Los Angeles Police Department Inmate Search gives people a fast way to find someone held in county jails. The system links to the official Los Angeles County inmate search portal at inmatesearchcalifornia.org. Users enter a full legal name, any known aliases, and the exact date of birth. The search checks the Central Booking Division database, which updates every ten minutes. Results show booking number, jail location, release date, and any active warrants. If no match appears, call the County Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100 or contact the jail directly. The portal also lists LAPD detention centers like 77th Street Regional Jail and Pacific Area Jail with direct phone numbers.
How to Use the Los Angeles County Inmate Search Portal
The Los Angeles County inmate search portal is the main tool for locating someone in custody. Go to inmatesearchcalifornia.org and enter the person’s full name, any nicknames, and their birth date. The system compares this data with records from the Central Booking Division. Results appear within seconds and include key details like housing unit, bail amount, and court dates. If the person isn’t found, it may mean they haven’t been processed yet or are held under a different name. In these cases, calling (213) 473-6100 connects you to a live operator who can help verify status. Always double-check spelling and use middle names if possible to improve accuracy.
LAPD Detention Facilities and Contact Information
The Los Angeles Police Department runs several jails across the city. Each facility handles different types of inmates based on risk level and case status. The main headquarters at 180 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 has a public desk open during business hours. Call 213-356-3400 for general questions. The 77th Street Regional Jail at 7600 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90003 takes pre-trial detainees and has a 24-hour intake line at 213-473-4851. Pacific Area Jail at 12312 Culver Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066 holds high-security inmates and can be reached at 310-482-6488. Southwest Area Jail is currently closed for repairs. Check the LAPD website for reopening updates.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Tools
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) offers two main tools for inmate lookup: the Inmate Locator and the Inmate Information Center. Both require CAPTCHA verification to stop bots from scraping data. The Inmate Locator shows real-time status for people in any of the ten county jails. It displays health flags like quarantine or isolation, release dates, parole eligibility, and medical holds. The Inmate Information Center gives more details after CAPTCHA, including arresting agency, charges, bail amount, and next court date. For phone help, call the LASD Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100. This number works for both LAPD and Sheriff’s Department records.
Real-Time Inmate Status and Health Screening
Since the pandemic, the LASD Inmate Locator includes health screening indicators. These show if an inmate is in quarantine, under isolation, or cleared for visits. This helps families plan safe contact and protects public health. The system updates every few minutes, so users see the latest status. Release dates and parole eligibility are also shown, along with any medical holds that might delay freedom. Visitation rules change often due to health orders. As of March 2024, proof of vaccination or a negative test is required for in-person visits. Always check the LASD website before going to a jail.
Booking Details and Court Information
When you search for an inmate, the system returns a booking number, facility name, and inmate ID. It also lists the arresting agency—whether LAPD, CHP, or another department. Charges are described in plain language, and bail amounts are shown if set. Court dates appear when scheduled, helping families prepare for hearings. If no court date is listed, it may mean the case is still being reviewed. The LASD Inmate Information Center provides deeper data, including bond conditions and attorney contact info. For official documents, use the public records request form on the LASD site.
Phone Assistance and Manual Verification
If online searches fail, calling is the best next step. The County Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100 operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can confirm if someone is booked, give facility names, and explain next steps. Have the person’s full name and birth date ready. For urgent cases, like medical emergencies, tell the operator immediately. They may connect you to the jail’s medical unit. Some jails also allow walk-in inquiries during visiting hours. Bring ID and proof of relationship if possible.
LAPD Online Resources and Public Transparency
The LAPD Online portal hosts videos of critical incidents, including body-cam footage and dash-cam recordings. These are filtered by date, precinct, or event type. Emergency numbers are clearly posted: 9-1-1 for life-threatening situations and 1-877-ASK-LAPD for non-emergencies. The site uses email obfuscation to reduce spam. Written questions can be sent through a secure form. The portal also links to custody policies, use-of-force reports, and community outreach programs. This openness builds trust and helps the public stay informed.
