Men's Central Jail
Facility Overview
Men's Central Jail (MCJ) is the primary intake facility for the Los Angeles County jail system and one of the largest county jails in the United States. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the facility serves as the main booking and processing center for adult male arrestees in LA County.
Contact Information
Address & Location
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles
Nearby Metro: Union Station (0.5 miles)
Parking: $8 per entry, limited spaces
Phone Numbers
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours
| Day | Morning Session | Evening Session |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visiting | No Visiting |
| Tuesday | No Visiting | No Visiting |
| Wednesday | No Visiting | No Visiting |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Important Visiting Notes:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the LASD online system
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time
- Valid government-issued photo ID required
- No children under 18 without accompanying adult
- Professional visits available Monday-Friday by appointment
What to Bring
Required Items:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Clear bag (if bringing items)
- Exact change for parking ($8)
- Visitor registration confirmation
Prohibited Items:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Purses or backpacks
Services & Resources
Inmate Services
Commissary
Inmates can purchase approved items through the commissary system. Funds can be deposited online or by mail.
Commissary InfoMedical Care
Basic medical services available 24/7. Serious medical issues transferred to Twin Towers or LAC+USC Medical Center.
Legal Calls
Inmates have access to phones for legal calls during designated hours. Attorney visits available by appointment.
Educational Programs
Limited educational and vocational programs available. GED preparation and basic literacy classes offered.
Bail Bond Services
Multiple licensed bail bond companies serve Men's Central Jail 24/7. Many offer payment plans and accept various forms of collateral.
Specialized in Men's Central Jail releases
(800) 798-736668 years serving LA County
(213) 688-0011Downtown courts specialist
(213) 626-6226Transportation & Parking
Getting There
By Car
From Downtown: Take Spring Street north to Bauchet Street
From 101 Freeway: Exit at Spring Street/Vignes Street
Parking: $8 per entry, limited spaces available
Public Transportation
Metro Rail: Union Station (Red, Purple, Gold Lines) - 0.5 mile walk
Metro Bus: Multiple lines serve the area including Lines 30, 40, 62
Chinatown Station: Gold Line - 2 minute walk
Nearby Landmarks
Union Station: 0.5 miles south
Chinatown: 0.2 miles north
Downtown LA: 1 mile south
Dodger Stadium: 1.5 miles northeast
Important Information
Critical Notice
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Booking Process:
- Initial booking and processing can take 12-24 hours
- Inmates may not appear in the system immediately after arrest
- Medical clearance required before housing assignment
- Classification determines housing placement
Release Information:
- Release times vary throughout the day
- Inmates released with personal property at main lobby
- Transportation assistance available for homeless individuals
- Medical releases coordinated with healthcare providers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if someone is in Men's Central Jail?
Call the 24-hour information line at (213) 473-6100 or use the LASD online inmate locator system. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready.
What are the visiting requirements?
All visitors must pre-register online, bring valid photo ID, and arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled visit time. No walk-in visits are permitted.
How do I put money on an inmate's account?
Funds can be deposited online through the LASD website, by phone, or by mailing a money order. Processing time is typically 24-48 hours.
What happens during intake and booking?
The process includes fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, background checks, and classification. This typically takes 12-24 hours.
Can inmates make phone calls?
Yes, inmates have access to phones during designated hours. All calls except legal calls are recorded and monitored.
Related LA County Facilities
Twin Towers Correctional Facility
Medical and mental health facility - 0.1 miles from Men's Central
Century Regional Detention Facility
Women's facility - 15 miles south of Men's Central
North County Correctional Facility
Large capacity facility - 45 miles north of Men's Central