Los Angeles Detention Center facilities serve critical roles in public safety, justice administration, and community support across Southern California. These institutions house individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or immigration proceedings while offering rehabilitation programs, medical care, and legal resources. The system includes county jails operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), federal detention centers managed by the Bureau of Prisons, and specialized facilities for juveniles and immigrants. With over 23 jail locations and a daily population exceeding 15,000 inmates, this network represents one of the largest correctional systems in the United States. Each facility follows strict protocols for health, safety, visitation, and inmate rights, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Major Facilities in the Los Angeles Detention System
The Los Angeles detention infrastructure consists of several key institutions serving different jurisdictions and populations. The Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood primarily houses female inmates and offers extensive educational and vocational programs. The Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles serves as a federal holding site for pre-trial detainees under U.S. Marshals Service custody. Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic functions as the largest county jail complex, split into North, East, and South facilities, accommodating thousands of male inmates. Additional sites include the 77th Street Regional Jail, Pacific Area Jail, and temporary holding stations within LAPD divisions. Each location maintains unique intake procedures, visiting schedules, and service offerings tailored to its population and operational scope.
Century Regional Detention Facility – LASD’s Primary Women’s Jail
Located at 8700 Century Boulevard in Lynwood, the Century Regional Detention Facility opened in 2009 as the main women’s detention center in Los Angeles County. It holds approximately 1,200 female detainees, including those awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or transitioning to state prison. The facility provides GED classes, parenting workshops, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services. Disaster response coordination ensures emergency preparedness, while environmental initiatives include recycling programs and energy-efficient infrastructure. Holiday assistance programs connect families during incarceration, and youth outreach efforts aim to reduce recidivism through mentorship. The center partners with nearby cities like Compton and Paramount under intergovernmental agreements, expanding its regional impact.
Metropolitan Detention Center – Federal Holding Facility
The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Los Angeles, situated at 535 N. Alameda Street, is a federal administrative-security facility operated by the Bureau of Prisons. Established in 1974, it houses around 1,500 male and female inmates awaiting federal trial or sentencing. Unlike county jails, MDC Los Angeles does not accept state prisoners but supports the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Inmates receive legal mail handling, secure staff parking, and access to a visiting lobby for attorney and family meetings. During the pandemic, the facility adjusted operations to limit virus spread, including restricted visitation and enhanced sanitation. All detainees undergo medical screening upon arrival and receive ongoing healthcare services throughout their stay.
Pitchess Detention Center – Largest County Jail Complex
Pitchess Detention Center North, located at 29320 The Old Road in Castaic, serves as the primary male intake and housing facility for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. With a daily capacity of about 1,000 inmates, it features multiple booking lines, 24-hour information services, and direct access to court transport. The facility includes medical units, mental health crisis intervention teams, and reentry planning services. Contact options include the 24-hour Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100 and administrative inquiries at (661) 295-8840. Pitchess also coordinates with probation officers, public defenders, and community organizations to support inmate rehabilitation and reduce overcrowding through diversion programs.
Health and Safety Protocols in Los Angeles Jails
Los Angeles County jails follow rigorous health and safety standards to protect inmates, staff, and visitors. A dedicated COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee, formed in April 2020, oversees pandemic response across all 23 facilities. This group monitors CDC guideline compliance, distributes personal protective equipment (PPE), assesses ventilation systems, and tracks infection rates. Real-time case data is published on the LASD inmate search portal, showing active infections among staff and inmates while safeguarding privacy. Quarantine units isolate symptomatic individuals, and vaccination clinics are held regularly. Mental health screenings occur during intake, and crisis counselors are available 24/7. These measures reflect a commitment to humane treatment and public health accountability.
Inmate Search and Public Access Tools
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides an online inmate search tool that displays real-time custody status, booking details, and release eligibility. Users can search by name, booking number, or facility code after completing a CAPTCHA verification to prevent bot access. The system shows projected release dates, charges, bail amounts, and housing location. For Pitchess Detention Center North, contact (661) 295-8840 for inmate information. Bail bond services like ACME Bail Bonds (213-481-5212) and Bond Girls Bail Bonds (213-687-8000) offer 24-hour assistance. The statewide California inmate search portal allows filtering by county, making it easy to locate individuals in Los Angeles, Alameda, or Contra Costa jails.
LAPD Custody Services and Local Jail Locations
The Los Angeles Police Department manages several custody facilities across the city. The Metropolitan Detention Center at 180 N. Los Angeles Street (ZIP 90012) can be reached at 213-356-3400. The 77th Street Regional Jail at 7600 S. Broadway (ZIP 90003) uses phone number 213-473-4851. The Pacific Area Jail at 12312 Culver Boulevard (ZIP 90066) lists 310-482-6488. Note that the Southwest Area Jail is temporarily closed for renovations. Each site follows standardized intake procedures, including fingerprinting, medical screening, and property inventory. Visiting hours vary by location, and all visitors must present valid ID and pass security checks.
