Avalon Jail

The Avalon Sheriff Station Jail in California has a limited capacity. It is not part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which operates Avenal State Prison with a capacity of 4,062 inmates as of July 31, 2022. The Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles County has a capacity of 5,640 inmates, while the Private Prison in Los Angeles County has a capacity of 60 inmates. The Avalon Jail in California is located at 215 Sumner Avenue, and can be contacted by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 310 510-0174. The physical address is #1 Kings Way, Avenal, CA 93204 and the inmate mailing address is P.O. Box 8, Avenal, CA 93204. Visiting hours at the Avalon Jail in California are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-2pm, as well as on New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Visitation rules, application and registration processes can be found on the Prison Pro website, InmateAid website and LaurelCorrections website. The California State Prison, Avenal is located in Kings County and has faced issues such as overcrowding, mental illnesses, violence, gang issues, developmental disabilities and physical limitations. The Kings County Grand Jury has inquired into the condition and management of the prison as well as the programs provided for inmates. Avalon Jail in California is unique due to its location on Santa Catalina Island and its 158-bed capacity. It is the first all-new prison built in California in 20 years when it opened in 1987, and it provides inmates with valuable information concerning programs and activities available at the jail through a manual developed for newly arrived inmates. The booking process consists of fingerprinting, photographs, conducting background checks, and entering the inmate into the jail's computer system. Additionally, Avalon Jail offers reintegration programming to male inmates.

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Avalon Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Avalon Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 310 510-0174.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Avalon Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Los Angeles County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Avalon Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Los Angeles County and other California and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Avalon Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Avalon Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.