Originally opened in 1960 to relieve overcrowding at Santa Ana's Sycamore Street Jail, the Theo Lacy Facility consisted of only five barracks with a housing capacity of slightly over four hundred inmates. Those numbers remained unchanged for over twenty-five years, as jail expansion occurred elsewhere in the department with the building of the Central Men's and Women's Jails and the Intake Release Center. Additional barracks were built in the late 1980's and early 1990's, and planning began for the construction of a new administration office complex as well.

Beginning in the mid 1990's, the facility began a period of rapid expansion that continued until 2006. During this renovation period, the facility’s original barracks were also remodeled and completed in 2004. After the final phase of construction was completed in 2006, the facility was able to increase its total population capacity to over 3,100 inmates.

Orange County Sheriff's Department
501 The City Drive South
Orange, Ca. 92868

Inmate Mailing:
Inmate name and Booking Number (required information)
501 City Drive South
Orange, Ca. 92868

Inmates are permitted to send and receive unlimited correspondence. The only exception is when there is reasonable cause to justify limitations for reasons of public safety or facility order, or to prevent violation of state or federal law. All incoming/outgoing mail is subject to search prior to being delivered.