Men's Central Jail

Search for an Inmate in Los Angeles County

Men's Central Jail Information

Located in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, the Men's Central Jail is a 6750-bed jail. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 213-974-4082.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Inmates remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is settled.

The inmate search tool provides access to the jail's roster of those in custody.

Individuals sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here. Those sentenced to more than a year are transferred to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Men's Central Jail at 213-974-4082 for assistance.

Phone: 213-974-4082

Physical Address:
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
PO BOX 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
PO BOX 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Men's Central Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Men's Central Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 213-974-4082 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for Los Angeles County and every other county in California.

Men's Central Jail Inmate Search

The Men's Central Jail maintains an average of 6750 offenders in custody on any given day. The Men's Central Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 529,180 offenders.

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About the Men's Central Jail

Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles County, California was designed in 1965 to have a maximum capacity of 6,750 inmates, but even after two expansions, it has consistently been overcrowded, sometimes handling up to 19,000 prisoners. It is one of the largest jails in the country.

The phone number for the facility is 213-974-4082. It is located at 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Visits to inmates take place Thursdays through Sundays, and Visitation Information can be obtained by scrolling down or clicking here.

Men's Central Jail supervises inmates of all security levels. The structure of the jail places cells in long corridors, and because of its age and lack of maintenance, the physical structure is deteriorating. Plumbing problems and flooding have been reported in the facility, and the public and even public officials would like to see it closed down.

These are helpful links for all Los Angeles County Jails:

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How is booking conducted at Men's Central Jail?

After an arrest, individuals are transported to Men's Central Jail for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.

Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.

Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Men's Central Jail:

  • Verifying identification information.
  • Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
  • Possible DNA collection.
  • Physical search for contraband or weapons.
  • Securing personal belongings.
  • Granting a free phone call.

The booking process varies in duration, taking anywhere from an hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 213-974-4082.

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Directions / Map to the Men's Central Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to post bail for someone arrested in Los Angeles County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, the outcomes include:

1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 213-974-4082 for specific bail amounts.

Bail payments can be made in different ways.

  • Cash, credit, or money order are accepted forms of payment.
  • You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Los Angeles County.
  • County real estate property can be used as collateral.

For further information on posting bail in Los Angeles County, California, visit the Men's Central Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail? What is the Schedule?

Men's Central Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule and Visitation Rules

All visits must be made online with GTL
No registration and no appointment = No Visit

Using the GTL Online App to first register, then selecting an inmate and then making an appointment can be confusing, so if you are having trouble call the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at 213-680-4887 (Monday thru Friday) between 7:00AM and 2:00PM. That said, if you follow the instructions that follow each step of the registration process, it's quite simple.

For those who prefer to ask questions using email.

     VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • Each inmate is allowed one 30 minute visit per scheduled visiting day with a maximum of three (3) persons at a time. Each child counts as one (1) person.
  • Due to COVID restrictions, this may be limited to one adult and one child per visit. Call 213-680-4887 (Monday thru Friday) between 7:00AM and 2:00PM to confirm.
  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled visit.
  • IMPORTANT: Because of the large number of people that arrive to visit, you may want to plan on arriving at least one hour ahead of your scheduled visit time!
  • Because visiting hours are subject to change without notice, it is a good idea to call the visitor’s line prior to making a visit. The best number to call for this is 213-680-4887.
  • Bring your confirmation number/receipt and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Visits take place at the Lynwood Jail Visitation Center - aka The Men's Central Jail
    441 Bauchet Street - Los Angeles, CA 90012
DAY TIME
THURSDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
FRIDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
SATURDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
SUNDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
HOLIDAYS** 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM

** Holidays are: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (the 4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. NOTE: Holiday visits are subject to change.

Attorneys and Clergy Visitation

  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the Men's Central Jail Monday - Friday from 8:00AM to 7:00PM, or outside of those hours with prior approval from the Watch Commander.  
  • Clergy members may make their own arrangements with the Chaplain’s office by calling 323-526-5390. Clergy can visit any time, 24 hours a day.

     VISITATION RULES - Read them all. Failure to follow these may result in not getting a visit.... and you wasting a day.

