Wayside Jail - The Los Angeles Pitchess Detention Center

Address: 29310/29320/29330/29340 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012
Pitchess Detention Center Inmate Information and Questions: (213) 473-6100
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About the Wayside Jail (Los Angeles Pitchess Detention Center)

Located in Castaic, the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center (Wayside Jail) is named after former sheriff Peter Pitchess and currently houses nearly 9,000 inmates awaiting trial or hearings, or serving time for state sentences, county sentences, or parole violations. It is an all male correctional facility with four different jails: North Facility, East Facility, South Facility and North County Correctional Facility. The Wayside Jail is Los Angeles County's largest jail complex at over 2,600 acres and is located off of the 5 freeway. The Wayside Jail was previously called the Wayside Honor Rancho. The Wayside Honor Ranco was originally built as a minimum security facility back in 1938, and it originally housed so many inmates for alcohol-related offenses that it was nicknamed the 'Wayside Drunk Farm' It was renamed to Pitchess in 1940. (The Pitchess Detention Center is often misspelled Pitches).


North Facility
29320 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012 (Wayside)

The North Facility of the Wayside Jail (built in 1987) is a maximum security jail housing 1,450 inmates. It was built in 1987.  It was built as four modules. Each one contains 4 dormitories, 8 disciplinary cells, a visiting area and medical office, one multi-purpose room, a main control room, and two dorm control rooms. Every dormitory has a sleeping area, dining area, day room and restrooms. The original design housed 360 men per module, 90 men per dormitory, and a total of 1,450 inmates. As of 2015, it is unofficially closed and is currently used only to hold overflow inmates from the other jail facilities. It is located at 29320 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012.


East Facility
29310 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012 (Wayside)

The East Facility of the Wayside Jail was built in 1951 at an original cost of  $2.5 million. It was designed to hold 850 inmates. At one point it included a print shop and a bakery for inmates to receive vocational training.The East Facility of the Pitchess Detention Center is located at 29310 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012.


South Facility
29330 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012 (Wayside)

The South Facility of the Wayside Jail is a medium-security facility built in 1971 which also offer vocational programs for inmates. The South Facility offers a Firefighter Training Camp for inmates convicted of non-violent, non-serious and non-sexual crimes. South Facility of the Pitchess Detention Center is located at 29330 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012.


North County Correctional Facility (NCCF)
29340 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012 (Wayside)

The North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) of the Wayside County Jail is a maximum-security jail at the Wayside Jail complex with capacity of 4,295 inmates. It was built in 1990 at a cost of $147 million. The North County Correctional Facility consists of five housing pods within one facility. The address of the NCCF facility is 29340 The Old Road, Castaic CA 90012. 

Inmate Information for the Wayside Jail

Information about inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center in Los Angeles (Wayside County Jail) is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / every day of the year. You can either check online at the LASD Court Services Case Inquiry System or call the Inmate Information Center hotline at (213) 473-6080. You will be asked for the first, last and middle name of the defendant as well as his or her date of birth, so please have this information handy. It usually takes two hours after the time of booking for the information to appear in the system.

The system will provide you with an imate's bail information, booking number and next scheduled court date. If you want more information, you can look-up criminal case information by county here.

You should schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles Defense attorney as soon as possible to being preparing your defense and ensure the best outcome for you and your family.

How do I Post Bail for an Inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center?

You can post bail for an inmate being held at the Wayside Jail (Pitchess Detention Center) 24 hours a day /7 days per week at the LA Inmate Reception Center (IRC). 

L.A. Inmate Reception Center (IRC):
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cashier's Office (213) 893-5875

How do I pay bail? - Please head to the LA Inmate Reception Center (I.R.C.) on Bauchet Street. You can pay with cash, cashier's check (only California bank-drawn cashier's checks made out to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department), money orders (from USPS), or a Bail Bond. Cash, Cashier's Checks or Money Orders must be made for the full amount and include the inmate's name and booking number.

What are Bail Bonds? - You can use a bail bond if you are unable to post the full bail amount. Generally you only need to pay 10% of bail if you use a bail bond. But remember that you do not get the 10% back. Furthermore, if the the inmate doesn't show up for his court appearances, then you must repay the FULL bail amount to the bail bondsman / agent.

Can I pay bail at the Pitchess Detention Center? - No, the Wayside Jail does not accept money on site. You must go to the LA Inmate Reception Center.

How do I find out how much the bail is? - Please visit our help center to view a bail schedule for felony or misdemeanor by County.

Will I get the bail money back? If the inmate makes all his court appearances, the bail will be returned to you. If you use a bail bond, the 10% you put up will not be refunded - it is the fee charged by the bail bondsman.

What should I do after I post bail? - After posting bail, you should schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles Defense attorney. He or she can attempt to reduce or eliminate the bail by requesting a bail hearing in front of a judge.

