Pitchess Detention Center North Inmate Phone & Email

Home California Los Angeles County Pitchess Detention Center North Inmate Phone & Email
Phone Info Visits Mail Money Bail Inmate Search Email Tablets Remote Visits Commissary Photos Most Wanted Nearby Jails

Pitchess Detention Center North

Address:
29320 The Old Road
Castaic, CA 91384
Phone:
213-473-6100

Pitchess Detention Center North Inmate Phone Announcement - January 4, 2023

Staff at the Pitchess Detention Center North is making it easier to connect with inmates by using a third-party service for phone communication. Using this service, explained below, allows you to purchase phone time for your inmate to either call you or to call other people in their network. If you have any questions call the facility at 213-473-6100.

Pitchess Detention Center North inmates are allowed to use the phones for personal use at any time, except during scheduled meals and during evening lockdown which begins after 10:00 PM.

Rules, guidelines and schedules on phone use are listed on this page. Failure to adhere to them will result in your inmate and you losing your phone privileges.

Receiving Phone Calls from an Inmate in Pitchess Detention Center North

There are three Ways to Communicate with an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North by Phone

To get started you must first 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 Pitchess Detention Center North, 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.

How to deposit money for Inmate Communications:

  • Online
  • By phone by calling 877-650-4249
  • Deposit by cash, visa or mc debit and credit cards in the Pitchess Detention Center North lobby kiosk
  • By mail... Check or Money Order made out to:
    AdvancePay Service Department
    P.O. Box 911722
    Denver, CO 80291-1722
  • Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are also available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

How to get phone Calls from your inmate at Pitchess Detention Center North

** REMINDER: You cannot call your inmate. They have to phone you.

PRE-PAYING

Using GTL you have the option of either:
- pre-paying directly into your inmate's account where they decide who to call, or
- pre-paying, where you control all phone costs and all calls come only to you.

Prepaid Option #1
If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Pitchess Detention Center North.

Prepaid Option #2
With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

Does the Pitchess Detention Center North allow email communication with Inmates?

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.

What are the most important things to know about phone calls with Inmates

If you were unable to find the information you were looking for on this page, call GTL Connect Network at 877-650-4249 and ask their policies on getting phone calls from your inmate at Pitchess Detention Center North.

You can contact GTL online by using this online form to ask a question.

  • The Pitchess Detention Center North will sometimes restrict the amount of time that an inmate can use the phone by placing daily and monthly limits, so try to pace yourself and not use up all your time at the beginning of the month.
  • Often a unit will limit an inmate's phone time to certain hours of the day, so it is important you keep a regular schedule that works for both you and your inmate.
  • If your inmate does not call you during the time you both have scheduled, don't panic. There are often long lines for phone use. When a jail is on lockdown due to a fight or other security issue they do not allow the phones to be used.

Things you need to understand about Inmate Phone Calling

  • Phones are the only way for an inmate to hear your voice and temporarily 'escape' the loneliness of incarceration, so use your time well. Arguing about anything will leave you both feeling empty and guilty, so avoid it at all costs.
  • All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever either of you say can and will be used against your inmate in court.
  • Never discuss their pending criminal case! Even if you and your inmate believe that your 'coded' coversation will not be understood, or if you speak in another language thinking the jail staff will not understand, don't do it. The staff that monitors your recorded calls has heard it all... you are not fooling them... and you may find your conversation being used as evidence in their case... or even yours!
  • Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

How to Deposit Money in a Pitchess Detention Center North 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 Pitchess Detention Center North 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.

 

How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North

Pitchess Detention Center North 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.

 

How to use a Tablet to Access Services at Pitchess Detention Center North

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.

 

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North 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 Pitchess Detention Center North, 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 Pitchess Detention Center North 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.

 

How do Inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center North 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.

 

How to Arrange Visitation with Pitchess Detention Center North Inmates

Follow these instructions to register, schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.

Inmate Visitation times in Pitchess Detention Center North vary based on many considerations.
After you select your inmate, you will be given the option of available time slots.

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
MONDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 9:00PM

For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, times, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the Pitchess Detention Center North, check out our Visit Inmate Page.

 

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 Pitchess Detention Center North follow these steps:

  • Select California, then select Pitchess Detention Center North, 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 Pitchess Detention Center North check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Los Angeles County.

