When a loved one is arrested in California, the first thing most families need to know is where they are being held. The arrest and booking process can take several hours, and during that time it can be difficult to get answers. Understanding how the system works and knowing where to look will help you find your loved one faster and take the right next steps.
At My Rights Law, we help families navigate the confusion that follows an arrest. If someone you care about has been taken into custody, call us at (888) 702-8845 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 and can begin working on the case immediately, including visiting your loved one in jail before their first court appearance.
After an arrest in California, the person is first taken to a local police station or sheriff's station for initial processing. From there, they are typically transferred to a county jail or detention center for formal booking. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, recording personal information, running background checks, and cataloging personal property. Under Gerstein v. Pugh (1975), a judicial determination of probable cause must be made promptly after a warrantless arrest to justify continued detention. These procedures are governed by Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations, which establishes standards for local detention facilities.
Under California Penal Code Section 851.5, the arrested person has the right to make at least three completed phone calls within three hours of being booked, including calls to an attorney, a bail bondsman, and a family member. However, booking itself can take anywhere from 2 to 12 hours depending on the facility, time of day, and how busy the jail is. During this time, the person may not appear in the inmate locator system. If you cannot find someone right after an arrest, it is likely because booking has not been completed yet. Wait a few hours and search again.
Once booking is complete, the inmate will appear in the county sheriff's online inmate locator database.
How to Search for an Inmate Online
Every county in California operates an online inmate locator tool through its sheriff's department. To search, you will typically need at least one of the following:
The person's full legal name (first and last)
Date of birth
Booking number (if available)
Search results will usually show the inmate's current facility, booking date, charges, bail amount, and next court date.
If the inmate does not appear in the system, they may still be in the booking process, may have been released, or may have been transferred to a different facility. County jail booking and custody records are public information under California Government Code Section 6254(f), which means you have the right to access basic arrest and booking data. You can also call the facility's inmate information line directly for assistance.
24-Hour Inmate Information Phone Line: (213) 473-6100 (covers both LASD and LAPD facilities)
Los Angeles County operates the largest jail system in the United States. After arrest, individuals are typically held at a local police station or sheriff's station before being transferred to one of the major county jail facilities.
County Jail Facilities
Twin Towers Correctional Facility: 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 893-5100. One of the largest jails in the world. Serves as a primary intake and medical facility. Houses both men and women and specializes in inmates requiring medical or mental health care.
Men's Central Jail: 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 974-4921. Located next to Twin Towers in downtown Los Angeles. Houses pre-trial male inmates, high-security inmates, and individuals awaiting transfer.
Inmate Reception Center (IRC): 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 473-6080. The primary booking hub for LASD. Anyone arrested within LA County typically passes through IRC for processing before being assigned to a permanent housing location.
Century Regional Detention Facility (Women): 1705 Alameda Street, Lynwood, CA 90262, (323) 357-5100. The primary facility for female inmates in Los Angeles County.
Pitchess Detention Center: 29310 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384, (661) 295-8815. A large complex in northern LA County. Includes North County Correctional Facility and multiple housing units. Primarily houses sentenced inmates.
Local City Jails and Police Station Jails in Los Angeles County
Most cities in Los Angeles County operate their own city jail for initial booking and short-term holding. After booking, inmates who are not bailed out within 48 to 72 hours are typically transferred to a larger LA County jail facility (usually Twin Towers or Men's Central Jail for men, and Century Regional Detention Facility for women).
Downtown Los Angeles / Central LA:
Metropolitan Detention Center (LAPD): 180 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 356-3400
Alhambra:
Alhambra City Jail: 211 South First Street, Alhambra, CA 91801, (626) 570-5151
Beverly Hills:
Beverly Hills City Jail: 464 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, (310) 285-2187. Males are booked at this facility. Females are typically transported to a women's facility. Visiting hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Bellflower:
Bellflower Sheriff's Station (LASD): 16615 Bellflower Boulevard, Bellflower, CA 90706, (562) 925-0124
Burbank:
Burbank City Jail: 200 North Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502, (818) 238-3010
Compton:
Compton Sheriff's Station (LASD): 301 South Willowbrook Avenue, Compton, CA 90220, (310) 605-6500
Downey:
Downey Police Department Jail: 10911 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 90241, (562) 861-0771
El Monte:
El Monte Police Department Jail: 11333 Valley Boulevard, El Monte, CA 91731, (626) 580-2110
Encino / Van Nuys:
Van Nuys Jail (LAPD Valley Jail Section): 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401, (818) 374-9645. Serves Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities. Visiting hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Glendale:
Glendale City Jail: 131 North Isabel Street, Glendale, CA 91206, (818) 548-3124
Inglewood:
Inglewood City Jail: 1 Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301, (310) 412-5325
Long Beach:
Long Beach City Jail (LBPD): 400 West Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802, (562) 570-7260. Long Beach PD operates its own jail system. Visiting hours vary by charge type: felony visits 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, misdemeanor visits 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily.
