LAC + USC Medical Center Jail Ward: In-Hospital Custody Unit
Located on the 13th floor of Los Angeles General Medical Center, the LAC + USC Medical Center Jail Ward provides acute and specialty medical care to inmates under constant LASD supervision. When medical needs exceed on-site clinic capabilities, inmates are admitted here until they can safely return to a jail facility or transfer to state prison.
Overview & History
California’s oldest in-hospital custody program dates back decades, but the modern jail ward expanded significantly after AB 109 in 2011 shifted low-level offenders into county facilities. Run jointly by USC Correctional Health Services physicians and the LASD Medical Services Bureau, this unit bridges the gap between hospital care and secure custody.
Medical Facilities & Capacity
The ward operates as a fully functional hospital unit for inmates:
Emergency Room Beds
16 beds dedicated to trauma and urgent cases
Inpatient Beds
24 beds for ongoing acute or specialty care
Annual Inmate Visits
Over 20,700 clinic encounters each year
Despite a design capacity of 40 inmate-patients, staffing shortages often limit safe occupancy to roughly 18–24 at a time.
Specialized Security & Staffing
24/7 LASD Deputies
Deputies in locked units and escort inmates to all procedures
Nursing Coverage
Registered nurses monitor inmate-patients hourly, often under stretched ratios
Restraints & Protocols
Inmates remain secured to bed frames; regular welfare checks ensure safety
Patient Services & Programs
Acute & Specialty Care
Trauma, surgical follow-up, dialysis, and complex diagnostics
Chronic Disease Management
Diabetes, hypertension, and infectious-disease clinics
Psychiatric & Behavioral Health
On-site mental-health evaluations and medication management
Continuity of Custody
Pre- and post-hospital classification maintains secure chain of custody
Visiting, Communication & Visitation Policy
Visiting Hours
Wednesday–Sunday, 2 PM–8 PM; Saturdays & Sundays also 8 AM–12 PM
Visitation Room
Two approved visitors (18+), immediate family or close associates only
Mail & Phone
No direct mail; calls and correspondence routed via LASD protocols
Have a Loved One in Custody? Start the Bail Application Now
Posting bail is the quickest way to secure release pending trial. Options include cash bail, money orders, cashier’s checks, or a licensed bail bond.