Orange County-Theo Lacy Facility (TLF)

You can support your loved ones at Orange Co-TLF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 714-935-6940.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Orange Co-TLF is a detention center located at 501 City Dr S Orange, CA which is operated locally by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Orange County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Orange Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for California here.

The Theo Lacy Facility, located on the banks of the Santa Ana River bed in the City of Orange, covers approximately 11 acres of land adjacent to the Orangewood Children’s Home. With a maximum capacity of 3,442 inmates, it oversees a diverse inmate population, ranging from those charged or sentenced for misdemeanor crimes to individuals awaiting transfer to State Prison.

Staffed by approximately 450 sworn and professional personnel, the facility ensures the secure and efficient operation of this maximum-security jail. These dedicated staff members work across various assignments to maintain the security and welfare of incarcerated individuals.

Inmates at Theo Lacy are categorized into different housing units based on factors such as past confinement history, current charges, criminal sophistication, and other indicators. They are housed in areas ranging from multiple bunk dormitories to one or two-man cells. This classification system aims to mitigate risks to both inmates and staff while facilitating the smooth operation of daily activities. Inmates' classifications are regularly evaluated, and adjustments are made as needed to minimize potential issues.

Incarcerated individuals have access to various amenities and services, including television, outdoor recreation, local newspapers, mail, and commissary purchases. They also receive medical, mental health, and dental care. Additionally, the facility offers religious services, vocational, and educational programs. Public visitation is available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays each week.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Sentenced inmates may have the opportunity to work in the facility kitchen or labor crews, earning "work-time" credits to reduce their sentences. Eligible inmates might also qualify for programs such as the Community Work Program or Electronic Monitoring Program, providing alternatives to traditional incarceration.