IRC is a processing facility that handles all in-coming bookings/arrests into the Los Angeles County Jail System. All inmates entering the Los Angeles County Jail System are booked, classified for housing, and medically screened/treated at the Inmate Reception Center. All inmates are processed into the county jail system within a 24-hour timeframe. Once processed, they are transferred to their respective housing facilities. After an inmate's case has been adjudicated and/or he/she has served jail time on their sentence, male inmates are released from IRC and female inmates from CRDF.
Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.
Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.
After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.
The ISB oversees several key units, including the Fire Camp Training Unit, Education Based Incarceration (EBI) Unit, Religious and Volunteer Services (RVS), Jail Enterprise Unit (JEU), and the Business Management Unit (BMU). Each of these units contributes to the overall mission of the ISB by offering a wide range of services and programs designed to promote inmate rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
All merchandise and services available to inmates within the Los Angeles County Jails are provided by independent vendors, not through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or its official website. These services and products are accessible via external websites, ensuring that inmates have access to necessary items and services during their incarceration.
The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.
Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.
The Education Based Incarceration (EBI) Unit offers evidence-based, engaging programs that equip inmates with the academic, vocational, and life skills they need to build self-esteem, grow as individuals, and gain the job training required for successful reintegration into society. The EBI Unit is responsible for delivering all forms of inmate education, including academic courses, career technical education (CTE), life skills training, and therapeutic activities. With over 67 different curricula available, inmates have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, including high school diploma programs, college courses in collaboration with College of the Canyons, CTE courses like farming, and Gender Responsive Rehabilitation (GRR) programs.
One of the most successful incentive programs offered by the EBI Unit is the Tattoo Removal Service, which operates in collaboration with the Department of Health Services. This program provides inmates with the opportunity to remove visible tattoos, a change that can significantly improve their prospects for employment, community acceptance, and maintaining healthier lives upon release.
The Jail Enterprise Unit (JEU) offers inmates hands-on training in various trades, such as manufacturing, repair, and service, while also marketing the products created through these programs to support other educational, recreational, and life-skills initiatives.
The Business Management Unit (BMU) is responsible for overseeing all fiscal matters related to the ISB and the Inmate Welfare Fund. This unit ensures that the financial resources are effectively managed to support the wide array of programs aimed at advancing inmate welfare.
The Religious and Volunteer Services (RVS) Unit provides a variety of programs and services to inmates and their families, enriching their lives during incarceration and supporting their reentry into the community. The RVS Unit administers the Jail Chaplaincy Program, coordinates 12-step assistance for inmates, handles death and hospital notices, facilitates marriages, and organizes special religious events. Additionally, the RVS Unit works closely with the Food Services Unit to accommodate special religious dietary needs, ensuring that all inmates' spiritual and dietary requirements are met during their time in custody.
