Men's Central Jail Inmate Visitation

Men's Central Jail

Address:
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
213-974-4082

Men's Central 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 visit per scheduled visiting day with a maximum of three (3) persons at a time. Each child counts as one (1) person.
• Due to COVID restrictions, this may be limited to one adult and one child per visit. Call 213-680-4887 (Monday thru Friday) between 7:00AM and 2:00PM to confirm.
• Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled visit.
• IMPORTANT: Because of the large number of people that arrive to visit, you may want to plan on arriving at least one hour 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 213-680-4887.
• Bring your confirmation number/receipt and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
• Visits take place at the Lynwood Jail Visitation Center - aka The Men's Central Jail
  441 Bauchet Street - Los Angeles, CA 90012

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

Attorneys and Clergy Visitation

• Attorneys may visit inmates at the Men's Central Jail Monday - Friday from 8:00AM to 7:00PM, or outside of those hours with prior approval from the Watch Commander.  
• Clergy members may make their own arrangements with the Chaplain’s office by calling 323-526-5390. Clergy can visit any time, 24 hours a day.

     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 Men's Central Jail.
• All Visits to the Men's Central Jail are arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The absolute minimum time you should plan on, from arriving to leaving from the visit, is approximately three (3) hours.
• You must have proof of vaccine, proof of a recent (3 days) COVID test, or have proof of recovery in order to visit. NOTE: You can pre-register for free Covid testing at the Men's Central Jail.
• 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 Men's Central Jail. 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

Visiting an Inmate at the Men's Central Jail

Men's Central Jail 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.

Visiting Hours in Men's Central Jail

VISITING HOURS - Family & Friends

Friday

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday 

7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Each inmate is allowed one(1) visit per day and two(2) thirty(30) minute visits each week.

Men's Central Jail limits the number of people that can visit an inmate to two(2) people each visit.

Visitors must arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled visit for visit check-in. Bring your Confirmation Number/Receipt and ID.

Call 213-974-4927 or click here to view normal visiting hours and procedures for scheduling a visit.
....

VISITING HOURS -  Professional (Lawyers)

Monday thru Thursday

8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday

7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

How to be Approved to Visit an Inmate in the Men's Central Jail

Men's Central Jail requires all visitors to register and fill out an online application prior to your visiting an inmate, so you may as well start the process now, so when they do get classified and are transported to another facility, you will be ready.

Carefully fill out the application because incomplete paperwork is cause for denial.

Honesty, especially regarding past criminal convictions, probation etc., is important. These things will most likely show up on the background check – which if lied about on the application, will cause visits to be denied.

Call 213-680-4887 Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM or email the Inmate Visitation Office at [email protected] to ask specific questions about the application.

Click here to go to the jail's website for more information about the application process. 

IMPORTANT!! ...  If you are on probation, parole or are an ex-felon, you also need to fill out a special application. 

After filling it out it needs to be mailed or dropped off to the following address:

Men's Central Jail - Legal Unit
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone Number for Assistance with this application is 213-974-0101

• If you are scheduled to visit and are running late and you cannot be checked-in by staff in time, your scheduled visit will be subject to cancellation.
• Same day visits can be scheduled two (2) hours in advance.  
• Professionals and Public visitors for inmates located in the Correctional Treatment Center or newly booked at any one of our Sheriff Stations are allowed to visit without an appointment.
• Please confirm with staff for availability before arriving.
• Please check your e-mail before arriving for any visitation updates and/or cancellations which may/can sometimes occur.

Can You Do a Video Visit from Home?

As of January 2023, LA County Jails DO NOT yet offer 'at home' video visitation, however Men's Central Jail does have on-site kiosks available for video visitation.

• When scheduling your visit, choose the option for either a regular, public 'no contact' visit .... which means you will be separated by plexiglass .... or an 'at the facility' video visit. 
• Many jails are implementing video visits. These visits are conducted via the Internet on computers, iPADS and smartphones, both iOS and Androids.
• Video visits allow the visit to take place in the privacy of your own home. Some family members 'take their inmate with them' to church, the park, the doctor or anywhere else simply by signing in and bringing the device along.
• Video visits save you from having to get your children ready, drive to the jail, wait in long lines and go through security checkpoints just to see the inmate.
• Video visitation is slowly gaining favor with all jails in America as jail management realizes the financial savings and reduced security risks involved with remote visitation.