  • All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointments allowed nor scheduled at Men's Central Jail.
  • All Visits to the Men's Central Jail are arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The absolute minimum time you should plan on, from arriving to leaving from the visit, is approximately three (3) hours.
  • You must have proof of vaccine, proof of a recent (3 days) COVID test, or have proof of recovery in order to visit. NOTE: You can pre-register for free Covid testing at the Men's Central Jail.
  • You must have a California state or US government issued ID card.
  • Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance.
  • Only one adult visitor or one adult with one child will be allowed at a time. (Note: During normal visitation, up to three visitors - which includes three children - are allowed per inmate. This may change once the pandemic panic is over). Call 213-680-4887 or 661-295-8074 to confirm prior to leaving for your visit.
  • If you are a convicted felon or currently on parole or probation, you need a preapproval to visit. Fill out and submit this form, and you can expect to receive a letter within about a month granting or denying permission.
  • Minors 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless legally emancipated. Appropriate paperwork is required as proof of status, including guardianship or emancipation.
  • Children must show some form of a photo ID and remain closely supervised at all times.
  • Personal belongings should be left behind or will be stored in lockers. Strictly prohibited items include cell phones/electronic devices/cameras, tobacco products, waterless hand sanitizers containing alcohol, medications (including homeopathic) hygiene products, stationery, carabiner shackle tools, plastics of all kinds.
  • Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or with contraband in your possession) or you may be subject to arrest.
  • Persons causing a disruption will be ejected from the visitation area
  • There is also a strictly enforced dress code for visitors at the Men's Central Jail. The following may deny you entry:
     - Revealing clothing, such as strapless and midriff-baring tops, see-through material or display of cleavage
     - Skirts, shorts or dresses that are higher than mid-thigh
     - Gang-affiliated clothes and accessories
     - Bare feet
     - Swimsuits
     - Bare torsos or muscle/sleeveless shirts
     - Clothing with graphics depicting nudity, violence, drugs or gang themes

Men's Central Jail Visitation Page - Find more of the the Rules, Policies and Guidelines regarding Inmate Visitation below.
Read carefully and save yourself a trip, and a wasted day sitting around waiting, for nothing.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail?

Men's Central Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule and Visitation Rules

All visits must be made online with GTL
No registration and no appointment = No Visit

Using the GTL Online App to first register, then selecting an inmate and then making an appointment can be confusing, so if you are having trouble call the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at 213-680-4887 (Monday thru Friday) between 7:00AM and 2:00PM. That said, if you follow the instructions that follow each step of the registration process, it's quite simple.

For those who prefer to ask questions using email.

     VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • Each inmate is allowed one 30 minute visit per scheduled visiting day with a maximum of three (3) persons at a time. Each child counts as one (1) person.
  • Due to COVID restrictions, this may be limited to one adult and one child per visit. Call 213-680-4887 (Monday thru Friday) between 7:00AM and 2:00PM to confirm.
  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled visit.
  • IMPORTANT: Because of the large number of people that arrive to visit, you may want to plan on arriving at least one hour ahead of your scheduled visit time!
  • Because visiting hours are subject to change without notice, it is a good idea to call the visitor’s line prior to making a visit. The best number to call for this is 213-680-4887.
  • Bring your confirmation number/receipt and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Visits take place at the Lynwood Jail Visitation Center - aka The Men's Central Jail
    441 Bauchet Street - Los Angeles, CA 90012
DAY TIME
THURSDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
FRIDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
SATURDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
SUNDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM
HOLIDAYS** 10:00AM - 3:00PM
5:00PM - 7:00PM

** Holidays are: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (the 4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. NOTE: Holiday visits are subject to change.

Attorneys and Clergy Visitation

  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the Men's Central Jail Monday - Friday from 8:00AM to 7:00PM, or outside of those hours with prior approval from the Watch Commander.  
  • Clergy members may make their own arrangements with the Chaplain’s office by calling 323-526-5390. Clergy can visit any time, 24 hours a day.

     VISITATION RULES - Read them all. Failure to follow these may result in not getting a visit.... and you wasting a day.