LAPD Jail Locations and Visiting Hours
The LAPD operates ten jail facilities citywide. Each has specific rules for visits, mail, and phone calls. Devonshire Area Jail at 10250 Etiwanda Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325 allows visits daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Foothill Area Jail at 12760 Osborne Street, Pacoima, CA 91331 serves as a transfer hub and can be reached at 818-756-8865. All facilities offer online lookup tools showing housing units, court dates, and approved visitor lists. Check each jail’s page before visiting, as hours may change due to staffing or health rules.
Custody Services Division Coordination
The LAPD Custody Services Division works closely with the LASD to keep records accurate across agencies. This ensures that someone arrested by LAPD but held in a Sheriff’s jail appears in both systems. Visitation policies are aligned with current health guidelines. As of February 2024, all visitors must show vaccination proof or a negative test. The division’s office is at 180 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Call 213-567-8901 for policy questions. The LAPD doesn’t run its own full jail system by law but keeps detention centers to support courts and safety.
CAPTCHA Security and Privacy Compliance
All LASD inmate search tools use CAPTCHA to block automated scraping. Users must type distorted letters or numbers from an image before searching. This protects personal data and follows California privacy laws. The system doesn’t store search history or personal info. After solving CAPTCHA, users can enter a name or booking number to get results. The portal also links to FAQs about sending mail, adding funds, and scheduling lawyer visits. These steps keep the system secure while giving the public needed access.
Related Inmate Search Systems in California
Other counties in California offer similar inmate search tools. While this page focuses on Los Angeles, users may need to check neighboring areas. For example, Orange County and San Diego have their own portals. Always verify which agency made the arrest—city police, county sheriff, or state patrol—to know where to search. Federal inmates are not listed here; use the BOP inmate locator for those cases. This helps avoid confusion and speeds up the search process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have common questions about inmate searches in Los Angeles. Below are clear answers based on current policies and procedures. These cover how to find someone, what info is available, and what to do if you can’t locate a person. Each answer is short, direct, and based on official sources.
How often is the inmate database updated?
The Central Booking Division database refreshes every ten minutes. This means new bookings, releases, and status changes appear quickly. However, during busy times or system maintenance, delays can happen. If you don’t see a person right after arrest, wait an hour and try again. For urgent cases, call (213) 473-6100. The phone line gives the most current info, especially for recent arrests not yet online.
Can I search without a date of birth?
No, the system requires a full name and exact birth date. This prevents false matches and protects privacy. If you don’t know the birth date, ask a family member or check old records. Some jails allow searches by booking number if you have it. But without a date of birth, online tools won’t work. Always use the most accurate info possible to get reliable results.
What if the person was arrested but not found online?
If the search shows no results, the person may not be processed yet. Arrests can take hours to enter into the system. They might also be held under a different name or in a federal facility. Call (213) 473-6100 to verify. Have the full name, birth date, and arrest location ready. Staff can check all databases and tell you where the person is—or if they were released already.
Are visitation rules the same at all jails?
No, each jail sets its own visiting hours and rules. Some allow visits seven days a week, others only on weekends. Health policies like testing or vaccination may vary slightly. Always check the specific jail’s page on LAPD Online or LASD before going. Rules can change fast due to outbreaks or staffing. Call the jail directly if you’re unsure.
Can I send money or mail to an inmate?
Yes, but each jail has its own process. Most accept money online through approved vendors like Access Corrections. Mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and jail address. Do not send cash. Packages are often rejected. Check the LASD or LAPD website for current mailing rules. Some items like books or photos may be allowed if sent directly from a store.
Is inmate information public record?
Yes, booking details are public under California law. This includes name, charges, bail, and court dates. However, medical info, social security numbers, and juvenile records are private. The online portals only show what’s legally shareable. For full records, submit a public records request. This takes longer but gives deeper access for legal or research purposes.
What should I do if I think someone is wrongfully held?
Contact a lawyer immediately. If it’s an emergency, call the jail and ask to speak with a supervisor. You can also reach the Public Defender’s Office at (213) 974-3075. They help people who can’t afford private counsel. Never try to remove someone from jail yourself—this is illegal. Let the courts handle releases based on charges, bail, or case dismissal.
Official Website: https://www.lapdonline.org/ Phone: (213) 473-6100 Address: 180 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Visiting Hours: Vary by facility; check online before visiting