The LA County Sheriff’s Department operates the largest jail system in the United States with eight major facilities housing approximately 15,000-17,000 inmates. This guide provides everything you need to locate them, understand the system, post bail, and maintain contact.
Most importantly: You can find anyone in custody 24/7 by calling (213) 473-6100 or searching online at app5.lasd.org/iic.
The LA County jail system processes all arrestees through the Inmate Reception Center before transferring them to appropriate housing facilities based on gender, security level, and case status.
Finding your loved one after they’ve been arrested
If someone was just arrested, wait 4-6 hours for processing, then use these official resources to locate them:
Online Inmate Locator (free, 24/7): Visit app5.lasd.org/iic and search by first and last name. This official LA County Sheriff’s Department database shows current custody location, booking number, charges, and bail amount. Click the booking number for complete details including housing facility and court information.
24-Hour Phone Hotlines: Call (213) 473-6100 or (213) 473-6080 anytime, day or night. These lines provide information on anyone held by either the LA County Sheriff’s Department or LAPD. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready, or their booking number if known.
What you’ll need to search: At minimum, provide the inmate’s first and last name. Date of birth, booking number, or approximate arrest date help narrow results if the name is common.
LA County Sheriff’s Department facilities
The Sheriff’s Department operates eight detention facilities across Los Angeles County, divided into three geographic locations: the downtown Bauchet Street complex, the Lynwood women’s facility, and the Pitchess complex in Castaic.
Downtown Los Angeles complex (Bauchet Street)
Three facilities sit on or near Bauchet Street in downtown LA, adjacent to Union Station off the 101 Freeway. This is where most newly arrested individuals first enter the system.
Inmate Reception Center (IRC)
Address: 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-6100 or (213) 473-6080
Bail Cashier (24/7): (213) 893-5875
The IRC is the intake center for all Los Angeles County arrestees. Everyone arrested in the county comes here first for booking, fingerprinting, photographing, and classification. This is a processing facility, not a long-term housing unit—most inmates transfer to permanent facilities within 24-72 hours. Critical for families: Bail can be posted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the IRC Cashier’s Office. This is the primary location for posting bail in LA County. Visiting is limited because inmates typically don’t stay here long.
Men’s Central Jail (MCJ)
Address: 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-4921 | Inmate Info: (213) 473-6100
Visiting Lobby: (213) 974-4927
Built in 1963, Men’s Central Jail is one of California’s oldest county jails and houses pretrial and sentenced male inmates in maximum security. The facility holds several thousand inmates at any time. Visiting hours: Friday 10am-4pm and 5pm-7pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am-3pm. Visitors receive two 30-minute visits per week totaling one hour. All visits must be scheduled in advance at visit.lasd.org—no walk-ins accepted. Arrive one hour before your scheduled time. On-site parking costs $8 cash. Professional visits (attorneys) available Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm.
Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF)
Address: 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 893-5100 | 24-Hour Inmate Info: (213) 473-6080
Twin Towers is LA County’s maximum security facility with specialized mental health services, housing both general population and inmates with mental health needs. The facility consists of two towers serving male inmates (pretrial and sentenced). Visiting hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:30am-10:45am and 12:30pm-3:45pm; Monday and Tuesday 9:30am-3:45pm and 5:30pm-6pm. Tower One currently uses on-site video monitors for visits. Tower Two has resumed normal in-person operations. Schedule visits online in advance.
Lynwood facility (South LA County)
Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF)
Address: 11705 South Alameda Street, Lynwood, CA 90262
Phone: (323) 568-4500 | Visiting Info: (323) 568-4520
Bail Cashier (24/7): (323) 568-4535
Century Regional is the only all-women’s facility in the LA County system, converted to female-only operations in 2006. It houses approximately 2,100 female inmates (pretrial and sentenced). Visiting hours: Saturday through Tuesday 7:30am-12:20pm and 1:20pm-3:30pm. Like all LA County facilities, visitors must pre-register online at visit.lasd.org and arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visits. Inmates receive two 30-minute visits per week. This facility also accepts bail payments 24/7 for female inmates through the CRDF Cashier’s Office.
Pitchess Detention Center complex (Castaic)
Located approximately 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles in Castaic, the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center spans over 2,600 acres and consists of four separate male facilities. This is the county’s largest jail complex.
North County Correctional Facility (NCCF)
Address: 29340 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Phone: (213) 473-6080 | Administrative: (661) 295-7810
North County is the largest facility within the Pitchess complex, operating as a maximum security facility for male inmates (pretrial and sentenced). Visiting hours: Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm, plus select federal holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Visitors receive one hour of visitation per weekend. Arrive at least one hour before scheduled visit time—a shuttle bus runs from the Dr. Elmer T. Jafee Visiting Center parking lot to the facility.
