Use the Free LA County Jail Inmate Search By Name or Booking Number
Because the Los Angeles County jail system is the largest in the nation, you must use the official, 100% free LASD Inmate Information Center to verify custody status, housing location, bail amounts, and court dates.
This problem-solving guide explains how to properly conduct an LA County jail inmate search by name, why mugshots are frequently hidden, how to use the 7-digit booking number, and the strict rules for VAP visitation, Keefe commissary, and global telephone deposits.
LASD Facility Addresses and the Correct Contact Path
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) operates multiple massive detention facilities. Male inmates generally process through the IRC before being housed at Men’s Central Jail, Twin Towers, or Pitchess. Female inmates are housed at CRDF in Lynwood.
Inmate Reception Center (IRC)
Located at 450 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This is the central intake hub where processing, medical screening, and housing assignments occur.
Men’s Central Jail (MCJ)
Located right next door at 441 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Houses general population and special-handle male inmates.
Twin Towers Correctional
Located at 450 Bauchet St. Primarily houses maximum-security inmates and individuals requiring extensive medical or mental health care.
CRDF (Women’s Jail)
Century Regional Detention Facility is at 11705 S Alameda St, Lynwood, CA 90262. This is the primary housing facility for female inmates in LA County.
How to Perform an LA County Jail Inmate Search By Name or Booking Number
Because Los Angeles has millions of residents, relying on a common name can lead to mistaken identity. Follow these exact steps to isolate the correct booking record for free.
Open the official LASD Inmate Information Center (IIC)
Use the official LASD IIC portal. Third-party mugshot sites frequently charge fees and are highly inaccurate in LA County, missing same-day releases, bail outs, or court dismissals. The LASD tool is 100% free.
Search by Last Name and First Name
Input the exact legal name. If the person has a common name (e.g., John Smith), you must include their middle name or exact Date of Birth (DOB) to filter out dozens of unrelated arrests.
Alternative: LA county jail inmate search by booking number
If you already know the 7-digit booking number (perhaps from an arresting officer or previous paperwork), toggle the search option to “Booking Number.” This bypasses name typos and takes you straight to the exact record.
Verify the Booking Date and Housing Location
Once you see the results, click the inmate’s name. Check the arrest date, arresting agency (e.g., LAPD, LASD, CHP), and whether they are currently housed at MCJ, Twin Towers, CRDF, or Pitchess.
Check LA Superior Court for the Case Outcome
The jail roster only shows custody. To find out what happened in front of the judge, you must look up the case on LACourt.org using the listed court case number.
LAPD vs. LASD Custody Transfers
A massive point of confusion in Los Angeles is the difference between local police custody and county jail custody. Understanding this prevents panic when a record goes temporarily missing.
Initial LAPD Arrest
If someone is arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) or a local city police force (like Beverly Hills or Pasadena), they are first held at a local, temporary precinct jail.
The Transfer Gap
If the inmate does not bail out of the local precinct within a few days, they are transported to the LASD Inmate Reception Center (IRC). During transit, they may not show up on the LASD roster immediately.
LASD Permanent Housing
Once processed through the IRC, the inmate is assigned a 7-digit booking number and housed at Men’s Central, Twin Towers, CRDF, or Pitchess. They will now appear permanently on the LASD search.
LA County Jail Inmate Search Mugshots and Fields Explained
The LASD portal provides highly specific data. Knowing how to read it saves you from paying the wrong bond or driving to the wrong courthouse.
| Field or clue | What it helps with | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Number | This 7-digit number is absolutely required for mail, phone funds, and Keefe commissary packages. | Confusing it with the longer LA Superior court case number. |
| Housing Location | Tells you exactly which facility (e.g., MCJ, CRDF) to address mail to or schedule VAP visits for. | Assuming all males are at Men’s Central (many are in Twin Towers or Pitchess). |
| Bail Amount | Shows the exact total required for release. A “$0.00” may indicate a “No Bail” hold or an upcoming ROR. | Paying a bondsman without realizing the inmate has a strict probation hold that prevents release. |
| Next Court Date | Indicates when they will see a judge (usually within 48-72 hours of booking, excluding weekends). | Going to the jail instead of the courthouse to watch the hearing. |
| LA County Jail Inmate Search Mugshots | In the past, mugshots helped with identity verification. However, California law heavily restricts public mugshot displays for unconvicted individuals. | Assuming a missing mugshot means the record is fake. The lack of a mugshot is standard LASD policy today. |
Troubleshooting: If the Person Does Not Show Up
If you know an arrest happened but the free Los Angeles County jail inmate search by name yields no results, consider these common operational delays.
Search fixes to try first
- Search by the Last Name only to bypass typos in the first name.
