Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF)

How Do Phone Calls Work for a Woman at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF)?

By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.

California law gives an arrested person at least three completed calls, at booking and no later than three hours after arrest, free if local. A parent with custody of a child may ask for two more free local calls for child care. Later calls go through an outside vendor, and LASD lists no way to call in.

What calls does a woman get after arrest?

Under California Penal Code 851.5, an arrested person gets at least three completed calls. They are due right at booking and no later than three hours after arrest, unless it is physically impossible. Calls in the local calling area are free. Calls outside it are at her own expense. Calls to a lawyer are not monitored.

She may call a lawyer, a bail agent, a relative or another person. Because she may only have three, she will likely choose someone who can act fast, such as a family member who has a phone close by and can answer at any hour.

If a call comes from a number you do not know, answer it, since it may be her. Keep your phone on and charged, and check voicemail often.

Can a mother get extra calls for her children?

Yes. The same law says a custodial parent may ask for two more free local calls to arrange child care. She has to ask. If you are a family member, tell her when she calls, so she knows it exists. It is easy to use up the first calls on a lawyer or a ride, so the child care calls are worth keeping in mind.

Moms in custody worry most about who has the children tonight. If you are the one at home, you can help by setting up child care before the call even comes, so she hears good news.

Have a plan ready, such as who can pick up the kids, who has the school contacts and who has the medicine. That makes the call quick.

Why can't I call CRDF and talk to her?

LASD does not publish a number families can use to reach someone inside CRDF. People call out. LASD also says unclassified inmates, who have no permanent housing yet, cannot receive calls. Classification can take two weeks to a month.

You can call LASD at (213) 473-6100 for her location and booking number. Read how to find a woman at CRDF.

How do later calls from CRDF work?

After the first calls, LASD uses an independent vendor for inmate phones. LASD links to GTL, also called ViaPath ConnectNetwork, from its inmate services page. We could not confirm account steps or per minute rates, so check the LASD inmate services page for the vendor link. Do not mail a prepaid phone card, because LASD rejects them.

Money you put on her books is a separate step. See sending money to CRDF.

What should I ask on a call from CRDF?

Calls are short and stressful, so keep a list. Ask for the booking number, the charge and the bail amount if she knows it. Ask about any medical needs or medicine. Do not talk about the case, since only calls to a lawyer are protected.

If she is pregnant and you want to know about a bond, ask about our program for qualifying pregnant women. It is subject to approval and a co-signer is required. See also how much bail costs in California.

If bail is set and a family needs help with it, you can start with 1% of the bail amount down on approved credit. The premium is set by our filed rate, and the rest goes on a payment plan. See how 1% down works or apply online. We are a licensed private bail agent, not part of LASD, and approval is required. A family member, friend or attorney can call for her.

1% down is a down payment on approved credit, not the price of the bond. The premium is the rate on file with the California Department of Insurance, 10% of the bail amount, or 8% when a private attorney is retained or you or the defendant is a veteran. The balance goes on a payment plan.

More about Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF)

• Bail at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF)
• Inmate search
• Visiting
• Send money
• Mail
• Property release
• Release after bail
• Bail amount

Jane Un Bail Bonds is a private bail agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance, License #1843448. We are not part of LAPD, LASD or the courts. Rules change, so check the official source before you go.