Pitchess Detention Center – North Facility (PDC North)
Address: 29320 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Phone: (661) 295-8840 | Watch Commander: (661) 295-8805
Built in 1987, PDC North is a maximum security facility with capacity for approximately 1,500 male inmates (pretrial and sentenced). Visiting hours: Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm, plus select holidays. One hour of visitation per weekend, which can be split into two 30-minute visits. Shuttle bus service from visitor parking to facility. Arrive at least one hour early.
Pitchess Detention Center – South Facility (PDC South)
Address: 29330 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Phone: (661) 295-8840
PDC South opened in 1971 as a medium security facility for male inmates. This facility includes vocational programs like masonry, dog grooming, carpentry, and Fire Suppression Training Camp for non-violent offenders. Visiting hours: Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm (in-person), plus video visits Monday-Friday 8am-2pm and weekends 9am-2pm. One hour of visitation per weekend.
Pitchess Detention Center – East Facility (PDC East)
Address: 29310 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Phone: (661) 295-8815
Built in 1951, PDC East is the oldest operating jail in Los Angeles County, serving as a maximum security facility with capacity for approximately 850 male inmates including about 400 parole violators awaiting hearings. Visiting hours: Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-3pm, with one hour of visitation split into two 30-minute visits. Note: This facility has had reduced operations since 2015—verify current status before visiting.
Important note for all Pitchess facilities: These locations do not accept bail payments on-site. Bail must be posted at the Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Federal detention facilities in Los Angeles
Two federal facilities operate within Los Angeles County, housing inmates facing federal charges or serving federal sentences.
Metropolitan Detention Center, Los Angeles (MDC Los Angeles)
Address: 535 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 485-0439
Website: bop.gov/locations/institutions/los/
Located in downtown LA adjacent to the Roybal Federal Building and federal courthouses (across from Union Station), MDC Los Angeles is an administrative security facility housing approximately 695-726 inmates of both genders. Opened in December 1988, it primarily holds pre-trial detainees awaiting federal court proceedings, holdover inmates, and those serving short federal sentences. Visiting is organized by housing floor/unit: visits up to 90 minutes with maximum 3 visitors at a time. Call ahead to confirm your visit: (213) 485-0439. Valid government photo ID required for visitors 16 and older.
Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island (FCI Terminal Island)
Address: 1299 S Seaside Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 831-8961
Website: bop.gov/locations/institutions/trm/
Located on Terminal Island at the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor (between San Pedro and Long Beach), FCI Terminal Island is one of the oldest federal prisons, opening in June 1938. It houses approximately 820-1,192 male inmates at low-security level. Visiting days: Sunday, Monday, Saturday, and federal holidays from 8am-3pm. Visitors must be on approved visitor list with valid government-issued photo ID. The facility serves as a medical facility within the Federal Bureau of Prisons system and offers extensive programs including drug treatment (RDAP), education, vocational training, and UNICOR metal factory work.
Posting bail in LA County
Critical 2023 change: On May 16, 2023, a California Superior Court ruling eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses before arraignment. Many arrestees are now released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions before their first court appearance. Exceptions remain for serious/violent offenses including crimes of violence, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and weapons offenses. This ruling only applies to pre-arraignment arrestees—after arraignment, traditional bail procedures apply based on amounts set by the judge.
Where to post bail (24/7 locations):
Inmate Reception Center (IRC) – Primary Location
450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
IRC Cashier: (213) 893-5875
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) – For Female Inmates
11705 S. Alameda Street, Lynwood, CA 90262
CRDF Cashier: (323) 568-4535
Open 24 hours a day
Payment methods accepted: Cash (full bail amount), cashier’s check from California bank made payable to “Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” or USPS money orders. Cashier’s checks and money orders must be verified during normal banking hours and must be for the exact bail amount. Valid photo ID required from the person posting bail.
Bail bonds: Bail bond companies charge a non-refundable premium (typically 10% of total bail) and post the full amount with the jail. Numerous licensed bail bond companies operate 24/7 near major jail facilities, and bondsmen can visit inmates during regular visiting hours to complete paperwork.
Bail Deviation Program: Free service through LA County Probation Department for adults in jail on “open” charges (no charges filed yet). A bail commissioner may release on promise to appear or reduce bail. Call (213) 974-9331 or visit probation.lacounty.gov.
Depositing money for commissary
Inmates can purchase items weekly from commissary including food (snacks, soup, coffee), hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, shampoo), stationery, stamps, and clothing. Families can send funds through several methods.
Online deposits through Access Corrections (official vendor):
Website: accesscorrections.com
Phone: (866) 345-1884
Mobile apps available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
Access Corrections is the official approved vendor for LA County inmate deposits. Service fees apply and vary by deposit method and amount. The LA County Sheriff’s Department no longer accepts online deposits through their own system.
