LA County Inmate Reception Center

Search for an Inmate in Los Angeles County

LA County Inmate Reception Center Information

The LA County Inmate Reception Center is a 850 bed jail in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 213-893-5327.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the California State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 213-893-5327, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the LA County Inmate Reception Center at 213-893-5327 to get it.

Phone: 213-893-5327

Physical Address:
450 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center?

To search for an inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center, 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 213-893-5327 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.

LA County Inmate Reception Center Inmate Search

The LA County Inmate Reception Center maintains an average of 850 offenders in custody on any given day. The LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center

LA County Inmate Reception Center holds 850 male and female inmates. The address for the facility is 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The phone number is 213-893-5327

The jail houses individuals temporarily before they are transferred to one of six other permanent facilities in Los Angeles County.

Overcrowding and inhumane conditions are not uncommon at this facility. A federal court judge ordered L.A. County to fix overcrowding issues at LA County Inmate Reception Center. There is an overflow operation located at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles which is meant to rectify this problem.

Once you have located an inmate and wish to make monies available to them, you can do so by following instructions here.

These are helpful links to all of the Los Angeles County Jails:

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the LA County Inmate Reception Center?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the LA County Inmate Reception Center, call the jail’s booking line at 213-893-5327.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

LA County Inmate Reception Center Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Los Angeles County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the LA County Inmate Reception Center?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Los Angeles County and other California and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the LA County Inmate Reception Center will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the LA County Inmate Reception Center Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the LA County Inmate Reception Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Los Angeles County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in Los Angeles County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the LA County Inmate Reception Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

In California, bail can be denied under the following circumstances:

Capital crimes as with murder, acts of violence or threats to another when the evidence given supports the likelihood that the arrested committed the crime or will act upon the threats. Bail can also be denied if terms of parole, mandatory supervision, post-release orders or felony parole are violated. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.

The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.

Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Los Angeles County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.

DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.  

More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond.  This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in Los Angeles County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.

A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  

Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.  

There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing.

Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does Los Angeles County California have bail?

Yes, California is a bail state, and Los Angeles County allows bail; however California is among a growing number of states who will attempt to release a defendant under bail conditions and/or a reasonable dollar amount rather than impose a dollar amount that cannot be met.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Los Angeles County?

The court will consider what type of bonds from the following list depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

1.    Judicial public bail/bond is the release of a defendant without any money but must have some kind of supervision while out on bail. 

2.    Cash bail is payment by the defendant or another person in part or in full of the total bail.  The Los Angeles County Clerk of Court supervises this bond. 

3.    Property bail is when one or more people put up property owned in the state of California to cover the bond.  

4.    Professional surety bail is when the defendant is release on bail by having a professional bond company execute the bond.

5.    Unsecured bond is where the arrested is released from custody without having to pay a dollar amount upfront. Instead, the arrested and/or surety signs a bond that says that they will pay the full bond amount if they don’t show up to court. Even though there is no money paid, there are usually conditions such as supervised release, curfew, restraining order or attendance at a treatment center.

6.    A secured bond is where someone called a surety puts up property with greater value than the bond. A professional bondsperson can be a surety in California or a family or friend with property value that exceeds the amount of the bond amount.

Who can set bail in Los Angeles County?

For most misdemeanors, the police and bail magistrate can set bail at the time of the arrest and initial detention.

There are many factors to consider whether the arrested should be given bail and released or be detained until the arraignment. If the circumstances are such that the bail recommendations do not apply, then bail is set by the judge in Superior Court. The Superior Court judge can also consider changing the initial bail terms at the first court appearance.

When is bail set in California?

For some lesser crimes, bail can be set at the time of initial detention and for other crimes, bail is set at the arraignment which must occur within 48 hours of the arrest. 

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Los Angeles County California? 

Yes, your attorney can request a bond reduction if the bail had already been set.

In Los Angeles County California, who can pay bail for me? 

The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. 

A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of California could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Los Angeles County California?   

Yes, California does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the LA County Inmate Reception Center for more information about the jails in Los Angeles County.

What options are there to pay bail in Los Angeles County California? 

Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted.

Go to the LA County Inmate Reception Center for more information about posting bail in Los Angeles County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in California? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount.

If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Los Angeles County? 

The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in California?  

The LA County Inmate Reception Center or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.  

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center? What is the Schedule?

LA County Inmate Reception Center ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-893-5327

  • 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 213-893-5327 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 213-893-5327 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

There are no visits allowed at the LA County Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles, California.

Because this facility is used as a booking, transfer and release facility... in other words, because LA County Inmate Reception Center is just a temporary facility, there are no visits here.

Family and friends will have to wait until their inmate is transferred to one of the other six jails in the Los Angeles County Jails.

Other Los Angeles County Jail's Visitation Pages

Century Regional Detention Facility (Women)

Men's Central Jail

Twin Towers Correctional Facility

North County Correctional Facility

Pitchess Detention Center - North

Pitchess Detention Center - South

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center?

There are no visits allowed at the LA County Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles, California.

Because this facility is used as a booking, transfer and release facility... in other words, because LA County Inmate Reception Center is just a temporary facility, there are no visits here.

Family and friends will have to wait until their inmate is transferred to one of the other six jails in the Los Angeles County Jails.

Other Los Angeles County Jail's Visitation Pages

Century Regional Detention Facility

Men's Central Jail

Twin Towers Jail

North County Correctional Facility

Pitchess Detention Center - North

Pitchess Detention Center - South

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center?

How to Deposit Money in a LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center, 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center, and what can I send them?

The LA County Inmate Reception Center 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, LA County Inmate Reception Center 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.

LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center, 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center

LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center, and what can I purchase?

LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center.
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 [email protected].
* 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the LA County Inmate Reception Center'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 LA County Inmate Reception Center follow these steps:

  • Select California, then select LA County Inmate Reception Center, 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the LA County Inmate Reception Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

LA County Inmate Reception Center 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center

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 LA County Inmate Reception Center, 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 LA County Inmate Reception Center.
Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
LA County Inmate Reception Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What It Costs
Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
The subscription services require additional funding.
There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the LA County Inmate Reception Center charges.

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).

How to use a Tablet to Access Services at LA County Inmate Reception Center

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 LA County Inmate Reception Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 213-893-5327 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the LA County Inmate Reception Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Los Angeles County

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
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Los Angeles Orange Ventura Kern San Bernardino
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This facility, known as "LA County Inmate Reception Center" is also known as LA COUNTY JAIL - Inmate Reception Center.