt.

Method 6 — Western Union or MoneyGram

• Visit westernunion.com or a local Western Union agent. Select "Quick Collect" and provide the inmate's facility and ID.
• MoneyGram is accepted at select CDCR facilities — confirm with the facility before sending.

Information Required for Any Deposit

• Inmate's full committed name
• CDC number (California Department of Corrections ID)
• Facility name (the specific CDCR prison or jail)

Deposits with incorrect information may be delayed or returned. Read our full inmate money transfer guide for detailed help with every method.

Visitation Guide for Kern County Work Release Center

Visiting your loved one at Kern County Work Release Center requires advance preparation. Review the timings and rules below before planning your trip. For the most current schedule, contact the facility at 661-868-5501.

Getting Approved to Visit

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list before arriving. To be added to the list, complete a visitor application and submit it to the facility. Download the state-wise visitor approval application for your state. Approval may take several days to weeks — apply well in advance of your planned visit.

Visitation Rules

Visitation is a privilege at Kern County Work Release Center. Visits may be restricted, suspended, or terminated for safety and security reasons. The following rules apply to all visitors:

• All visitors aged 17 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
• Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult for the entire duration of the visit.
• A maximum of 2 adults and 2 children may visit an inmate at one time (subject to facility capacity).
• Inmates are typically allowed 20-minute visits per visitation day, though this varies by facility policy.
• All visitors and their belongings are subject to search before entering. Contraband will be confiscated.
• Bring only permitted items — no food, beverages, or electronic devices unless specifically authorized.
• Dress appropriately: no revealing clothing, no gang-affiliated colors, and no clothing resembling inmate uniforms.
• Attorneys may visit inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with proper credentials.
• No video or audio recording of inmates is permitted during any visit.
• The facility's security staff may terminate any visit at any time if rules are violated.

Visitation Timings

Visiting hours shown are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current hours with the facility before your visit.