Can an inmate be released without posting bail? - Yes, in some cases an arrestee may be released on his own recognizance (O.R. release). Otherwise, if no bail is posted the inmate will be released following the conclusion of his criminal case (if acquitted) or his sentence (if found guilty).

Can I Call an Inmate at the Wayside Jail?

Inmates cannot receive incoming calls at the Pitchess center in Wayside, but they are permitted to make outgoing calls with a calling card or collect. They are also permitted to make one free outgoing call at the time of their booking at the Wayside Jail. You can send an inmate a calling card by: a) sending an inmate money so he can purchase one at the Jail, b) sending an inmate the calling card in a commissary care package (see below), or c) setting up a calling card online for the inmate. You can also visit an inmate (see below) or send mail to him or her.

Sending Mail to an Inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center

Please address all mail to:

[Inmate's Full Name AND Booking Number]
PO Box 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, California  90086-0164

You must clearly indicate the inmate's full name and booking number on the mail, or it may be lost. If you send anything illegal to the jail, you may be criminally prosecuted. Only UPS and and FEDEX packages will be accepted. Please keep in mind that this facility collects mail for many different jails. It's essential that you provide the inmate's name and booking number in a conspicuous location on the mail.

What am I allowed to send to an Inmate?
  • A max of 5 photographs, and the must be a minimum of 2"x3" and a maximum of 4"x6" size. No images may be nude, suggestive or show gang signs, tattoos or symbols.
  • Books, publications and periodicals are allowed, however the jail will not accept anything sexual, NOT sent directly from a bookstore or more than 3 books or 3 magazines per week.

What items are prohibited?
  • Food and cosmetics
  • Stationery, blank envelopes, envelopes with metal clasps, stamps, envelops with gang or explicit or suggestive logos or drawings
  • Cash, checks, money orders more than $200, blank money orders or non US Post Office out-of-state money orders
  • Musical, plastic, plastic covered, blank, greeting or post cards larger than 6"x9", ID cards or facsimiles, paper clips, staples, pens, pencils, glitter, stickers, glued or gummed labels
  • Rosary beads, balloons, string bracelets, or other jewelry items
  • Lottery tickets or prepaid telephone cards
  • Cellophane tape or any type of tape on letters.

Sending a Care Package to a Family Member, Friend or Relative at the Wayside Jail

You can send a care package to an inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center in Wayside through the Keefe Commissary Network Inmate Package Program. This company was  commissioned by the LA County Correctional Department to provide for the needs of inmates and their friends and family. Please note that this is the ONLY care package provider which is authorized by the LA County Correctional Department. Packages from other care package companies will not be accepted at the Wayside Jail.

Even though you are not permitted to send items like food and calling cards directly to an inmate yourself, you can order these items and have them delivered via an official Keefe Commissary care package.

How do I Put Money 'On The Books' or Send Money to an Inmate at Pitchess?

You can send money to an inmate in one of two ways:

Mail Money to an Inmate - Send a California state money order, USPS money order, or a California bank-drawn cashier's check to:
[Inmate's Full Name AND Booking Number]
PO Box 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, California  90086-0164

Place Money 'On The Books' For an Inmate - You can send money to an inmate's jail 'bank account' so that he or she may access it and use it to purchase items at the Wayside Jail's commissary. Some examples of items available for purchase are food, magazines, games, toiletries (hygiene items), and mail stationary. In order to put money 'on the books' you must head to the cashier's office at the Inmate Reception Center. Please note that you CANNOT deposit any money at the Wayside Jail Itself. The LA Inmate Reception Center is open 24 hours per day / 7 days per week. 

L.A. Inmate Reception Center (IRC):
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cashier's Office (213) 893-5875

Visiting Someone at the Pitchess Detention Center

Before You Visit:
  1. How do I Make an Appointment to Visit the Wayside Jail ? - Before making an appointment to visit an inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center, you must register with the Inmate Visitation System. The system will allow you to check wether your inmate can receive scheduled visits. If he or she is permitted to receive visitors, the system will show you a list of available time slots at the Wayside Jail.
  2. Can I Visit Wayside Without an Appointment? - Yes, you can visit the Wayside Jail without an appointment (walk-in). However, there is no guarantee there will be a space for you.
  3. When Can I Visit an Inmate at Pitchess?  - Visits to the Wayside Jail are allowed on Saturday and Sunday ONLY. You can visit between 8:00am and  2:00pm. You are allowed a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
  4. How Many People can Visit an Inmate? - You are permitted to bring up to THREE visitors at the same time. Each child under 17 counts as a visitor, regardless of age. There are no exceptions to this at the Pitchess Detention Center.
  5. Can I Visit Pitchess on a Holiday? - The Pitchess Detention Center is open for visitations on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Holiday hours for the Pitchess Detention Center can vary. Please call the Wayside Jail (213) 473-6100 for more information.
  6. Who Cannot Visit an Inmate? - Anyone who has been to state prison or is currently on probation or parole is not allowed to make visits. If you are on probation or parole, you need to receive permission from the Unit Commander to visit any inmate. Please fill out this form if you are on probation or parole and interested in visiting someone at the Wayside Jail / Pitchess Detention Center.


