Los Angeles Men's Central Jail

Los Angeles Men's Central Jail

The Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail, located in downtown Los Angeles, is known for three things. First, it is the oldest jail in the city, first opening its doors in 1963. Second, the jail is one of the largest jails in the world. And finally, the jail, as mentioned by Mother Jones magazine, is one of the 10 worst in the world. While built to hold 5,000 inmates, overcrowding is often a big issue at the jail, and 17,000+ inmates are housed at the jail at any given time.  If a loved one has been booked at this jail, you’ll probably want the help of a good Los Angeles bail bonds company.

Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail Inmate Services

Adult Basic Education classes are offered to men housed at the jail. These classes prepare the inmate to take the General Education Development test. All material taught to inmates in this class meets current California curriculum requirements and helps the inmate learn the material needed to earn a G.E.D. Once an inmate is ready to take the test, testing for the General Education Diploma is offered.

In addition to Adult Basic Education classes, inmates at Men’s Central may participate in one of several vocational classes, provided through a grant with the local education department. Life skills classes are available for inmates as well. These optional classes teach men various coping skills to help them better deal with issues such as substance abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, life skills, etc.

Inmate Accounts, Mail & Important Jail Information

If you have a loved one incarcerated at the Men’s Central Jail, the following important information concerning inmate commissary, accounts, and mail is of significance to you.

– Corresponding with an inmate incarcerated at the Men’s Central Jail by mail is allowed, although all letters are subject to inspection before inmate delivery. The envelope may not contain any stamps, envelopes, or other items. Pornographic material is also forbidden. Third-party letters may not be sent to an inmate. Inmate mail is delivered Monday – Friday.

– If you wish to pick inmate property up from the jail, a Property Release Form must be completed by the staff member on-duty and submitted to proper personnel for approval. Allow 24- 48 hours for approval of property pick-up. There is a property information line available to assist with your needs. The number is 213-473-6191.

– Monetary deposits for inmate accounts can be made in-person or mailed to the jail. No online payments for inmate accounts is accepted. If sending money by mail, it must be in the form of a money order. In-state money orders must be a U.S.P.S. money order. The inmate booking number and name must be included on the money order. You can call the jail directly if you are unsure of the inmate booking number.

– If you wish to talk to an inmate on the phone, a pre-paid calling card is required to make outside calls. You may purchase a pre-paid calling card for the inmate online. Additionally, inmate care packages are available for purchase. These care packages are sold in various size and contain essentials and snack items.

Inmate Visits

Two weekly visits are afforded to inmates at Men’s Central. These visits last 30 minutes each. Inmates must complete visitor information paperwork for each person they wish to add to their visitors list. Same-day visits can be made up to two-hours ahead of the requested visiting time. Individuals wishing to visit an inmate at the facility can book their visit online or at the jail with a staff member on-duty. When visiting an inmate, arrive at the jail at least one hour prior to the requested visit time. All inmate visitors must have valid photo identification to visit. Staff will check you in for the visit at least 45-minutes prior to the scheduled visit time. Late arrivals are not accepted. If you are on parole or an ex-felon, prior approval must be granted before visiting an inmate at Men’s Central jail. No cell phones are allowed in the inmate visiting area.