Los Angeles County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Los Angeles County?
Inmate records in Los Angeles County are official documents maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes requirements for criminal justice record keeping.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for county jail facilities, while the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains records for state prison inmates. Federal inmates housed in Los Angeles County are documented by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Inmate records typically include:
- Booking information
- Custody status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Projected release dates
- Facility location information
- Criminal charges and case numbers
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 229-1700
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Are Inmate Records Public In Los Angeles County?
Inmate records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public information with certain limitations established under California Government Code § 6254 and the California Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic inmate information through official channels provided by the respective correctional agencies.
The accessibility of inmate records is governed by the following legal frameworks:
- California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes the public's right to access government records
- Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) protects certain personal information
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restricts access to medical information
While basic information such as an inmate's name, booking number, facility location, and scheduled release date is publicly available, certain information remains confidential, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that may compromise institutional security
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
Requests for inmate records beyond what is publicly available through online databases may require submission of a formal request under the California Public Records Act to the appropriate agency.
What's Included Inmate Records in Los Angeles County
Inmate records maintained by Los Angeles County correctional facilities contain comprehensive information collected throughout an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 15, which establishes minimum standards for local detention facilities.
Standard information contained in Los Angeles County inmate records includes:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Booking number and date of intake
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Current charges and case numbers
- Court information including scheduled appearances
- Bail amount (if applicable)
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Projected release date
- Sentence information for convicted individuals
- Disciplinary records from current incarceration
- Visitor logs
For state prisoners housed in Los Angeles County facilities, additional information may include commitment offense, sentencing county, and parole eligibility dates. This information is maintained in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Offender Management System as required by California Penal Code § 2081.5.
Federal inmates housed in Los Angeles County have records maintained in accordance with Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 1351.05, which governs the release of information.
Los Angeles County Prison System
The Los Angeles County prison system encompasses a complex network of county, state, and federal facilities operating within the geographical boundaries of Los Angeles County. This system represents one of the largest correctional infrastructures in the United States, processing approximately 100,000 individuals annually.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates the county jail system, which consists of seven major facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 15,000 inmates. These facilities primarily house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
State prison facilities in Los Angeles County are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and house individuals serving longer sentences for felony convictions. The primary state prison facility in the county is:
California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC)
44750 60th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 729-2000
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
The federal correctional presence in Los Angeles County is represented by:
Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles
535 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-0439
MDC Los Angeles
Oversight of the Los Angeles County prison system involves multiple agencies including the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, California Board of State and Community Corrections, and federal monitoring entities.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County maintains a diverse array of correctional facilities designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. These facilities operate under the authority of different governmental jurisdictions and serve distinct purposes within the criminal justice system.
County-operated facilities include:
-
Men's Central Jail
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-4082 -
Twin Towers Correctional Facility
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 893-5100 -
Century Regional Detention Facility (Women's facility)
11705 South Alameda Street
Lynwood, CA 90262
(323) 568-4500 -
Pitchess Detention Center (North, South, East facilities)
29320 The Old Road
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 295-8815
Pitchess Detention Center
State facilities within Los Angeles County include:
- California State Prison, Los Angeles County (Maximum security)
- Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (Female rehabilitative program)
Federal facilities:
- Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (Administrative facility)
Additionally, Los Angeles County operates specialized detention facilities including:
- Juvenile detention centers under the Probation Department
- Mental health treatment facilities for inmates requiring psychiatric care
- Community-based correctional facilities for low-risk offenders
Each facility type maintains distinct record-keeping systems while adhering to jurisdictional requirements for documentation and information management.
Who's in Prison In Los Angeles County
The inmate population in Los Angeles County correctional facilities represents diverse demographics and legal statuses. As of the most recent available data, approximately 15,000 individuals are housed in Los Angeles County jail facilities on any given day, with additional populations in state and federal facilities within county boundaries.
The county jail population primarily consists of:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings (approximately 44%)
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses (approximately 20%)
- Individuals serving sentences for non-violent felonies (approximately 25%)
- State prison inmates temporarily housed in county facilities (approximately 11%)
Demographic analysis of the Los Angeles County inmate population indicates:
- Male inmates constitute approximately 86% of the jail population
- Female inmates constitute approximately 14% of the jail population
- Racial/ethnic composition reflects: Hispanic/Latino (53%), Black/African American (30%), White (13%), and other groups (4%)
- Age distribution shows the majority of inmates are between 18-39 years old
The California State Prison, Los Angeles County houses approximately 3,200 male inmates serving sentences for serious or violent felony offenses. The Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles typically houses 600-800 federal detainees awaiting trial or sentencing in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Population statistics are maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 6031.4, which requires regular reporting of inmate populations and facility capacities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Los Angeles County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Los Angeles County may utilize several official channels to access this information. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation have implemented enhanced digital systems for 2025 that facilitate public access to inmate information.