Juvenile Detention and Youth Services
Los Angeles County operates a 24-hour juvenile detention center at 16350 Filbert Street in Sylmar. This facility provides temporary shelter, educational tutoring, mental health assessments, and coordination with probation officers for minors in custody. Families can contact the intake line at (818) 364-2011 for counseling or program referrals. Services focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering life skills training, anger management, and family reunification support. The center collaborates with schools, social workers, and community groups to prepare youth for successful reintegration into society.
Immigration Detention and ICE Coordination
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Los Angeles Field Office manages immigration detention in Southern California. Primary facilities include the Adelanto East and West Detention Centers at 10400 and 10250 Rancho Road in Adelanto, CA 92301. These sites house non-citizens awaiting deportation hearings or immigration court proceedings. ICE coordinates with local jails through intergovernmental service agreements, allowing county facilities to hold immigration detainees under federal contract. Detainees retain access to legal counsel, medical care, and consular notifications per federal law.
LASD Inmate Information System and CAPTCHA Security
When accessing the LASD Inmate Information Center, users must complete a CAPTCHA challenge—a visual test with distorted letters or numbers—to prove they are human. This prevents automated bots from scraping sensitive data. After verification, visitors can search by name, booking number, or facility. Results show custody status, charges, bail information, and release dates. The system protects privacy by omitting personal details like home addresses or Social Security numbers. It is updated daily to reflect new bookings, releases, and court transfers.
Historical Context and Department Leadership
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Alex Villanueva since 2018, oversees more than 9,500 sworn officers and a budget exceeding $4 billion. It operates 23 detention facilities and responds to over 1 million calls annually. A notable event occurred on November 23, 2016, when 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas was killed in a traffic incident, prompting community outreach and safety reforms. The department emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community partnership in its mission to uphold justice and public safety.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For official inquiries, contact the Metropolitan Detention Center at 213-356-3400 or visit 535 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Pitchess Detention Center North can be reached at (661) 295-8840. The LASD Inmate Search portal is available at https://lasd.org/search/inmate+search/. Juvenile services operate from 16350 Filbert Street, Sylmar, CA 91342, with intake at (818) 364-2011. All facilities maintain standard visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with weekend slots by appointment. Masks and ID are required for entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how the Los Angeles detention system works, how to find an inmate, or what rights detainees have. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official policies and public records.
How do I find out if someone is in a Los Angeles County jail?
Use the free online inmate search tool on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number after completing the CAPTCHA check. The system shows current custody status, facility location, charges, bail amount, and projected release date. You can also call the 24-hour Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100 for Pitchess Detention Center or (661) 295-8840 for administrative questions. Results update daily and include only verified, public-safe information. Avoid third-party sites that may charge fees or display outdated data.
Can I visit an inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center?
Yes, but only authorized visitors may enter. Schedule visits through the Bureau of Prisons’ online portal or by calling the facility at 213-356-3400. Bring a government-issued photo ID and arrive 30 minutes early. Visits last up to two hours and occur in a secure lobby. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All bags and electronic devices are prohibited. During health emergencies, visitation may switch to video-only. Check the BOP website for current rules before traveling.
What services are available to inmates in Los Angeles jails?
Inmates receive medical care, mental health support, educational programs, and religious services. The Century Regional Detention Facility offers GED classes, parenting courses, and substance abuse counseling. Pitchess provides vocational training and reentry planning. All facilities have licensed nurses and doctors on staff. Legal mail is processed securely, and inmates can contact attorneys anytime. Recreation, library access, and phone calls are permitted under supervision. Programs aim to reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration.
How does ICE use local jails for immigration detention?
ICE contracts with local facilities like Pitchess and Adelanto to hold immigration detainees under federal agreements. These individuals are not criminal inmates but await deportation or asylum hearings. They receive the same medical care, legal access, and visitation rights as other detainees. ICE coordinates transfers, court appearances, and consular notifications. Detention is not indefinite—most cases resolve within weeks or months. Families can locate detainees using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
What happened during the COVID-19 outbreak in LA jails?
In 2020, the LASD created a special committee to manage the pandemic across all 23 jails. They tested inmates, isolated the sick, distributed masks, and improved ventilation. Vaccines were offered to all staff and detainees. Case numbers were posted publicly on the inmate search site. Visits stopped temporarily but resumed with safety rules. Over 184,000 total cases were reported county-wide, with strict protocols preventing large outbreaks inside facilities. The response was praised for transparency and speed.
Are juvenile detainees treated differently than adults?
Yes. Minors are held separately in secure but rehabilitative settings. The Sylmar juvenile center focuses on education, therapy, and family contact. Staff are trained in youth development, not just security. Probation officers work closely with each case. Education continues daily, and mental health counselors are available 24/7. The goal is to guide youth away from future crime, not punish harshly. Release often includes community supervision and support services.
How can I post bail for someone in Los Angeles County jail?
Contact a licensed bail bondsman like ACME Bail Bonds (213-481-5212) or Bond Girls Bail Bonds (213-687-8000). They charge a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bail amount) and post the full bond on your behalf. You’ll need the inmate’s name, booking number, and court details. Alternatively, pay the full bail amount directly at the courthouse or online via the LA County ePay system. Once posted, the inmate is typically released within hours, depending on processing time.
Official Website: https://lasd.org/
Main Phone: (323) 267-4800
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday (by appointment)
Address: 535 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012