The Costa Mesa Police Department jail is a 24-bed, type-1 jail facility. The jail houses arrestees prior to going to court or being released, typically from 24 to 48 hour.

The custody staff utilizes state-of-the-art technology to monitor inmate activity, process booking fingerprints and photographs, and to ensure the utmost safety and welfare of those housed in the jail. 

Additionally, the jail custody staff facilitates the transportation of inmates to other agencies and also manages the department's critical role of the court liaison officer. This officer is responsible for processing all criminal complaint filings and subpoenas, as well as calling police personnel to court. The court liaison officer works closely with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and other court officials.