Los Angeles County operates the largest jail system in California and one of the biggest in the nation. The Sheriff's Department maintains multiple facilities across the county. They run an online Inmate Information Center that shows current bookings. A separate booking log tracks recent arrests. Both systems are free to access. The public can search by name or booking number. Families use these tools to find people in custody. Defense attorneys check client status. Anyone can verify if someone got arrested in LA County. The databases update continuously as new bookings occur and releases happen throughout each day.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department provides an online inmate locator. This system is at app5.lasd.org/iic. You can search for people currently in custody. The database covers all LASD jail facilities. These include Men's Central Jail, Twin Towers, Century Regional Detention Facility, and others.
Search by entering a first and last name. Results show the inmate's location and booking number. You will see the arrest date. Basic personal information appears in the results. The system requires solving a reCAPTCHA to access data. This prevents automated scraping of the database.
The screenshot shows the LASD Inmate Information Center interface. This portal provides real-time custody information. The system complies with California Government Code Section 7923.600, which mandates public disclosure of booking details.
A separate booking log is available at app5.lasd.org/bklog. This database shows recent arrests across the county. It displays people booked within the last several days. You can browse by date. The log shows names and booking times. Arrest charges may appear for some entries.
This tool differs from the inmate locator. The booking log focuses on recent arrests. The inmate center shows all current detainees. Both systems serve different purposes. Use the booking log to see fresh arrests. Check the inmate center for anyone held long-term.
The booking log provides chronological arrest information. Law enforcement agencies throughout LA County book people into LASD facilities. This includes the Sheriff's Department, city police departments in contract cities, and the California Highway Patrol. The log captures all bookings into the county jail system.
For arrest reports and detailed records, contact the Records and ID Bureau. They are located at 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West, Norwalk, California 90650. The phone number is (562) 345-4441. Public Services Section operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Appointments are required.
Arrest reports are not available to suspects or arrested individuals. California Government Code Section 6254(f) exempts investigation records from release. Victims and other parties may request reports through proper procedures. Processing times vary based on request complexity.
Los Angeles County includes 88 incorporated cities. Many have their own police departments. Others contract with the Sheriff's Department for police services. All arrestees in contract cities go to LASD jails. Cities with their own police departments may have separate booking logs for initial custody, but most ultimately transfer people to county facilities for housing.
Major cities in LA County over 100,000 population include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pomona, Torrance, Pasadena, El Monte, Downey, Inglewood, West Covina, Norwalk, Burbank, Compton, South Gate, and Carson. Each operates differently in terms of booking and records.
State law requires release of specific booking information. Full name and occupation of every arrested person must be public. Physical description includes date of birth, color of eyes and hair, sex, height and weight. Time and date of arrest must be disclosed. Booking time and date are releasable. Location of the arrest is public. Factual circumstances surrounding arrest can be shared. Bail amount must be released when set.
California Penal Code Section 13300 defines local summary criminal history information. This covers records compiled by county and city agencies. Public prosecutors may provide information from local summary criminal history if release would enhance public safety or public understanding of the justice system.
Penal Code Section 11105 covers state-level criminal history. The California Department of Justice maintains master records. These include fingerprints and arrest records from across the state. Access to state summary criminal history is restricted to law enforcement purposes and authorized agencies.
Submit California Public Records Act requests to the LASD Records Bureau. You can mail, email, or submit requests in person by appointment. Be specific about what records you want. Include names, dates, case numbers, and locations. The agency has ten days to respond to requests. They may take an additional 14-day extension.
Copying fees apply to most records. The Sheriff's Department charges $0.15 per page according to their CPRA request page. Some records are available immediately. Others require research and review. Large requests may take weeks or months. Prepayment is required for requests estimated to exceed $100.
Email public records requests to prarequests@lasd.org for initial inquiries. Staff will guide you through the process. They can tell you if records exist. They provide cost estimates for large requests. Follow up as needed to ensure timely processing.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court handles criminal cases after arrest. The court has multiple locations throughout the county. Court records show charges filed by prosecutors. They list hearing dates and case outcomes. You can search cases online through the court's case access system.
Not everyone arrested faces charges. Some people get released without filing. Prosecutors decline cases for insufficient evidence. Others are dismissed by judges. The court record provides the complete story after arrest. This supplements booking log information.
LASD uses various systems for jail management and communication. reCAPTCHA protects online databases from automated access. The booking log system has email support for assistance. Some facilities use JailATM for money deposits to inmate accounts. These are separate from the official booking logs.
Private companies aggregate arrest records from many sources. Use official LASD systems for most accurate information. The Sheriff's own databases are free and current. Commercial sites may have outdated data. They often charge fees for public information. Always verify information against official sources.
The LASD website at lasd.org has information about jail facilities and services. Press releases announce major arrests and operations. Statistics on crime and custody may be available. Contact information for different bureaus appears on their site. Check regularly for updates to services and systems.
Legal aid organizations throughout LA County assist with criminal record questions. They help people understand their rights. Some offer expungement assistance. Services are often free for qualifying individuals. Search for legal aid programs in your area of the county.