Inmate Reception Center (IRC)

Can You Visit Someone at the Inmate Reception Center (IRC)?

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

No. LASD lists the Inmate Reception Center as no visiting and temporary holding. Visits happen after a person is housed at another facility, and new arrestees without a housing assignment cannot be visited. Find where they are held, register on the LASD visit site, and book an appointment.

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Why can't I visit the IRC?

The IRC at 450 Bauchet St. is an intake and release point. LASD's custody page lists it as no visiting and temporary holding. It is not built for families to sit down with someone. People pass through while they are booked, screened and sent on to housing.

So if you were hoping to see a loved one the day after an arrest, plan on a different path. You can check their location, send word through a letter once they are housed, and ask their attorney to see them. Our page on phone calls from the IRC covers how they can reach you.

Can I visit the day after an arrest?

Usually not. LASD says people who are "unclassified," meaning they do not have permanent housing yet, cannot receive calls or visits. LASD says classification can take two weeks to a month. During that time the person may still be in the IRC process or moving between buildings.

This is hard to hear when you are scared for someone. It helps to know it is how the whole county works, not a problem with your loved one's case.

Where do visits happen after the IRC?

Visits happen at the facility where the person is housed. LASD lists these public visiting days.

Twin Towers, 450 Bauchet St., Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Men's Central Jail, 441 Bauchet St., Thursday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, for women, Friday and Monday 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

All public visits are by appointment and visitor registration is required. There are no walk-ins. You can book up to 7 days ahead at visit.lasd.org. See our Twin Towers page and the Century Regional page for more.

Who can see someone at the IRC for work reasons?

LASD lists professional visiting for attorneys at Twin Towers and the IRC, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last pass is at 4:00 PM, and the office is closed from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Attorneys should call ahead if timing matters. The jail runs these hours, so check LASD if you rely on them.

If your loved one has a lawyer, give the lawyer the booking number.

How can I stay in touch until they are housed?

Write down the booking number, keep checking the lookup, and call (213) 473-6100 if you lose track of where they are. When the person is housed, you can start the visitor registration. Minors under 15 need a birth certificate when they come with a parent. Children over 15 can use a school ID, state ID or passport. Someone who is not a parent must bring a notarized letter from a parent for a child under 18.

Visitors on probation, parole or who are ex-felons need a Visiting Clearance form first. LASD says approval can take up to a month.

If bail is set and your 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. Read how 1% down works or start an application. We are a licensed private bail agent, not part of LASD. If your loved one can come home, a visit may not be needed at all.

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.

Questions people ask

Is there any visiting at the IRC?

No. LASD lists the IRC as no visiting and temporary holding.

How long until I can visit?

It depends on housing. LASD says unclassified inmates cannot be visited, and classification can take two weeks to a month.

Do I need an appointment to visit once they are housed?

Yes. LASD requires registration and an appointment, with no walk-ins. You can book up to 7 days ahead.

Who helps if the visit site does not work?

LASD lists a help desk at (213) 680-4887, Monday through Friday 7 AM to 2 PM, and IVVSPublicHelpDesk@lasd.org.

More about Inmate Reception Center (IRC)

Sources

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.