Did you know that the Los Angeles County jail system is the largest jail jurisdiction in the United States?
When a loved one becomes incarcerated, it can be a distressing and overwhelming experience for family and friends.
Not only are you grappling with emotional turmoil. You also need to figure out how to navigate a complex and often intimidating bureaucracy to provide support for an inmate.
To make things easier for you, we've written a guide that breaks down the Los Angeles County jail policies. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
How to Find an Inmate
Visiting an inmate in the Los Angeles County Jail system can be a multi-step process. Before you plan your visit, it's essential to gather accurate information about the inmate and the specific facility they are housed in.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you visit your loved one in the Los Angeles County Jail.
Locate the Inmate
First, you need to determine the exact location of the inmate within the LACJ system.
To do this, you can use the Inmate Information Center available on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website (https://www.lasd.org/inmate-information-center/).
You will need the inmate's full name or booking number to search for them.
Find the Facility and Visiting Hours
Once you know the specific facility, visit the LACJ website or the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website to find the visiting hours and rules for that particular jail.
Each facility may have different visiting days and hours. This is why it's crucial to check beforehand.
Schedule a Visit
Some facilities may require you to schedule a visit in advance. Others allow walk-ins. Check the facility's website or call the jail directly for the most up-to-date information on appointment requirements.
Prepare for Your Visit
Before visiting, make sure that you have a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
Check the facility's dress code and prohibited items list to avoid any complications during your visit. Be prepared to go through a security screening upon arrival.
Arrive Early
On your visitation day, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and security clearance.
Remember that visiting hours can be subject to change, so it's a good idea to confirm them the day before your visit.
Los Angeles County Jail Visiting Hours
Any member of the general public can visit inmates at the Los Angeles County Jail. Keep in mind that visiting hours vary and sometimes change without prior notice.
Every inmate can receive at least two visits once per week. This means that they have one hour of weekly visit time. At the Men's Central Jail, inmates can have a total of three visitors per week.
Keep in mind that the men's jail is currently transitioning to a new scheduling system for inmate visitation.
You can make a walk-in visit. However, they are only available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The men's jail visiting hours are on Fridays between 10 am and 3 pm and between 5 pm and 7 pm. You can also visit on Saturday or Sunday between 7 am and 3 pm.
You can visit women at the Los Angeles County Jail for Women between Saturday and Tuesday from 7:30 am to 12:20 pm and 1:20 pm to 3:30 pm.
You will need to store your belongings in a locker that is located outside of the visiting area. It will cost $0.25 to rent a locker.
Sending Money to Inmates
There are several options for sending money to an inmate in the Los Angeles County Jail system. Inmates can use money to purchase items from the jail commissary, such as snacks, toiletries, or stationery.
Online Deposits
You can transfer money to an inmate's account using an online service like Access Corrections or GTL ConnectNetwork.
You'll need to create an account with the chosen service provider and provide the inmate's full name and booking number. There may be a service fee associated with online deposits.
Kiosks
Some LACJ facilities have electronic kiosks located in their public lobbies. Here you can deposit money into an inmate's account using cash, credit, or debit cards.
Make sure to have the inmate's booking number handy when using a kiosk.
Postal Mail
You can send a money order to an inmate via postal mail. Make sure the money order is made payable to the "Los Angeles County Jail" and includes the inmate's full name and booking number.
Send the money order to the specific facility's mailing address where the inmate is housed. Please note that sending cash or personal checks through the mail is not allowed.
Walk-in Cash Deposits
Some money transfer services, like MoneyGram or Western Union, allow you to deposit cash in person for an inmate's account.
You'll need the inmate's booking number and facility information when making a deposit. There may be a service fee associated with this method.
Helping Inmates Get Tablet Rentals
To help inmates rent tablets in the Los Angeles County Jail, provide them with financial support by depositing funds into their accounts.
These funds can be used to rent tablets and access various educational, entertainment, and communication resources, promoting mental well-being and personal growth during their incarceration.
How to Bail an Inmate Out
Bailing an inmate out of the Los Angeles County Jail requires understanding the bail process. You will also need to gather the necessary funds.
Once the court sets bail, you can pay the full amount in cash, cashier's check, or through a property bond, which must be worth the bail amount. If you cannot afford the full amount, consider hiring a bail bondsman.
They usually charge a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bail amount.
The bondsman will post a bond on the inmate's behalf, ensuring their release. The released inmate must attend all court hearings; otherwise, the bail amount will be forfeited, and they may face additional charges.
Inmate Opportunities at the Los Angeles County Jail
The Los Angeles County Jail system offers various opportunities for inmates to better themselves while serving their sentences.
It is important to understand the difference between a jail and prison. Jails are typically short-term facilities housing individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while prisons accommodate those serving longer terms.
Despite the temporary nature of jails, the LACJ system provides several opportunities while in jail to help inmates stay healthy and prepare for life after release.
One such opportunity is workout facilities. Inmates will have access to exercise equipment, sports activities, and outdoor recreation yards. But this might depend on a particular inmate's security levels.
Educational opportunities play a crucial role in inmate rehabilitation. The LACJ system offers various programs to promote personal growth and reduce recidivism.
These may include basic literacy and numeracy classes, GED preparation courses, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling.
Inmates can also access life skills classes, anger management courses, and parenting programs to equip them with essential tools for successful reintegration into society.
Making Phone Calls
Inmates can make outgoing calls to friends and family members. These calls are typically collect calls. This means that the recipient of the call will be charged for the duration of the conversation.
To receive collect calls, make sure your phone service provider allows them. You should also be prepared to pay for charges related to this call.
Inmates may also use prepaid calling cards, which they can purchase from the jail's commissary using their account funds.
Understand that inmates cannot receive incoming calls. If there is an emergency, you can contact the jail and provide the necessary information, but the facility will not directly connect you with the inmate.
Phone calls from the Los Angeles County Jail are monitored and recorded, with the exception of legally protected communications with attorneys.
This is why you should make sure to follow the jail's guidelines on appropriate topics and language during your conversations. Violating these rules may result in the termination of the call or restrictions on future calls.
The Los Angeles Jail Policy for Inmates
The jail's policy for inmates aims to maintain a safe and secure environment while providing opportunities for personal development.
Inmates are typically classified according to their security risk, which determines their access to various programs and privileges.
The LACJ system strives to balance the need for safety and order with the provision of resources that can improve inmates' lives and help them transition back into the community.
A Los Angeles County Jail Overview
If a loved one is currently staying at the Los Angeles Country Jail, it is important to know how to visit them, contact them, and help them out.
Before visiting an inmate, make sure to contact the jail to verify its visitation hours.
The easiest way to send money to an inmate is by making an online deposit. If you want to receive a call from an inmate, keep in mind that you might need to pay charges for a collect call.
Do you want to find out more about jail offerings and policies? If so, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have.
