Pitchess Detention Center South

Search for an Inmate in Los Angeles County

Pitchess Detention Center South Information

Pitchess Detention Center South is a 1536-bed jail located in Castaic, Los Angeles County, California. For inmate information, you can call them at any time at 213-473-6100.

This facility handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on the charges, they may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or ordered to remain in custody until the conclusion of their trial.

The inmate search tool allows you to view the jail’s roster and find out who is currently in custody.

Those sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail. Inmates with longer sentences are transferred to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on inmate services such as the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It is helpful to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for correspondence. If you cannot locate it online, you can call Pitchess Detention Center South at 213-473-6100 for assistance.

Phone: 213-473-6100

Physical Address:
29330 The Old Road
Castaic, CA 91384

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 Pitchess Detention Center South?

To search for an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South, 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 213-473-6100 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.

Pitchess Detention Center South Inmate Search

The Pitchess Detention Center South maintains an average of 1536 offenders in custody on any given day. The Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South

Pitchess Detention Center South, also known as "The Wayside Jail," has a capacity of about 1,536 inmates. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates this Detention Center, and inmates come from all over Los Angeles County, some waiting to be transferred to state prison. 

The jail, a medium-security facility, is located at 29320 The Old Rd, Castaic, CA 91384. The phone number for the facility is 213-473-6100. Inmate information can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the online Inmate Information Center

Visiting hours at Pitchess Detention Center South are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until 2:00pm. You must register to visit an inmate online, which you can do here.

The jail offers vocational training and life skills classes in an attempt to reduce recidivism.

These are helpful links for all Los Angeles County Jails:

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

The booking procedure at Pitchess Detention Center South

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Pitchess Detention Center South for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.

The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.

The booking process at Pitchess Detention Center South includes the following steps:

  • Personal identification confirmation.
  • Mugshots for record-keeping.
  • Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
  • DNA collection may be required.
  • Conducting a thorough body search.
  • Securing personal belongings.
  • Providing a phone call.

The booking process can take anywhere from one hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 213-473-6100.

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Directions / Map to the Pitchess Detention Center South
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to handle bail after an arrest in Los Angeles County

If someone has been booked at Pitchess Detention Center South in Castaic, their next steps may include:

1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 213-473-6100.

There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.

  • Bail payments can be made with cash, credit, or money orders.
  • Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Los Angeles County.
  • Property within Los Angeles County may also be used to cover the bail amount.

For a full guide to the bail process in Los Angeles County, California, visit the Pitchess Detention Center South Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South? What is the Schedule?

Pitchess Detention Center South, also known as 'The Wayside 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 visits per weekend.
  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled visit.
  • IMPORTANT: Because of the thousands of people that arrive to visit every day, you may want to plan on arriving several hours 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 661-295-8074.
  • Bring your confirmation number/receipt and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Visits take place at the Pitchess Detention Main Visitation Center.
    29320 The Old Road - Castaic, CA
DAY TIME
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 2:00PM
SUNDAY 8:00AM - 2:00PM
HOLIDAYS** 8:00AM - 2:00PM

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

Attorneys and Clergy Visitation

  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the Pitchess Detention Facilities Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, or outside of those hours with prior approval from the Watch Commander.  
  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the North County Correctional Facility Monday - Thursday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, or Fridays 11:00AM to 7:00PM.
  • Clergy members may make their own arrangements with the Wayside Chaplain’s office by calling 323-526-5390.

     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 Pitchess Detention Center South.
  • All Visits to the Pitchess Detention Center South are arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All visitors must enter the Pitchess Detention Center South main gate and park in the visitor’s center parking lot.  Visitors must then go to the 'visitor’s registration desk' where they will complete a 'request for visit' form.  The form must include the inmate’s name, booking number and name of the visitor(s).  After completing this step, visitors will be directed to the proper bus loading area and be transported to the Pitchess Detention Center South visitation area. The absolute minimum time you should plan on, from arriving to leaving from the visit is approximately four (4) hours.
  • You must have proof of vaccine, proof of a recent (3 days) COVID test, or have proof of recovery in order to visit. 
  • 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 Pitchess Detention Center South. 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

Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 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 Pitchess Detention Center South?

Pitchess Detention Center South, also known as 'The Wayside 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 visits per weekend.
  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled visit.
  • IMPORTANT: Because of the thousands of people that arrive to visit every day, you may want to plan on arriving several hours 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 661-295-8074.
  • Bring your confirmation number/receipt and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Visits take place at the Pitchess Detention Main Visitation Center.
    29320 The Old Road - Castaic, CA
DAY TIME
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 2:00PM
SUNDAY 8:00AM - 2:00PM
HOLIDAYS** 8:00AM - 2:00PM

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

Attorneys and Clergy Visitation

  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the Pitchess Detention Facilities Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, or outside of those hours with prior approval from the Watch Commander.  
  • Attorneys may visit inmates at the North County Correctional Facility Monday - Thursday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, or Fridays 11:00AM to 7:00PM.
  • Clergy members may make their own arrangements with the Wayside Chaplain’s office by calling 323-526-5390.

     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 Pitchess Detention Center South.
  • All Visits to the Pitchess Detention Center South are arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All visitors must enter the Pitchess Detention Center South main gate and park in the visitor’s center parking lot.  Visitors must then go to the 'visitor’s registration desk' where they will complete a 'request for visit' form.  The form must include the inmate’s name, booking number and name of the visitor(s).  After completing this step, visitors will be directed to the proper bus loading area and be transported to the Pitchess Detention Center South visitation area. The absolute minimum time you should plan on, from arriving to leaving from the visit is approximately four (4) hours.
  • You must have proof of vaccine, proof of a recent (3 days) COVID test, or have proof of recovery in order to visit. 
  • 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 Pitchess Detention Center South. 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South?

How to Deposit Money in a Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South, 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 Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South, and what can I send them?

The Pitchess Detention Center South 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, Pitchess Detention Center South 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.

Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South, 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 Pitchess Detention Center South

Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South, and what can I purchase?

Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South.
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 Pitchess Detention Center South staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Pitchess Detention Center South'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 Pitchess Detention Center South follow these steps:

  • Select California, then select Pitchess Detention Center South, 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 Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Pitchess Detention Center South have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South

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 Pitchess Detention Center South, 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 Pitchess Detention Center South.
Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
Pitchess Detention Center South 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 Pitchess Detention Center South

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 Pitchess Detention Center South’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-473-6100 for further assistance.

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This facility, known as "Pitchess Detention Center South" is also known as LA County Jail Pitchess Detention Center South, LA COUNTY JAIL - Pitchess Detention Center South.