Preparing For Your Visit:
  1. What Can I Bring To The Wayside Jail? - You should minimize the amount of personal belongings you bring to visiting areas. Since you must undergo a security check, bringing too many items may result in a delay.
  2. Are There Prohibited Items? - Cell phones, wireless devices, cameras, flash media, climbing devices (carabinier, carabineer, carbineer), tobacco, lighters, matches, hand sanitizers with alcohol, weapons, drugs, hygiene products, medications, health products, stationery and plastic products are all banned at the Wayside Jail.
  3. What Clothes Should I Wear to the Wayside Jail? - What can I wear at Wayside? Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Visitors are not permitted to wear any revealing clothing or anything gang-related. The following items are not allowed: Sheer / see-through clothing, swimsuits, strapless tops, tube tops, bare midriffs, muscle shirts, sleeveless shirts. Avoid wearing any clothes which make reference to violence, drugs, gangs or nudity. Shorts and skirts need to be of a reasonable length. Don't wear anything provocative or you will likely be prohibited from entering.
  4. What MUST I Bring to My Visit? - You are required to bring your confirmation number, receipt, and proper ID. All minors under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are a child's legal guardian, you need to bring paperwork verification. You can't leave your child unattended for any time or you may be permanently banned from visiting the Wayside Jail. If a minor was given court approved visitation rights, you need to bring these documents from the court to the Pitchess Detention Center.
  5. Do I Need to Bring ID to Pitchess? - If you were born in the US, you should bring your official US Birth Certificate, US Passport or Passport Card. If you were born outside the US, you must provide your Foreign Passport with supporting documents (I-94 Arrival and Departure, US Visa, Permanent Resident Card or Resident Alien Card). Minors must bring photo ID. This can be a school ID, Passport, or State or Government ID. You cannot enter the Pitchess Detention Center without an ID.


During Your Visit:
  1. What Time Should I Arrive to the Wayside Jail? - You need to arrive a minimum of ONE HOUR BEFORE your appointment. If you are late, the the appointment will likely be cancelled. The jail staff will try to re-schedule your visit for another time on the same day or a different date, but this is not guaranteed.
  2. Where Do I Park and How Much Is Parking? - Parking is free of charge in the Visiting Center's parking lot. You can also reach the Pitchess Detention Center in Wayside using Public Transportation. Use the Metrolink and the Santa Clarita Valley Transit System.
  3. Where Do I Store My Personal Belongings at Pitchess? - Leave your items in your car or at the Wayside Jail's visitor storage lockers BEFORE entering the line outside the visiting area.
  4. Can I Be Searched ? YES, all visitors at the Wayside Jail are subject to search at anytime. Your car may even be searched at any time. Random security checks are common.

Attorney Visiting Instructions at the Pitchess Detention Center (Wayside)

Upon arrival to the Wayside Jail / Pitchess, you will first arrive at the gate entrance and be greeted by a traffic guard. He or she will ask for your Drivers License and California State Bar card. You will be asked if you know where you are going, so if this is your first time just mention that and you will receive instructions on where to park depending on which facility you are visiting. 

If you are visiting the NCCF Supermax Prison - North County Correctional Facility, please proceed into the lobby and head over to the guard behind the window. Again, show him your Drivers License and California State Bar card. Please provide this individual with the booking number / name of the inmate, and the guard will find the inmate information sheet and head into the back to begin the visiting process. 

After the guard has located the inmate, you will be called into another area where you will be able to speak to the inmate on the phone behind glass.

Please note that no appointment is necessary and parking is free.
Do not show up before 10am or between 3-4pm in the afternoon, as this is when NCCF conducts 'the count' of the inmates.

Property Release Information for Inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center

An inmate's personal belongings are collected upon being booked into the Wayside Jail. They are normally returned to the inmate upon his or her release. An inmate may also appoint another person to claim the property on his or her behalf. Visitors must obtain a Property Release Form (blue slip) from the check-in window at the Pitchess Detention Center visiting window. All inmate property pickup requests are processed at the IRC and generally take 24-48 hours. You can also contact the LASD property information line at (213) 473-6191.

29340 The Old Road
Castaic, California 91384

Wayside Jail Resources

Pitchess Detention Center North - Homepage for the North Facility in the Wayside Jail (Pitchess)
Pitchess Detention Center (South) - Sheriff Department Site for the Pitchess Detention Center South - Wayside Jail
Wayside Inmate Visit Scheduling System - Information on how to visit a loved one at the Wayside Jail / Pitchess Detention Center
Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center on Wikipedia - Profile of Los Angeles County's largest jail complex

Map of Pitchess Detention Center
Address: 29310 The Old Road, Castaic California 90012

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