  • All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointments allowed nor scheduled at Men's Central Jail.
  • All Visits to the Men's Central Jail are arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The absolute minimum time you should plan on, from arriving to leaving from the visit, is approximately three (3) hours.
  • You must have proof of vaccine, proof of a recent (3 days) COVID test, or have proof of recovery in order to visit. NOTE: You can pre-register for free Covid testing at the Men's Central Jail.
  • You must have a California state or US government issued ID card.
  • Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance.
  • Only one adult visitor or one adult with one child will be allowed at a time. (Note: During normal visitation, up to three visitors - which includes three children - are allowed per inmate. This may change once the pandemic panic is over). Call 213-680-4887 or 661-295-8074 to confirm prior to leaving for your visit.
  • If you are a convicted felon or currently on parole or probation, you need a preapproval to visit. Fill out and submit this form, and you can expect to receive a letter within about a month granting or denying permission.
  • Minors 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless legally emancipated. Appropriate paperwork is required as proof of status, including guardianship or emancipation.
  • Children must show some form of a photo ID and remain closely supervised at all times.
  • Personal belongings should be left behind or will be stored in lockers. Strictly prohibited items include cell phones/electronic devices/cameras, tobacco products, waterless hand sanitizers containing alcohol, medications (including homeopathic) hygiene products, stationery, carabiner shackle tools, plastics of all kinds.
  • Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or with contraband in your possession) or you may be subject to arrest.
  • Persons causing a disruption will be ejected from the visitation area
  • There is also a strictly enforced dress code for visitors at the Men's Central Jail. The following may deny you entry:
     - Revealing clothing, such as strapless and midriff-baring tops, see-through material or display of cleavage
     - Skirts, shorts or dresses that are higher than mid-thigh
     - Gang-affiliated clothes and accessories
     - Bare feet
     - Swimsuits
     - Bare torsos or muscle/sleeveless shirts
     - Clothing with graphics depicting nudity, violence, drugs or gang themes

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail?

How to Deposit Money in a Men's Central Jail Inmate's Account

There are two ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Los Angeles County Jail system:
1.  Mailing a Payment - $200 maximum

Mailing Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
PO BOX 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164

2.  Dropping off a payment - $200 maximum
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Men's Central Jail will only accept:

  • Cash
  • US Postal Money Orders, or
  • Certified Bank Cashier Checks from banks in California for deposit into an inmate’s account.

Locations to drop off inmate money:

Inmate Reception Center
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

or

Century Regional Detention Facility
11705 S. Alameda Street
Lynwood, CA 90262

For complete information and guidelines for sending an inmate money including: the maximum you can send, what form the payment has to be, the maximum an inmate can have in their account and more, check out our Inmate Money page.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Men's Central Jail, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Men's Central Jail Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail, and what can I send them?

The Men's Central Jail has a very strict set of rules and policies regarding mail that is delivered to inmates.

The purpose of these rules are not to make life difficult for you or to ‘punish’ incarcerated inmates further, but are here for the safety and security of all the inmates and staff who reside and work in what can be a very dangerous place.

 For the time being, Men's Central Jail is still allowing inmates to receive physical mail, however many jails and prisons around the country are starting to go full-on digital; only allowing electronic messages and digital images to be accessible by inmates through kiosks or jail provided handheld devices.

All LA County Jail Inmates are made aware of the following Rules and Policies and these are also posted in the lobbies of each of the facilities to educate friends and loved ones.  

Many items that are needed by inmates that you may want to mail but can’t, can be purchased directly from the LA County Jail’s Commissary. Even indigent inmates, those without any funds, are provided basic hygiene items and other items necessary for their physical and mental health.

Men's Central Jail Inmates are allowed mail in envelopes and on postcards.

They are also allowed to receive books, magazine and newspapers directly from trusted publishers and businesses.

Mailing Address:

Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
PO BOX 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164

The following is a list of prohibited items: 

If any of these items are mailed to an inmate in the Men's Central Jail, they will be returned intact to the sender (provided there is a return address) and the inmate will NOT be notified. 

Read and follow this list carefully. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.

ENVELOPES & POSTCARDS

*All envelopes and paper must be free of debris and/or any illegal substances, perfume/cologne, powders, lip stick, food or cosmetic items or dried liquids. 

*Blank envelopes, envelopes with a metal clasp, postage stamps, envelopes with gang or suggestive drawings/artwork

*Cash, personal or second-party checks, payroll checks, out-of-state checks

*Blank money order(s) (money orders must be signed and made payable to the inmate)

*Money order(s) that would increase the inmate's trust funds in excess of the $900 limit

*Out-of-state money order(s)

*Money order in amount exceeding $200 limit

*Musical, plastic, or blank greeting card(s)

*Identification card(s) or copies of ID cards

*Paper clip(s), staple(s), pen(s), pencil(s), glitter, sticker(s), glued or gummed label(s)

*Postcard(s) larger than 6''x 9''

*Rosary bead(s), balloon(s), string bracelet(s), or jewelry item(s)

*Lottery ticket(s) or pre-paid telephone card(s)

*Cellophane tape or any type of tape on letters

*Audio, CDs, or cassette tapes

BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES

*Item(s) not sent directly from an accepted bookstore or publisher such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