- Check aliases or maiden names.
- Wait 4 to 8 hours. The IRC intake process (medical, fingerprinting, LiveScan clearance) can take exceptionally long on busy weekends.
- Call the 24/7 hotline at 213-473-6100 to speak with a records clerk.
Other missing-record explanations
- They are still in a local LAPD precinct holding cell and have not been transferred to county custody.
- They were released on a “Citation” (ticket) rather than formally booked.
- They bailed out immediately before the roster database updated.
- They were transferred to a state prison (CDCR) or federal facility (BOP).
Cash Bail and Bail Bondsman Rules in LA County
Posting bail in Los Angeles can be done via cash, a cashier’s check, or through a licensed bail bondsman. The IRC cashier window at 450 Bauchet St operates 24/7.
Cash Bail
If you pay the full bail amount in cash or verified cashier’s check at the IRC, the money is fully refunded by the court (minus minor fees) after the case concludes, provided the defendant attends all hearings.
Bail Bondsman
A licensed bail bondsman charges a non-refundable premium (legally capped at 10% in California, though often lower with an attorney). The bondsman posts the full surety bond with the jail.
Holds (No Bail)
If the search shows a “Hold” (e.g., probation violation, parole hold, or out-of-county warrant), the inmate cannot be bailed out until a judge lifts the hold, regardless of the money offered.
VAP Visitation Scheduling Rules
You cannot simply walk into an LA County jail to visit an inmate. LASD requires all visitors to use the Visitor Appointment Program (VAP).
| Visitation Rule | Official Detail | User Tip |
|---|---|---|
| VAP Registration | All public visits must be scheduled online at visit.lasd.org. Walk-ins are not permitted. | You must register an account and have the inmate’s 7-digit booking number ready. |
| Scheduling Window | Appointments can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance but must be booked at least 24 hours prior. | Weekend slots fill up extremely fast. Book your visit by Wednesday. |
| Visitor Limits | General population inmates typically receive two visits per week (30 minutes each). | High-powered or segregated inmates have stricter limits. Check their housing classification first. |
| Required ID | A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (CA Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, or Consular card) is required. | If you have active warrants, do not attempt to visit; you will be arrested at the security checkpoint. |
Phone Calls via GTL (ViaPath)
Inmates in LA County cannot receive incoming calls. To allow an inmate to call your cell phone, you must set up an AdvancePay account through Global Tel Link (GTL / ViaPath).
Setting up GTL ConnectNetwork
- Visit ConnectNetwork.com (operated by GTL/ViaPath) or call 1-877-650-4249.
- Create an “AdvancePay” account. This allows you to prepay for calls made specifically to your phone number.
- Alternatively, inmates can buy calling cards directly from the jail commissary if they have funds on their internal books.
Assume full monitoring
- Warning: All inmate phone calls (except those to verified legal counsel) are recorded and monitored by LASD personnel and prosecutors.
- Never discuss case facts, co-defendants, alibis, or hidden property over the jail phone.
- Do not attempt 3-way calling; the system will detect it and instantly disconnect the call.
Mail Rules for Men’s Central, Twin Towers & CRDF
Addressing mail correctly is vital. If you omit the 7-digit booking number or include prohibited items, the mail is discarded or returned.
Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) Format
Use exactly this format for general mail:
Inmate Name, 7-Digit Booking Number
Men’s Central Jail
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Twin Towers Format
Use exactly this format for medical/high-security housing:
Inmate Name, 7-Digit Booking Number
Twin Towers Correctional Facility
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
What LASD accepts via mail
- Standard letters, greeting cards (no musical chips/glitter).
- Up to 5 standard photographs (no polaroids, no nudity, no gang signs).
- Paperback books shipped directly from a recognized publisher/vendor like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Mail mistakes causing rejection
- Blank paper, envelopes, or stamps included inside the letter (inmates must buy these from commissary).
- Hardback books or spiral-bound materials.
- Perfume, lipstick marks, glitter, or stickers on the envelope.
- Sending cash through the mail (it will be confiscated).
Commissary Deposits & Care Packages via Keefe
Do not mail cash to the jail. LASD utilizes Keefe Commissary Network (Access Securepak) for all inmate care packages and fund deposits.
Online Deposits
Visit AccessCorrections.com to deposit funds onto the inmate’s books. They can use these funds to buy hygiene items, snacks, and stationery inside the jail.
Care Packages
Use the Los Angeles County Inmate Package Program (via Access Securepak) to order pre-approved care packages directly to the inmate.
Lobby Kiosks
Cash deposits can be made using the automated kiosks located in the lobby of the Inmate Reception Center at 450 Bauchet St. Have the booking number ready.