Norwalk:
Norwalk Sheriff's Station (LASD): 12335 Civic Center Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650, (562) 863-8711
Pasadena:
Pasadena City Jail: 207 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 744-4501
Pomona:
Pomona Police Department Jail: 490 West Mission Boulevard, Pomona, CA 91766, (909) 622-1241
San Fernando:
San Fernando Police Department: 910 First Street, San Fernando, CA 91340, (818) 898-1267
Santa Clarita:
Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station (LASD): 26201 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, (661) 260-4000. Has 11 jail cells and can temporarily house about 40 inmates. If not bailed out within 72 hours, men are transferred to Twin Towers and women to Century Regional.
Torrance:
Torrance City Jail: 3300 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503, (310) 618-5631
West Covina:
West Covina Police Department Jail: 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, CA 91790, (626) 939-8557
Whittier:
Whittier Police Department Jail: 13200 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602, (562) 567-9200
San Bernardino County Jails and Detention Facilities
Inmate Information Phone Line: (909) 350-2476 (West Valley Detention Center)
Visiting Appointments: Call (909) 887-0364, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Appointments must be made at least one day in advance.
County Jail Facilities
West Valley Detention Center: 9500 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, (909) 350-2476. The primary booking and detention facility for western San Bernardino County. Houses up to 3,347 inmates and processes an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 bookings per year. Visiting hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Central Detention Center: 630 East Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92408, (909) 387-3690. Serves the city of San Bernardino and nearby areas. Handles a high daily intake from multiple agencies.
High Desert Detention Center: 9438 Commerce Way, Adelanto, CA 92301, (760) 530-9300. Serves the high desert region including Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Barstow.
Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center: 18000 Institution Road, San Bernardino, CA 92407, (909) 473-7800. Primarily houses inmates in work-release and alternative sentencing programs.
Local Police Station Jails in San Bernardino County
Most cities in San Bernardino County are policed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department under contract. After arrest, individuals are held briefly at the local sheriff's station before being transferred to one of the county jail facilities listed above.
Rancho Cucamonga Police Station (SBSD): 10510 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, (909) 477-2800. Arrestees are typically transferred to West Valley Detention Center for formal booking.
San Bernardino Police Department: 710 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401, (909) 384-5742. Arrestees are transferred to the Central Detention Center.
Victorville Police Station (SBSD): 14200 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392, (760) 241-2911. Arrestees are transferred to the High Desert Detention Center.
Fontana Police Station (SBSD): 17005 Upland Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, (909) 350-7700. Arrestees are transferred to West Valley Detention Center.
Chino Hills Police Station (SBSD): 14077 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709, (909) 364-2000. Arrestees are transferred to West Valley Detention Center.
Visiting Appointments: Call (951) 341-8888 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM at least one day before your visit.
County Jail Facilities
Robert Presley Detention Center: 4000 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501, (951) 955-4500. The primary booking and classification center for Riverside County. Houses both pre-trial and sentenced inmates. Serves Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Norco, Jurupa Valley, and surrounding communities.
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center (Southwest): 30755-B Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563, (951) 696-3050. Serves the southwestern portion of Riverside County including Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Menifee.
Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility: 1627 S. Hargrave Street, Banning, CA 92220, (951) 922-7300. The largest facility in Riverside County. Primarily houses sentenced inmates and offers rehabilitation programs.
John J. Benoit Detention Center: 82675 State Highway 111, Indio, CA 92201, (760) 863-8252. Serves the Coachella Valley.
Blythe Jail: 260 N. Spring Street, Blythe, CA 92225, (760) 921-5780. Serves the easternmost part of Riverside County.
Local Police Station Jails in Riverside County
Riverside Police Department: 4102 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501, (951) 826-5700. Arrestees are typically transferred to Robert Presley Detention Center.
Murrieta Police Department (RCSD): 2 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562, (951) 304-2677. Arrestees are typically transferred to Cois M. Byrd Detention Center.
Central Men's and Women's Jail (Orange County Jail): 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, (714) 647-4666. The primary booking and detention facility for Orange County. Receives inmates from all OC cities. Visiting hours: Friday through Monday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Theo Lacy Facility: 501 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868, (714) 935-6015. The largest jail facility in Orange County. Houses both pre-trial and sentenced male inmates.
James A. Musick Facility: 13502 Musick Road, Irvine, CA 92618, (949) 425-4700. A minimum-security facility for inmates in work-release and alternative sentencing programs.
Local City Jails and Police Station Jails in Orange County
Most Orange County cities operate their own city jail (known as a Type I facility) for initial booking and short-term holding. Inmates who are not bailed out are typically transferred to the Orange County Central Jail in Santa Ana or Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.
