How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Pitchess Detention Center (LASD) has reopened for limited in-person and video visitation. All visitors must follow on-site health and facility guidelines. If you're on probation or have a felony record, mail the visiting questionnaire and required documents to Men's Central Jail – Legal Unit for review—you cannot visit until you receive approval by mail. Be accurate on the questionnaire. Omissions or false information can lead to denial. Applications may also be disapproved for outstanding arrests or warrants (including unresolved DMV failure-to-appear notices) or certain serious convictions. Visitors under 18 need notarized consent and must be accompanied by an approved responsible adult, unless they're emancipated or the inmate's legal spouse. If you have a disability, include a physician statement describing any special requirements and bring guide-dog certification if applicable. Expect that you and your vehicle may be searched.
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If you're on probation, parole, recently discharged, or have a felony history, visiting someone at Pitchess requires Legal Unit approval first. You'll need to fill out the LASD visiting questionnaire and mail it to the Men's Central Jail Legal Unit. Until you're approved, you can't visit.
Visiting rules can feel like a moving target, especially for a first visit. Use this checklist to quickly screen yourself for common
Mail the completed visiting questionnaire and any required documents to Men’s Central Jail – Legal Unit at 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. If you have questions, call (213) 974-0103. You can’t visit until the Legal Unit mails you an approval or disapproval.
Include a physician statement describing any special requirements with your application or present it at check-in. If you use a guide dog, bring guide-dog certification. The jail says it will try to provide reasonable accommodations.
Omitting information or falsifying the questionnaire can get your application denied. Other grounds for disapproval include outstanding arrests or warrants (including unresolved DMV failure-to-appear notices), certain serious convictions, or being recently discharged from custody or on parole without prior written Legal Unit approval and discharge paperwork.
Sending money to someone at Pitchess comes down to picking the Access Corrections option that works best for you — app, website, or phone — and including the right address details with your deposit.
If you suspect sexual abuse or harassment at Pitchess—or any LA County jail run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD)—report it. LASD has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment of people in custody. That includes abuse by staff, volunteers, contractors, medical or mental health workers, or other incarcerated people. You don't need proof before speaking up. The goal is getting the concern to someone who can act on it.
Jail visits have airport-style rules for a reason: safety and security. Bring the wrong item onto facility grounds—even by accident—and you could lose your visit. In some cases, you could face criminal charges.
