How To Find An Inmate In Los Angeles
One search covers every LAPD jail and every county jail. Use the Sheriff's Inmate Information Center online, or call (213) 473-6100 at any hour. Have the person's full legal name and date of birth ready. A new booking can take 2 hours to appear.
Search Online First
- Open the LASD Inmate Information Center.
- Type the last name and first name. Add the middle name and date of birth if you know them.
- If nothing comes up, wait and try again. Records are not available for bookings in the last 2 hours.
LAPD has no lookup of its own. It sends the public to the same Sheriff search for LAPD bookings.
Or Call The 24 Hour Line
LAPD says anyone can call (213) 473-6100, 24 hours a day, and ask about a person held in an LAPD or Sheriff jail. To get a booking number by phone, give the complete name plus the date of birth or the date of arrest.
When The Search Finds Nothing
- Try other names. The Sheriff says people are sometimes booked with a middle name and sometimes without. Try every name the person has used.
- Check the clock. If the arrest was less than 2 hours ago, the record may not exist yet.
- Call the station. Use the finder to get the LAPD station for the neighborhood, then ask the front desk which jail the officers used.
- Think about who made the arrest. If a Sheriff's deputy made the arrest, the person may be at a Sheriff station jail. The Sheriff says to call that station's desk.
What A Booking Number Is For
A search by complete legal name returns the booking number. Write it down. You will need it to send mail, to put money on an account and to speak with the jail.
If They Get Moved
The Sheriff does not notify families when a person moves to another jail. If a visit or a letter bounces, search again or call (213) 473-6100.
A person who has not been given permanent housing is called unclassified. The Sheriff says unclassified people cannot get calls or visits, and that this stage can last two weeks to a month.
Other Numbers Worth Saving
- Medical worry about someone in county jail. Medical Command Center, (213) 893-5544, open day and night.
- Release questions at the Inmate Reception Center. (213) 893-5347.
- Victim notices through VINE. (877) 411-5588.
For a second walk through written by a bail agent's office, read the guide titled Find Someone In Jail In Los Angeles.
Where These Facts Come From
Found Them And Bail Is Set
A family member, a friend or an attorney can call day or night. Have the booking number ready if you have it.