*Item(s) of explicit sexual nature or that depict full or partial frontal nudity

*Item(s) that depict or describe how to create weapons or commit crimes, or contains content that has been determined to compromise jail security

*Item(s) exceeding the limit of three (3) books per week

*Item(s) exceeding the limit of three (3) periodicals or publications per week

*Item(s) has metal or plastic binding

*Item(s) has a hard cover (only paperback books are allowed)

PHOTOGRAPHS & COMPUTER PRINTED IMAGES 

*Item(s) does not conform to size requirements: Minimum of 3"x 5" / Maximum of 4"x 6" 

*Item(s) that depict nudity, sexually-suggestive content, or gang imagery

*Item(s) that depicts content which has been determined to compromise jail security

*Polaroid photos

POLICY REGARDING COMPLAINTS & APPEALS OF A RETURNED ITEM

If you do send a book, a magazine or a publication and is returned, yet you believe that it should have been accepted by the jail and given to your inmate, you can file an appeal, as long as you appeal it within 15 days of receiving notification that the item was returned.

The LA County Jail will then provide you with their decision of your appeal within 15 days.

You can appeal the return of a book, newspaper, magazine or publication by filing a complaint here.
 

Your appeal MUST INCLUDE ALL the following information or it will be automatically denied: 

(1)  The involved inmate's name and booking number; 
(2)  The form's reference number; 
(3)  The sender's contact information; 
(4)  A description of the withheld/returned item; 
(5)  The date the item was sent to the inmate; 
(6)  The date the sender received this Returned Mail Notification; 
(7)  The reason(s) the sender disagrees with the LASD’S decision to withhold/return the item.

**If you have any questions about any of these rules, policies, guidelines and/or the appeal process, please contact the Mail Room Supervisor at 213-893-5874.

These rules, policies and guidelines are subject to change any time.

How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail

Men's Central Jail Inmates are allowed mail in envelopes and on postcards. They are also allowed to receive photos.

They are also allowed to receive books, magazine and newspapers directly from trusted publishers and businesses.

Mailing Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
PO BOX 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164

To learn all the rules, policies and guidelines, and they are extensive, for sending anything in the mail to an inmate at any of the Los Angeles County Jails, check out our Inmate Mail Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail, and what can I purchase?

Men's Central Jail contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select California.
3. Select Men's Central Jail.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Men's Central Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Men's Central Jail's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.


*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Los Angeles County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Men's Central Jail follow these steps:

  • Select California, then select Men's Central Jail, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Los Angeles County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Los Angeles County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Men's Central Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Los Angeles County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

No.

As of January 2023, LA County Jails do not yet contract with a service that allows email or messaging services. 

A growing number of jails now offer email services to inmates and their families.

  • This can save you time by letting you view your email from your smart phone, computer, or tablet, whenever you wish. 
  • You don't have to deal with envelopes, stamps or the post office.
  • Inmates like it because the emails eliminate delays so they can get your correspondence quickly and send responses immediately.
  • Jail staffs like it as it eliminates concerns about contraband entering the facility in envelopes and on paper. It also allows the jail to have an electronic record that can be called upon at any time.

Anything you or your inmate writes in an email service is put through a filtering program that looks for certain words related to criminal and/or gang activities. There have been multiple cases in which emails between inmates and their friends or loved ones have been used as evidence in criminal court cases to convict them or to file new charges.

How do Inmates at the Men's Central Jail Communicate using Email?

As of January 2023, LA County Jails do not yet contract with a service that allows email or messaging services.  For the time being the only communication with inmates by US Mail, By Phone or by Visiting them at the facility.

For more information on how jails across America are using third-party email services to allow communication between inmates and their loved ones, check out our Inmate Email page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Men's Central Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Men's Central Jail either allows, or may soon be allowing inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by GTL (aka Viapath Technologies)

Follow the instructions below to get a tablet for your inmate at Men's Central Jail

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GTL and Viapath.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Men's Central Jail, such as:

  • Music
  • Books
  • Games
  • Education
  • News
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Read mail and messages
  • Video visits

Free services are already available for use on the device at Men's Central Jail.
Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
Men's Central Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What It Costs

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How to use a Tablet to Access Services at Men's Central Jail

To find out how to get access to a tablet for an inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GTL / Viapath Services.

2.  In the top menu, click on 'Services', then on 'Inmate Devices & Content'.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Men's Central Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-974-4082 for further assistance.

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This facility, known as "Men's Central Jail" is also known as Los Angeles County Jail, LA COUNTY JAIL - Men's Central Jail.