 

Photos of this facility
1 / 4
2 / 4
La County Jail Pitchess Detention Center North located in Castaic CA (California) 1
3 / 4
La County Jail Pitchess Detention Center North located in Castaic CA (California) 3
4 / 4
La County Jail Pitchess Detention Center North located in Castaic CA (California) 4

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I open an inmate phone account at the Pitchess Detention Center North?
The Pitchess Detention Center North uses a third-party phone service called GTL Connect Network. If you want to communicate by phone with your inmate, you have to first open an account with GTL. They have three different types of accounts: (1)AdvancePay - which is a prepaid collect calling service which allows an inmate to call your phone number using funds that you deposit. (2)PIN Debit - which allows an inmate to call direct to anyone they choose using money that you have deposited for them, or they can use money from their commissary or trust account to purchase prepaid phone credits. (3)Inmate Voicemail - In order to leave a voicemail for your inmate you must have an active AdvancePay Account. To leave a voicemail message you will call a local number that Pitchess Detention Center North has set up, select their Inmate ID, then record the message you want to leave them. To find out the phone number you call to leave a message, call Pitchess Detention Center North at 213-473-6100 or call GTL Connect Network at 877-650-4249. Learn more about how to get phone calls from an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

How much does it cost for an inmate to make a phone call from the Pitchess Detention Center North?
Phone call rates from your inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North to you vary and are subject to change, but in general the costs are as follows: AdvancePay Phone Calls - $0.21 per minute. PIN Debit Phone Calls - $0.21 per minute. Traditional Collect Phone Calls - $0.25 per minute. VOICEMAIL Message (one minute max) - $1.00 per minute. Learn more about how much phone calls cost in the Pitchess Detention Center North, or call GTL Connect Network at 877-650-4249.

Can inmate phone calls from the Pitchess Detention Center North connect to my mobile phone number?
Yes. When an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North calls you using a GTL Connect Network phone service's AdvancePay or PIN Debit account, the calls can connect to your cell phone. Learn more about how to set up a phone account for an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

Why is my Pitchess Detention Center North phone status blocked?
If your phone status at the Pitchess Detention Center North is showing being BLOCKED, there could be several reasons for this: (1)There are not enough funds on your AdvancePay or PIN Debit Account, (2)You have a new telephone number, and a restriction could be on your line, (3)You may have accidentally pressed the incorrect number when attempting to accept the incoming call and you may have blocked your line, (4)In the past you may have requested to have a block placed on your phone and you never had it removed. On any of these issues of your phone being blocked, you can resolve them by calling GTL Connect Network at 877-650-4249. Learn more about how to unblock a phone in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

Are phone calls with an inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center North recorded?
Yes. All phone calls with an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North are recorded. All calls except those with their lawyer. Everything you say and do are going to be heard and recorded by the jail staff. If you discuss your inmate's pending criminal case or any criminal activity, you can be assured that the conversation will end up being sent to the prosecutor and/or other law enforcement. Learn more about inmate phone calling privacy tips with an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

How do I control all phone calls with an inmate in Pitchess Detention Center North?
In order to have full control over the phone expenses and who your inmate can call while in the Pitchess Detention Center North, you need to open a GTL AdvancePay phone account. With this type of account, when you deposit money, your inmate can only call your phone number. However, since your inmate can also purchase prepaid phone time through commissary, they can use the prepaid account to phone whoever they choose, as long as the person or number is not blocked by Pitchess Detention Center North. Learn more about how to control your inmate's phone calls in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

How do I make a deposit into a Pitchess Detention Center North inmate's phone account?
GTL Connect network has five different options for making deposits for your inmate's phone account: (1) Online, at the GTL Connect network website. (2) By phone - Call - 877-650-4249. (3) At the Pitchess Detention Center North lobby kiosk. (4) By mailing a check or money order to: AdvancePay Service Department - P.O. Box 911722 - Denver, CO 80291-1722. (5) Walk-in retail locations such as Western Union Quick Collect [Blue Form], Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger,  and more. Learn more about how to deposit money for an inmate's phone account in the Pitchess Detention Center North.

Who is ViaPath Technologies?
GTL Connect Network and their sister company GTL gettingout are currently undergoing a merger and rebranding into a single entity called ViaPath Technologies. During this transition, all of the current services, links and prices will remain the same. Pitchess Detention Center North, and family members and friends of inmates will not see any changes during the transition, as it will be a slow, measured, seamless process. The end result will be a more responsive company with even better services for you and your inmates.

Do inmates in the Pitchess Detention Center North have access to tablets?
Yes. Pitchess Detention Center North is transitioning to having free tablets available to all inmates for basic services. In addition, you will be able to purchase tablet subscriptions which will include, music, movie streaming, educational programming, legal research and more. Learn more about how to rent a tablet for an inmate in the Pitchess Detention Center North.