How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Men's Central Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Men's Central Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Men's Central Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Men's Central Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Men's Central Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Men's Central Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Men's Central Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Men's Central Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Men's Central Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Men's Central Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Men's Central Jail
   441 Bauchet St
   Los Angeles, CA 90012
   Phone: (213) 974-4921

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Men's Central Jail?

   Visiting hours at Men's Central Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (213) 974-4921 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Men's Central Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Men's Central Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Men's Central Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Men's Central Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Men's Central Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Men's Central Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Men's Central Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Men's Central Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Men's Central Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of the service approach at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles County. The facility typically focuses on providing inmates with practical tools and resources that support both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. Services are often designed to address multiple aspects of personal development, from basic literacy to specialized job training. This comprehensive approach may help inmates build confidence while developing marketable skills for their eventual return to the community.

Educational initiatives often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and adult education courses that allow inmates to complete their high school equivalency. Vocational training services may provide hands-on experience in various trades and technical fields, giving participants practical skills that align with local employment opportunities. These educational and vocational services typically operate through structured curricula that accommodate different learning levels and time constraints within the correctional environment.

In addition to these foundational programs, rehabilitation services may address substance abuse issues, anger management, and life skills development through group and individual sessions. Prison industries and landscaping programs often provide work experience while contributing to facility operations and maintenance. Religious services typically offer spiritual support and community connections for inmates seeking faith-based guidance during their incarceration. These support services may work together to create a network of resources that addresses the diverse needs of the inmate population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of housing units create a structured environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate shared living spaces. Today, inmates consistently follow regulated schedules that begin with early morning counts and meals served in designated dining areas. The institutional routine provides a framework that helps residents adapt to their temporary circumstances while maintaining order throughout the facility.

Living accommodations typically consist of multi-occupancy cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates share space with others. Personal belongings are generally limited to basic necessities and approved items that can be purchased through the commissary system. Meals are usually served at scheduled times in common dining areas, with inmates following specific protocols for movement between housing units and meal locations. Despite this structured environment, inmates often develop informal routines and relationships that help them cope with the institutional setting.

In addition to this basic daily structure, the facility may offer various programs and activities designed to provide constructive use of time. Recreation opportunities typically include access to outdoor yards or indoor common areas during designated periods, allowing inmates to exercise and socialize. Work assignments within the facility often provide inmates with responsibilities such as food service, cleaning, or maintenance tasks. Visitation policies generally allow inmates to maintain contact with family members through scheduled visits and phone calls, which provide important emotional support during their incarceration. These connections to the outside world often serve as motivation for inmates to follow facility rules and prepare for their eventual release.