To search for individuals in Los Angeles County jail custody:
- Visit the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center
- Enter the inmate's last name and first name (required)
- Provide additional information if available (booking number, date of birth)
- Review the search results for custody status, facility location, and booking information
- Note the inmate's booking number for future reference
For state prisoners housed in Los Angeles County facilities:
- Access the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS)
- Enter the inmate's full name or CDCR number
- Review results for current location, commitment offense, and projected release date
For federal inmates housed at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles:
- Visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
- Enter the inmate's register number or name
- Review custody status and facility assignment
Individuals without internet access may obtain inmate information by calling:
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center: (213) 473-6100
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: (916) 445-6713
- Federal Bureau of Prisons: (213) 485-0439
How To Find an Inmate in Los Angeles County for Free?
Los Angeles County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within county, state, and federal correctional facilities. These services are available to the general public without fees or subscription requirements.
Free inmate locator services include:
-
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center
Online: LASD Inmate Locator
Telephone: (213) 473-6100
Available 24 hours daily -
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Online: California Incarcerated Records & Information Search
Telephone: (916) 445-6713
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Online: BOP Inmate Locator
Telephone: (213) 485-0439
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
When using these free services, members of the public should be prepared to provide:
- Inmate's full legal name (first and last name required)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Booking number or identification number (if known)
For in-person inquiries, individuals may visit:
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Reception Center
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: 24 hours daily
Information provided through these free services is limited to public record data as defined by California Government Code § 6254.
How To Visit an Inmate In Los Angeles County
Visitation with inmates housed in Los Angeles County correctional facilities is governed by specific protocols established by the respective facility administrators. These procedures are designed to maintain institutional security while facilitating important family and community connections for incarcerated individuals.
For Los Angeles County jail facilities:
- Verify the inmate's location and eligibility for visits using the LASD Inmate Locator
- Schedule a visit through the Sheriff's Department Inmate Visitation Scheduling System
- Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visit time
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Submit to security screening procedures
- Adhere to facility dress code requirements
For California State Prison, Los Angeles County:
- Verify the inmate's visitation eligibility through CDCR's Visitor Information
- Complete and submit a CDCR Form 106 (Visitor Questionnaire)
- Await approval from the institution (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Schedule a visit according to the facility's designated visiting days
- Follow all institutional security protocols upon arrival
For Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles:
- Ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Review MDC Los Angeles visiting guidelines
- Schedule a visit through the Bureau of Prisons online scheduling system
- Arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled visit
- Present valid identification and comply with facility regulations
All visitors should note that visitation policies may change without notice due to institutional needs or public health considerations. Current information should be verified prior to planning any visit.
How To Send Money to a Los Angeles County Inmate
Los Angeles County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds may be used by incarcerated individuals to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and access other approved services within the correctional facilities.
For Los Angeles County jail inmates, funds may be deposited through:
-
Online Deposits
Access Corrections
Available 24/7
Fees: $2.95 - $9.95 based on deposit amount -
Lobby Kiosks
Located at all Los Angeles County jail facilities
Available during normal visiting hours
Fees: $2.95 per transaction -
Phone Deposits
1-866-345-1884
Available 24/7
Fees: $4.95 - $11.95 based on deposit amount -
Mail Deposits
Money orders only (no personal checks or cash)
Inmate name and booking number must be included
Mail to:
Inmate Trust Fund
P.O. Box 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164
For California state prisoners in Los Angeles County:
-
Online Deposits
JPay
Available 24/7
Fees vary based on deposit amount -
Money Orders by Mail
Send to:
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
Inmate Trust Accounts
P.O. Box 4490
Lancaster, CA 93539-4490
For federal inmates at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles:
- Online Deposits
Bureau of Prisons Money Transfer System
Available 24/7
Fees vary based on deposit method
All deposits are subject to processing times and institutional policies regarding fund availability. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 3140, certain restrictions may apply to inmate trust accounts.
How To Send Jail Mail In Los Angeles County
Correspondence with incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established by the respective correctional agencies. These regulations ensure institutional security while facilitating important communication between inmates and their support networks.
For Los Angeles County jail inmates:
-
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, Booking Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State, ZIP Code -
Example:
John Doe, 1234567
Men's Central Jail
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For California State Prison, Los Angeles County:
- Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, CDCR Number
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
P.O. Box 4430
Lancaster, CA 93539-4430
For Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles:
- Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, Register Number
Metropolitan Detention Center
535 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
General mail guidelines for all facilities include:
- Correspondence must be sent via U.S. Postal Service
- Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
- Letters must be written in English or Spanish only
- No perfumed paper, stickers, glitter, or crayon markings
- No polaroid photographs or photos depicting gang symbols, nudity, or violence
- No cash, personal checks, or contraband items
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 3147, all non-legal mail is subject to inspection and may be read by correctional staff. Legal mail must be clearly marked as such and will be opened in the presence of the inmate.
Lookup Inmate Records in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Inmate Locator
California State Prison Records Search
Pitchess Detention Center Information