Mail money order or cashier’s check:
For male inmates:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
P.O. Box 86164 Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164
Attn: [Inmate Name], [Booking Number]
For female inmates:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Century Regional Detention Facility
11705 S. Alameda Street
Lynwood, CA 90262
Attn: [Inmate Name], [Booking Number]
Requirements: California residents must use certified bank cashier’s checks OR USPS money orders. Out-of-state residents must use USPS money orders ONLY. Make payable to inmate’s name and include booking number. Personal checks, cashier’s checks from non-California banks, and traveler’s checks not accepted.
In-person deposits (24/7): Visit the IRC Cashier at 450 Bauchet Street (213-893-5875) or CRDF Cashier at 11705 S. Alameda Street (323-568-4535). Valid government-issued photo ID required.
Care packages: Order through accesssecurepak.com (Keefe Commissary Network) for delivery to inmates.
Visiting procedures
All visits require advance scheduling—walk-ins are not accepted. The official visitation system is at visit.lasd.org, managed by ViaPath Technologies. You must create an account and register all visitors (including minors) before scheduling visits up to 7 days in advance.
Scheduling steps:
- Go to visit.lasd.org and create an account
- Register all visitors with valid ID information
- Log in and select available time slots
- Confirm appointment and save confirmation number
- Arrive ONE HOUR early for MCJ, Pitchess, and NCCF; 30 minutes early for TTCF and CRDF
Visitor Help Desk: (213) 680-4887, Monday-Friday 7am-2pm, or email IVVSPublicHelpDesk@lasd.org
ID requirements: Visitors 16 and older need current, valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID). Minors must bring birth certificate (hospital-issued not acceptable) and be accompanied by parent or legal guardian with documentation. Foreign-born minors need foreign passport with I-94 and US Visa, OR permanent resident card.
Visitor restrictions: Cannot visit if you are on probation/parole/convicted of felony without prior approval, have outstanding warrants, were released from LA County jail within last 60 days (exceptions for blood relatives/spouse with approval), or are under influence. To request approval, complete “Visiting Clearance Form” at visit.lasd.org.
Strict dress code enforced: No revealing clothing, gang attire, bare midriffs, strapless tops, tube tops, sheer clothing, sleeveless shirts, shorts or skirts above mid-thigh, or clothing depicting drugs/gangs/nudity/violence. Shirts must be worn, tops must cover from underarm front and back, appropriate footwear required.
Prohibited items: Cannot bring cell phones, wireless devices, electronics, cameras, tobacco products, weapons, drugs, alcohol, hygiene products, makeup, medications, stationery, plastic products, hand sanitizer with alcohol. Only allowed: valid photo ID, one vehicle key, quarters for rental lockers. FREE rental lockers available in lobby areas—all belongings must be stored there.
Video visiting options: On-site video visiting available at TTCF, MCJ, and CRDF as alternative to face-to-face visits. MCJ offers video visits Fridays and Sundays during regular hours. Remote video visiting capabilities exist through ViaPath—contact specific facility for current availability. Same rules apply as in-person visits.
Visit violations and consequences: Fighting, property damage, or insubordination results in 2-week ban. Two violations in 30 days triggers 30-day ban. Attempting to pass contraband, bringing weapons, or assaulting staff results in 12-month ban plus criminal charges.
Essential resources and contact information
Universal Inmate Information (24/7): Call (213) 473-6100 or (213) 473-6080 for anyone in LA County Sheriff’s Department or LAPD custody. Provides inmate location, bail amount, charges, and booking number.
Online inmate locator: app5.lasd.org/iic (free, available 24/7)
Schedule visits: visit.lasd.org
Deposit commissary funds: accesscorrections.com or (866) 345-1884
Order care packages: accesssecurepak.com
LA County Sheriff’s Department: Main website lasd.org | Headquarters: 211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | (213) 229-1700
Custody Services email: CustodyWebResponse@lasd.org
ADA assistance: LASD ADA Coordinator (213) 893-5500 | ivvsAda@lasd.org
Navigate the system with confidence
The LA County jail system processes tens of thousands of people annually through a complex network of facilities, but understanding the basic structure makes navigation manageable. Start with the 24-hour hotline or online locator to find your loved one immediately, then use the IRC for bail posting if applicable, register at visit.lasd.org for visitation within 1-2 days, and set up commissary deposits through Access Corrections.
Nearly everything happens through centralized systems — the Inmate Reception Center for bail, the online portal for visits, and Access Corrections for money. Print this guide or bookmark these websites before visiting any facility, as personal belongings including phones cannot be taken inside. Always call ahead to verify current procedures, inmate location, and visiting status, as policies change and inmates transfer between facilities.
With over 15,000 people in custody at any time, the system may feel overwhelming, but these official resources provide reliable pathways to maintain contact and support your loved one through the legal process.
And as always, if you need any help with your legal issue, the Helfend Law Group is here to help. Contact attorney Robert M. Helfend at 800-834-6434 to get assistance for your legal issue.
Published October 3, 2025.