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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Twin Towers Correctional Facility 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Twin Towers Correctional Facility

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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility. 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility. 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Twin Towers Correctional Facility
   450 Bauchet St
   Los Angeles, CA 90012
   Phone: (213) 473-6100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Twin Towers Correctional Facility 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) 473-6100 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Twin Towers Correctional Facility 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Twin Towers Correctional Facility, 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility?

   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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility 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 Twin Towers Correctional Facility, 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

Mental health services form the cornerstone of programming at Twin Towers Correctional Facility, reflecting its designation as the nation’s largest mental health facility. The facility’s comprehensive approach to inmate care typically includes specialized mental health treatment programs, medical services through its dedicated medical services building, and coordinated care with the adjacent Los Angeles County Medical Center Jail Ward. Given the facility’s comprehensive focus, programs may offer psychiatric evaluation, crisis intervention services, medication management, and therapeutic counseling designed to address the complex needs of individuals with mental health conditions within the correctional setting.

Beyond mental health services, Twin Towers Correctional Facility likely provides educational and vocational programming common to California correctional facilities. These programs may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training opportunities that help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. The facility often includes substance abuse treatment programs, life skills workshops, and pre-release planning services. Additionally, religious services and recreational activities are typically available to support overall well-being and rehabilitation goals.

The facility’s panoptic security design, which allows for comprehensive monitoring from central control rooms, enables staff to maintain safety while facilitating program participation throughout the complex. Support services for families may include visiting programs, mail correspondence systems, and information services accessible through the inmate answering service at (213) 893-6100. The facility’s connection to the broader Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department system often provides access to additional resources and programming coordination that supports both immediate care needs and long-term rehabilitation objectives.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Twin Towers Correctional Facility operates as the nation’s largest mental health facility, where residents navigate their days within a 1.5 million square foot complex designed with security and medical care as primary considerations. The facility’s panoptic design means that deputies and officers maintain constant oversight from central control rooms, able to monitor all areas through secure optical materials. This architectural approach shapes the rhythm of daily activities, as residents move through structured schedules under continuous supervision while receiving specialized mental health services that distinguish this facility from traditional correctional institutions.

Communication with family members remains a vital part of daily life, with the facility providing multiple ways for loved ones to stay connected. Families can locate residents and obtain visiting information through the main facility website, while mail correspondence typically follows standard correctional protocols. The inmate answering service at (213) 893-6100 serves as the primary contact point for families seeking information about visits, medical updates, or mental health services. Located at 450 Bauchet Street and operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the facility often coordinates with the adjacent Los Angeles County Medical Center Jail Ward to provide comprehensive care.

The complex’s two-tower structure, along with its dedicated medical services building, allows for specialized housing arrangements that may accommodate different security levels and treatment needs. Residents typically participate in various programs and services designed to address mental health concerns, though specific daily schedules can vary based on individual treatment plans and security classifications. The facility’s role as both a correctional institution and mental health treatment center means that daily routines often incorporate therapeutic activities alongside traditional correctional programming, creating a comprehensive environment focused on both security and rehabilitation.