Bell Jail

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Los Angeles County

Bell Jail

The 25-bed Bell Jail is staffed around the clock, and you can call 323-585-1245 at any hour for inmate information.

Arrestees charged with misdemeanors or felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing. If held, they stay until they post bail, are released on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody through the end of their trial.

The facility’s roster of current inmates is available through the inmate search tool.

Convicted inmates with sentences of less than a year remain here. Inmates with sentences of more than a year are sent on to the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page includes information about the visitation schedule, sending money to an inmate’s account, mail, receiving calls from an inmate, voicemail, email and text messaging, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.

Find and save the inmate’s booking number early, since you may need it for letters and other communication. Can’t find it online? Call Bell Jail at 323-585-1245.

Phone

323-585-1245

Physical address

6326 Pine Ave
Bell, CA 90201
Get directions

Mailing address (personal mail)

Inmate's Full Name & Booking #

Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)

Inmate's Full Name & Booking #

Other Jails and Prisons

If you’re trying to find an inmate in the Bell Jail, see their charges or bond amount, learn when they can have visitors, or view their mugshot, the Official Jail Inmate Roster is the place to start. The jail can also be reached at 323-585-1245. To find a criminal court, search the list of courts for Los Angeles County or any other county in California.

Bell Jail Inmate Search

For information about warrants in Los Angeles County or anywhere else in California, or about a court case involving you, a friend, or a relative, a good place to start is the California Superior Court.

Most criminal defendants in California, including in Los Angeles County, have a constitutional right to bail before trial, with exceptions for certain capital and violent felony cases. The California Supreme Court has ruled that judges must consider ability to pay and may not keep someone in jail just because they can’t afford bail unless no less restrictive condition would protect public safety or ensure their return to court. Under Rule 4.101, judges also may not consider whether the defendant wants a jury trial.

The jail can tell you an inmate’s bail if you call the Bell Jail at 323-585-1245. You can also look up the Los Angeles County bail schedule on your own, as long as you know the crime the inmate was arrested for. This county accepts cash, surety bonds, and property bonds.

The Bell Jail has a licensed capacity of 25 inmates, but it often has to make room for many more, especially on weekends. Most city and county jails in California turn over at least 35-40% of their population monthly, another 25-30% every 90 days, another 15-20% every six months, and about 8-9% stay incarcerated six to twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually charged with serious crimes such as rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county remain in custody at one of the Los Angeles County facilities much longer.

Approximately 462,420 offenders are arrested and detained every year by Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

The Bell Jail in California has a capacity of 728 Level I inmates. These inmates are assigned permanent jobs, such as Community Work Crews. Street parking is usually available at the jail. The Bell City Jail is located at 6326 Pine Avenue, Bell, CA, 90201, Los Angeles County County. The main phone number for the jail is (323) 585-1245. It does not appear that the Bell City Jail is part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The Bell Jail in California has in-person visiting hours on Fridays from 11:30am to 6:00pm, Saturdays and designated holidays from 8:30am to 3:00pm, and video visits on Sundays from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Inmates can get up to one visit a day with a maximum of two visits, each lasting fifteen minutes. The jail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bell Jail in California is a 20-bed Type I Jail Facility, as described in the California Code of Regulations, Title 15. Inmates held at Bell Jail may face constitutional challenges to prison conditions or practices, and have limited access to phone calls which are expensive and difficult. Vincent Bell, who has one leg, was awaiting trial in connection with a 2012 murder when he was forced to hop to a cell. Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) is another correctional facility in California. The Bell Jail in California is unique due to its involvement in the Bell scandal, where public funds were misappropriated. During booking, arrestees are allowed three free telephone calls, and inmates have unlimited collect calls once housed. The former city manager of Bell had an annual salary and benefits package of more than $1.5 million. Bell made massive profits from providing a captive pool of customers whose connection to family could only be achieved through their services. In Ontario, Bell has an exclusive contract with jails for phone services.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How does the booking process work at Bell Jail?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Bell Jail for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Bell Jail typically includes the following steps:

  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
  • DNA collection, if required.
  • Conducting a thorough search.
  • Confiscating personal belongings.
  • Providing a free phone call.

For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 323-585-1245.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Los Angeles County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Bell Jail in Bell for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 323-585-1245 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

  • To post a cash bond, pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office by cash, cashier's check or money order; many facilities also accept cards at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee, and you will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail phone: 323-585-1245).
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Los Angeles County can assist with payment.
  • Real property such as land or a house is accepted as collateral by many courts, provided the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently twice the bond, with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail signs off on it.

For more information on the bail process in Los Angeles County, California, visit the Bell Jail Bail Information Page.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Bell Jail? What is the Schedule?

Bell Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

6326 Pine Ave
Bell, CA 90201
323-585-1245

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 323-585-1245 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 323-585-1245 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Bell Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Bell Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Bell Jail, and what can I send them?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Bell Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Bell Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Do Inmates in the Bell Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bell Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 323-585-1245 for further assistance.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

What are the other City and County Jails in Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County County Jails

Los Angeles County City Jails

Los Angeles County Juvenile Facilities

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County (this county)Orange CountyVentura CountyKern CountySan Bernardino County
Los Angeles County Jails listed No jails listed
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Los Angeles County