Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, often referred to as RJDCF, plays a key role in California’s prison system. Located in unincorporated Southern San Diego County, it’s one of five state prisons in the area and has served the correctional needs of the region since opening its doors in 1987. This facility, named after American Revolutionary Richard J. Donovan, houses male offenders of varying security levels—ranging from minimum to maximum—and offers a structured environment for both incarceration and rehabilitation.

For families and loved ones of inmates, understanding how to communicate, visit, and support someone inside can feel confusing or overwhelming. That’s why this guide is here—to break down the basics and offer clear, easy-to-follow information about Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Whether you're looking for contact details, visiting hours, or how to send money or mail, this article aims to make the process a bit smoother for you.

So, if you’re new to this or just need a refresher, read on. We’ll cover everything you need to know about RJDCF, including its location, inmate population, visiting procedures, and more.

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Table of Contents

• Location and Background
• Who Is Housed at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?
• Visiting Procedures and Rules
• Sending Mail and Money
• Frequently Asked Questions

Location and Background

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility is located at 480 Alta Road, San Diego, CA 92179. It sits in an unincorporated part of Southern San Diego County, not far from the city of San Diego itself. The prison was established back in 1987 and has been operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) ever since.

As part of the state’s prison network, RJDCF helps manage the population of adult male inmates from across California. It’s designed to handle a range of security classifications, which means it holds both low-risk and high-risk offenders in a controlled setting.

The facility’s name pays tribute to Richard J. Donovan, a figure from the American Revolution. While not as widely known as some historical namesakes, the prison carries his name as a reminder of the values of duty, service, and sacrifice.

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Who Is Housed at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility is strictly for adult males aged 18 and older. These inmates come from various backgrounds and have been convicted of different types of crimes. The prison accommodates inmates across multiple security levels, including minimum, medium, and maximum.

Some of the inmates housed at RJDCF may be in for shorter terms, while others are serving longer sentences. The facility also supports various rehabilitative programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society once they’re released.

Because it's a state prison, all inmates housed there are under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. That means their movements, activities, and even visitation rights are governed by state guidelines and prison policies.

Visiting Procedures and Rules

If you plan to visit someone at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, there are some important steps you should follow. First, all visits must be scheduled in advance. That means you need to apply and get approved before showing up at the gate.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Complete a Visitor Application form. This can usually be downloaded from the CDCR website.
2. Submit the form to the facility along with any required documentation, like a copy of your ID.
3. Wait for approval. This can take a few weeks, so it’s best to apply early.

Once approved, you can schedule a visit through the prison’s online system or by calling the facility directly at the main phone number (if available through public sources). Keep in mind that visits are limited in length and frequency, and all visitors must follow strict guidelines during their time on site.

For example, dress codes are enforced—no revealing clothing, gang-related attire, or clothing that resembles prison uniforms. Bags, purses, and electronic devices are typically not allowed inside, so it’s best to leave them at home or in your car.

Sending Mail and Money

Staying in touch with a loved one inside is important, and at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, there are specific ways you can send letters and money.

Sending Mail:

• All letters should be addressed with the inmate’s full name and CDCR number.
• Mail should be sent to: Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, 480 Alta Road, San Diego, CA 92179.
• Keep in mind that all mail is inspected, so avoid including anything prohibited, like photos with explicit content, glitter, or non-paper materials.

Sending Money:

If you want to send money to an inmate’s account, you can do so through approved third-party services like Access Corrections. These services allow you to add funds online or by phone, which the inmate can then use to purchase items from the commissary or make phone calls.

It’s important to make sure you’re using the correct inmate ID and following the process exactly as outlined by the prison or the payment service. Mistakes can delay the transfer of funds or even result in the money being sent to the wrong person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility:

Can I visit someone at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility without being on their approved list?

No, all visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitor list. If you’re not on the list, you won’t be allowed inside the facility. So it’s a good idea to start the application process early and confirm your status with the inmate if possible.

What should I do if I need to get in touch with the prison directly?

You can reach out to the main office using the phone number provided by the facility. If you’re unsure, you can check the CDCR website or call the general information line for assistance. It’s also a good idea to have the inmate’s full name and CDCR number handy when you call.

How do I know if my mail was received by the inmate?

Unfortunately, there’s no automated way to track whether a letter was delivered. However, you can ask the inmate directly if they received your mail. If you suspect there’s a problem, you can contact the facility’s mailroom for more information, though response times may vary.

Learn more about inmate communication guidelines and how to stay connected while following prison rules.