Van Nuys Jail Guide: Inmate Search, Bail, Visitation & Custody Info
The Van Nuys Jail (officially the LAPD Van Nuys Community Police Station Jail) is a primary temporary booking and holding facility serving the San Fernando Valley.
It holds individuals after arrest, pending booking, bail posting, or court arraignment, before potential transfer to the Los Angeles County Jail system.
Essential Details: Van Nuys Jail
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Address: 6240 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401
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Direct Jail Phone: (818) 374-9645
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Facility Type: Temporary LAPD Holding Facility (140-inmate capacity)
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Operating Hours: Open 24/7 for bail posting, inmate intake, and property release.
Key Operational Overview
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Operational Category |
Official Rules & Protocols |
Critical Action Items |
| Inmate Search & Status | Inmates are processed through the LAPD system before data syncs to LA County records. | Call (818) 374-9645 directly or search the LASD Inmate Information Center online with full legal name and date of birth. |
| Bail & Immediate Release | You can post bail 24/7 by cash, cashier's check, money order, or licensed bail bond. | Post bail immediately at Van Nuys Jail to prevent transfer to the county jail (Inmate Reception Center). |
| Inmate Visitation | Visiting hours are Monday–Sunday from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–3:00 PM. | Bring valid photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, State ID). Visits are limited to 15 minutes per inmate daily. |
Navigating the Van Nuys Booking & Release Process
Initial Intake & Live Scan Booking (Estimated duration: 2 to 6 hours)
Upon arrival at the LAPD Van Nuys Community Police Station Jail, staff search arrestees, inventory personal property, and process them. Jail personnel perform a Live Scan fingerprinting check and run national, state, and local warrant databases.
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Key Fact: The arrestee cannot post bail or be released until Live Scan results clear through the California Department of Justice.
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Communication: Arrestees are granted free or collect outbound phone calls to notify family members or contact a defense attorney once initial intake is complete.
Bail Setting & Eligibility Review (Determined immediately following fingerprint clearance)
Bail is established according to the official Los Angeles County Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedules based on the primary alleged charges.
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Release Options:
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Own Recognizance (OR) / Cite-and-Release: Minor, non-violent misdemeanors may qualify for immediate release with a notice to appear in court.
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Financial Bail: Misdemeanor and felony charges requiring financial security must be paid in full (cash, cashier's check, money order) or secured via a state-licensed bail bond agency (typically a 10% non-refundable premium).
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Bail Posting & Jail Clearance Verification (Accepted 24/7 at the Van Nuys Jail front desk)
Submit bail payments or surety bonds directly at the facility window (6240 Sylmar Ave).
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Requirements: Cashier's checks must be drawn from a California bank and made payable to the Los Angeles Police Department's Bail Account.
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Jailer Verification: Custodial staff verify the legitimacy of funds and check for active holds (such as out-of-county warrants, probation holds, or immigration detainers) before approving release paperwork.
Release Execution or County Facility Transfer (Critical 24 to 48-hour operational window)
Because Van Nuys is a temporary LAPD holding facility with limited bed capacity (140 inmates), the release trajectory depends heavily on speed:
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If Bail is Posted Early: Physical release from the Van Nuys Jail typically takes 2 to 4 hours after the bond or cash is cleared by the jail desk.
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If Bail is Delayed (County Transfer): Unbailed male arrestees are routinely transferred to the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) for placement at Men’s Central Jail or Twin Towers Correctional Facility. Female arrestees are transferred to the Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) in Lynwood.
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Transfer Impact: Once a county transfer occurs, processing times reset, adding 12 to 24 hours of delay before release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find out if someone is being held at Van Nuys Jail?
You can verify custody status by calling the Van Nuys Jail desk directly at (818) 374-9645. Alternatively, check the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) online Inmate Information Center using the individual's full legal name and date of birth.
What are the visitation hours and rules at Van Nuys Jail?
Visiting takes place daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Inmates are allowed one 15-minute visit per day. Adult visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and pass security screening.
How long can an inmate remain at the Van Nuys facility before transfer?
Van Nuys Jail is a short-term holding station. Inmates are usually transferred to a main Los Angeles County detention center within 24 to 48 hours unless they post bail or are brought directly to court for arraignment.
What payment methods are accepted for posting bail at Van Nuys Jail?
You can pay bail with cash, cashier's checks (issued by a California bank and payable to the LAPD Bail Account), money orders (Western Union or USPS), or through a state-licensed bail bond company.
Can inmates at Van Nuys Jail receive mail, care packages, or incoming phone calls?
No. Because arrestees are held temporarily, Van Nuys Jail does not accept mail, packages, or incoming phone calls. Inmates are permitted outbound collect or free calls during and after booking.
How can family members submit necessary medical or prescription information for an inmate?
If an arrestee requires prescription medication or medical oversight, contact the jail desk immediately at (818) 374-9645. Explain the condition and coordinate directly with the custodial officer or facility medical staff to submit verification.
A California criminal defense lawyer at the Esfandi Law Group in Los Angeles can help you. Schedule your free consultation by calling us or filling out the contact form here.