**WARNING** Every word, sound and action is captured and saved during video visits. Everthing is scanned by artificial intelligence software or law enforcement officials and can and will be used against you in court, so be careful what you say and do.

Who Can Visit an Inmate?

Who Can Visit an Inmate at the Men's Central Jail?

Anyone over the age of 18, who hasn't been convicted of a felony, isn't on felony probation and can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can be approved to visit an inmate in this jail. All minors under age 17 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian with appropriate paperwork to verify legal guardianship.

Visitation applicants in Los Angeles County may have to submit to a background check. Those with warrants are denied visitation or if allowed to visit, will be arrested at the jail.

Men's Central Jail limits the number of people that can visit an inmate to six (6) people each visit, 3 Adults & 3 Minors. This may be reduced during times of medical emergencies.

Children count as one (1) visitor regardless of age.

Visits are limited to 30 minutes each visit.

Inmates are granted one (1) visit per day and two (2) visits within the visiting week.

If you are a co-defendant with the inmate in a pending case, your visit will be denied.

If you and the inmate are under a court order to have no contact with each other, your visit will be denied.

The Men's Central Jail will deny visitation to anyone with a past felony conviction regardless of probation/parole status, however visitors with a past felony conviction, on probation or on parole MUST complete this special application and wait for approval before being allowed a visit with an inmate in LA County Jail.

The Men's Central Jail reserves the right to deny any person the right to enter the jail it chooses and for any reason. Call 213-680-4887 Monday thru Friday between 7:00AM and 2:00PM if you have any questions.

Men's Central Jail Visitation Dress Code

Men's Central Jail DRESS CODE and PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR & ITEMS

**It is recommended that the only things you bring into the jail when visiting is a single key and your ID**

Dress Code
All Visitors must wear ‘appropriate’ footwear & apparel.
Bare midriffs, strapless tops, tube tops, and swimsuits are prohibited.
See-through clothing is prohibited.
The top of the clothing shall not be lower than the underarm in the front and back.
Shorts & Skirts shall be an ‘appropriate’ length.
Shorts shall cover the lower stomach and the buttocks and crotch area, both when standing and sitting. Shorts and skirts no higher than the mid-thigh comply with dress code.
No clothing that depicts drugs, gangs, nudity or violence.
Shirts must be worn at all times.
No muscle or sleeveless shirts.
Shoes must be worn at all times. 

Prohibited Behavior
No person shall be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or drugs will be permitted. Violators are subject to arrest.
No disrupting the visiting process in any manner. Violators will have their visit cancelled and will be asked to leave.
No loud and boisterous behavior, arguing or fighting is allowed. Violators will have their visit cancelled and will be asked to leave.
Prohibited Items
No drugs, alcohol or weapons are allowed on the property. Violators will be subject to arrest.
No cell phones, tablets, laptops, electronic or wireless device.
No cameras or any flash media.
No tobacco products, lighters or matches.
No carabineer or climbing assisted equipment.
No waterless hand sanitizer containing alcohol.
No weapons of any kind, made of any shape, form or material.
No drugs of any kind, in any form or substance.
No hygiene products of any kind; makeup, soap, etc.
No medications or health aid products of any kind – including over the counter.
No stationary or plastic products of any type or form.

When on the jail property, all visitors and their vehicles are subject to search at any time. Random security checks of persons, their property and vehicles are conducted and considered necessary to provide safety and security for the facility, inmates, employees and visitors.

Visitation Tips, Rules and Guidelines

Men's Central Jail visits are conducted in person behind plexi-glass or on a televised screen from another location.

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and guardians must provide proof of their guardianship.
• Leave all personal belongings, except for your state ID in your vehicle or in a locker (if one is provided).
• Children must be monitored at all times or jail staff will end the visit early.
• Call 213-680-4887 for any visitation questions that are not answered on this page.