LA Superior Court (LACourt.org) Tracking
The LASD inmate search only covers the custody phase. The LA Superior Court manages what actually happens in front of a judge.
Criminal Case Summary
Use LACourt.org to look up criminal cases by the Defendant’s Name or exact Case Number.
Track Hearings
The court portal allows you to see upcoming hearing dates, assigned courtrooms, and whether the District Attorney has formally filed charges.
Booking vs. Case #
The LASD booking number (7 digits) identifies the jail stay. The Court Case number (e.g., BA123456) identifies the legal file for the prosecutor.
Local Parking & Practical Tips
These small, hyper-local steps prevent the most common frustrations when dealing with the massive Los Angeles downtown jail complex.
Parking near Bauchet Street
- Parking around the IRC and Men’s Central Jail is extremely difficult. The onsite MCJ parking structure charges an entry fee (usually $8.00).
- Be cautious of private lots nearby that charge exorbitant flat rates during peak hours.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes early for any scheduled VAP visit to clear security and walk to the visiting area.
Before you call LASD (213-473-6100)
- Write down the 7-digit booking number from the online search. The clerks cannot help you efficiently without it.
- Understand that clerks cannot provide legal advice or recommend a specific bail bondsman.
- For inmates with mental health concerns, fax medication details to 213-972-4002 (Men) immediately after arrest.
Map: Inmate Reception Center (IRC) & Men’s Central Jail
Use this map for the downtown Los Angeles bail cashier, initial intake tracking, and Men’s Central/Twin Towers visitations.
Official Links & Micro-Steps
Use these official portals safely. We provided exact micro-steps so you know exactly what is required after leaving this page.
- Enter the inmate’s exact Last Name and First Name, OR select “Booking Number”.
- Click “Search” to view the roster.
- Write down the 7-digit booking number and note the housing facility (e.g., MCJ, Twin Towers).
- Create an account using your valid government ID.
- Search for the inmate using their 7-digit booking number.
- Select an available time slot at least 24 hours in advance.
- Navigate to the “Criminal Case Summary” section.
- Search by the Defendant’s Name or Court Case Number.
- Verify if charges were filed by the DA or dismissed.
- Select “California” and “Los Angeles County Sheriff”.
- Search using the 7-digit booking number.
- Ensure you are depositing to “Commissary”, not phone funds.
- Sign in or create an AdvancePay account.
- Select Los Angeles County Sheriff.
- Add funds to allow the inmate to call your specific phone number.
- Review the policies for 24/7 bail cashier windows.
- Find the correct medical fax lines for inmates needing urgent prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LA county jail inmate search free?
Yes, the official Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Inmate Information Center is 100% free to use. Do not pay third-party scam websites claiming to charge fees for arrest records.
How do I do an LA county jail inmate search by booking number?
On the official LASD Inmate Information Center website, toggle the search option from “Search by Name” to “Booking Number”. Enter the 7-digit booking number to instantly pull up the exact inmate record, bypassing name typos.
Where can I find LA county jail inmate search mugshots?
Due to recent California privacy laws (such as Marsy’s Law) and LASD departmental policy, public mugshots for unconvicted individuals are frequently restricted and not displayed on the online roster. The lack of a mugshot does not mean the record is fake.
Where is the main LA County jail located?
The primary intake hub is the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) at 450 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Right next to it is Men’s Central Jail (441 Bauchet St) and Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
How do I post cash bail in LA County?
You can post the full cash bail amount 24 hours a day at the cashier’s window inside the Inmate Reception Center (450 Bauchet St). Acceptable payments include cash or a verified cashier’s check.
How do I visit an inmate at Men’s Central Jail or Twin Towers?
You must schedule an appointment online using the LASD Visitor Appointment Program (VAP) at visit.lasd.org. Walk-in visits are strictly prohibited. You need the inmate’s 7-digit booking number to register.
Where do I send personal mail to a male LA County inmate?
Address mail to the exact facility they are housed in. For example: [Inmate Name], [7-Digit Booking Number], Men’s Central Jail, 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Do not send blank paper or cash.
How do I put money on an LA County inmate’s phone account?
LASD uses Global Tel Link (GTL / ViaPath) for phone calls. You can create an AdvancePay account at ConnectNetwork.com or call 1-877-650-4249 to fund calls specifically to your phone number.
How do I deposit money for Keefe commissary items?
You can deposit funds for hygiene and snack items via AccessCorrections.com, by calling their automated line, or by using the cash kiosks located in the IRC lobby on Bauchet Street.
The person was arrested by LAPD. Why aren’t they on the LASD roster?
Individuals arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are held in temporary city precincts first. If they do not bail out, they are transported to LASD’s Inmate Reception Center, which causes a delay in their roster appearance.