Fullerton:
Fullerton City Jail: 237 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832, (714) 738-6722. Arrestees are held here until their court appearance (usually 48 hours) or transferred to the Orange County Jail.
Irvine:
Irvine Police Department Jail: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606, (949) 724-7000
Newport Beach:
Newport Beach City Jail: 870 Santa Barbara Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, (949) 644-3681
Orange:
Orange Police Department Jail: 1107 North Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92866, (714) 744-7444
Santa Ana:
Santa Ana City Jail: 62 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702, (714) 245-8665. Separate from the Orange County Central Jail. Inmates are generally transferred to the OC Central Jail for longer-term holding.
Westminster:
Westminster Police Department Jail: 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA 92683, (714) 898-3315
Pre-Trial Detention Facility (Main Jail): 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009, (805) 654-3335. The primary booking and detention facility for Ventura County. Houses approximately 890 sentenced and pre-trial male and female inmates and processes over 29,000 bookings and releases per year. Bail can be posted 24/7 at this facility. All law enforcement agencies in Ventura County send arrestees here for booking.
Todd Road Jail: 600 Todd Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 933-8501. A large detention center housing up to 796 inmates. Primarily houses inmates awaiting adjudication or serving sentences. Newly arrested individuals are usually booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility first, then may be transferred to Todd Road.
East County Jail: 2101 East Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, (805) 654-3335. Serves as a satellite booking center for eastern Ventura County agencies. Law enforcement in the Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Moorpark areas use this facility to reduce transport time to Ventura.
Local Police Station Jails in Ventura County
Oxnard Police Department: 251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030, (805) 385-7600. Arrestees are typically transferred to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for formal booking.
Simi Valley Police Department: 3901 Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 583-6950. Arrestees may be processed at the East County Jail or transferred to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.
Thousand Oaks Police Department (VCSD): 2101 East Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, (805) 494-8200. Co-located with the East County Jail.
Inmate Information Phone Line: (619) 409-5000 (central number for all San Diego County detention facilities)
County Jail Facilities
San Diego Central Jail: 1173 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 409-5000. The primary intake facility for incarcerated males in San Diego County. Located in downtown San Diego, the facility is 230 feet tall with 11 floors and 17 levels. Opened in 1998, it includes a Psychiatric Stabilization Unit and provides extensive medical and psychiatric services.
Las Colinas Detention and Re-entry Facility (Women): 451 Riverview Parkway, Santee, CA 92071, (619) 409-5000. The primary intake facility for female inmates in San Diego County. Opened in 2014, replacing the original 1967 facility.
George Bailey Detention Facility: 446 Alta Road, Suite 5300, San Diego, CA 92158, (619) 409-5000. A maximum-security facility located in Otay Mesa. The largest detention facility under the San Diego County Sheriff's jurisdiction. Fully operational since 1994.
Vista Detention Facility: 325 South Melrose Drive, Suite 200, Vista, CA 92081, (619) 409-5000. The primary intake facility for arrestees from northern San Diego County. Capacity of approximately 825 inmates. Located within the North County Regional Center complex.
South Bay Detention Facility: 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910, (619) 409-5000. Serves the southern portion of San Diego County including Chula Vista, National City, and Imperial Beach.
East Mesa Re-entry Facility: 446 Alta Road, Suite 5200, San Diego, CA 92158, (619) 409-5000. Located in Otay Mesa. Focuses on re-entry services and programs for inmates preparing for release.
Local Police Station Jails in San Diego County
San Diego Police Department (Central): 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 531-2000. Arrestees are typically transferred to San Diego Central Jail for booking.
Chula Vista Police Department: 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910, (619) 691-5151. Arrestees are typically transferred to South Bay Detention Facility.
Oceanside Police Department: 3855 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058, (760) 435-4900. Arrestees are typically transferred to Vista Detention Facility.
Escondido Police Department: 1163 North Centre City Parkway, Escondido, CA 92026, (760) 839-4722. Arrestees are typically transferred to Vista Detention Facility.
Found your loved one? Do not wait. Get an attorney to them now.
While you are searching for information, the clock is ticking. Under California law, your loved one must be arraigned within 48 hours. Everything that happens between now and that first court appearance shapes the outcome of the case. Our attorneys make immediate confidential jail visits to begin building the defense before charges are even filed.
Once you have confirmed where your loved one is being held, the most important steps are:
Get an attorney to the jail immediately. This is the single most important thing you can do. The window between arrest and arraignment is when the case is won or lost. While you cannot visit your loved one right away (family visits require booking to be complete and advance scheduling), an attorney has the legal right to visit a client in custody at any time under California Penal Code Section 825. At My Rights Law, we make immediate confidential jail visits the same day you call. Our attorneys go to the jail, meet with your loved one, assess the case, protect them from self-incrimination during police questioning, and begin building a defense before the prosecution has even filed charges. This is the most critical advantage you can give your loved one. Call us at (888) 702-8845 to schedule a jail visit now.
Understand the bail process. Once booking is complete, bail may be set according to the county bail schedule. Knowing the bail amount allows you to take steps to secure release through cash bail, a bail bond, or by requesting an own recognizance (OR) release. A defense attorney who has already visited your loved one in jail can advise you on the best strategy for release and fight for reduced bail at the arraignment. For a detailed guide, see our page on How Bail Works in California.
Work toward release as quickly as possible. The sooner your loved one is released, the better they can participate in their own defense. If you hire an attorney who has already made a jail visit, they will be fully prepared to argue for bail reduction or OR release at the arraignment because they already know the facts of the case. See our step-by-step guide on How to Get Someone Out of Jail.
Prepare for arraignment. The first court appearance must happen within 48 hours of arrest under California Penal Code Section 825 (excluding Sundays and holidays). The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed in County of Riverside v. McLaughlin (1991) that a 48-hour period is the presumptively reasonable timeframe for a probable cause determination after a warrantless arrest. An attorney who visited your loved one in jail is already steps ahead at the arraignment, arriving prepared with case knowledge instead of meeting the client for the first time in the courtroom. Learn more at Understanding Arraignment in California.
What If You Cannot Find the Person in the System?
There are several reasons why an inmate may not appear in the online locator:
Booking is still in progress. This is the most common reason. Booking can take 2 to 12 hours. Try searching again later.
The person is still at a local city jail. City jails and police station holding facilities often have their own booking systems that are separate from the county inmate locator. If the arrest happened recently, call the local police department directly.
The person was arrested by a different agency. If a city police department made the arrest, the person may be held at a city jail before being transferred to the county facility. Call the arresting agency directly.
The person has already been released. Some facilities post release logs online. You can also call the facility's information line to check.
The name was entered differently. Try searching with variations of the name, or use the date of birth instead of the name if the system allows it.
If you are unable to locate your loved one after multiple attempts, call My Rights Law at (888) 702-8845. Our team can help track down the location and begin providing legal assistance right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for someone to show up in the inmate locator after an arrest?
Typically 2 to 12 hours. The booking process must be completed before the person appears in the system. During busy periods or at larger facilities like West Valley Detention Center or Twin Towers, it can take longer.
Can I visit someone in jail right after they are arrested?
Generally, you must wait until booking is complete and schedule a visit in advance. However, an attorney has the right to visit a client in custody at any time under California Penal Code Section 825. My Rights Law attorneys can visit your loved one immediately.
How do I find out someone's bail amount?
Bail information is typically listed in the online inmate locator once booking is complete. Under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, bail cannot be set at an excessive amount, and under California Penal Code Section 1269b, bail amounts follow the county bail schedule. You can also call the facility's inmate information line or contact a criminal defense attorney who can look up the information and advise on the best strategy for release.
My loved one was arrested in Rancho Cucamonga. Where are they?
Arrestees in Rancho Cucamonga are initially held at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station at 10510 Civic Center Drive, (909) 477-2800, and then transferred to the West Valley Detention Center at 9500 Etiwanda Avenue, (909) 350-2476. Search the San Bernardino County Inmate Locator.
My loved one was arrested in Van Nuys or Encino. Where are they?
Arrestees in Van Nuys and Encino are processed at the Van Nuys Jail (LAPD Valley Jail Section) at 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, (818) 374-9645. They may later be transferred to Twin Towers or Men's Central Jail. Call the 24-hour LASD inmate line at (213) 473-6100.
My loved one was arrested in Santa Clarita. Where are they?
They are likely at the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station at 26201 Golden Valley Road, (661) 260-4000. This station has limited space (about 40 beds), so inmates are often transferred to Twin Towers (men) or Century Regional (women) within 72 hours. Bail them out from the local station for faster release.
My loved one was arrested in Fullerton or Newport Beach. Where are they?
Arrestees are initially held at the city's local jail. For Fullerton, the jail is at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue, (714) 738-6722. For Newport Beach, it is at 870 Santa Barbara Drive, (949) 644-3681. If not bailed out, they are transferred to the Orange County Central Jail in Santa Ana. Use the OC Sheriff Who's In Jail locator.
What if the person was arrested by federal agents?
Yes. Call us at (888) 702-8845 and we can help locate your loved one, explain the charges, discuss bail options, and provide immediate legal representation.
Finding a loved one in jail is just the first step. What matters most is what happens next. Every hour without legal counsel is an hour the prosecution gets ahead. Our attorneys do not wait for business hours, do not wait for the arraignment, and do not wait for you to figure out bail. We go to the jail and meet with your loved one now.
This page was written by the My Rights Law Editorial Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the founder and managing partner of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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