909-310-3372

Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate Search

Los Angeles · Los Angeles County

909-310-3372
  • All 14 local jails San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and LA County facilities.
  • A real person calls back We confirm the details with you by phone.
  • Confidential Your details are never shared without your consent.
  • Open 7 days a week Send a request any time, day or night.
  • Address 180 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
  • Facility type Type I city jail (LAPD)
  • Operated by Los Angeles Police Department

About Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center

Also known as: LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, LAPD jail downtown

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) at 180 North Los Angeles Street is run by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Custody Services Division — not by the Los Angeles County Sheriff. It is one of three LAPD jails, alongside the 77th Street Regional Jail and the Valley Jail Section at Van Nuys, and like all LAPD jails it operates 24 hours a day.

MDC is a Type I facility, meaning it holds people for a short period around arrest and arraignment rather than for long sentences. Where and when someone goes to court depends on where they were arrested and the charge filed. People who stay in custody after arraignment are handed over to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is when they move into the County jail system.

Visiting hours & rules

MDC holds visiting every day, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each person in custody may have one visit a day from a friend or family member. Call the jail at 213-356-3400 (TTY 213-356-3406) to confirm before you go.

  • One visit per day for each person in custody
  • One adult visitor per visit; one child may come with the adult
  • Visits last up to 15 minutes
  • Visiting can be cancelled when staffing or operations require it
  • Bring valid photo ID
  • Attorneys and clergy may visit at any time

Before you go: Because most people leave MDC within days — released, sent to court or moved to the County — call 213-356-3400 before you go to make sure the person is still there.

Booking & release

  1. LAPD arrest People arrested by LAPD in the downtown area are brought to MDC for booking.
  2. Phone calls Arrestees can make three free local calls, and must be allowed to call within three hours of arrest.
  3. Medical care The City’s Correctional Care staff provide booking exams and medical care around the clock.
  4. Court or transfer After arraignment, anyone who stays in custody is transferred to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Mail & phone calls

Sending mail

[Name], [Booking number]Metropolitan Detention Center180 N. Los Angeles St.Los Angeles, CA 90012

People at MDC may receive mail, which they read during a set period and which is then kept with their property. Stays are short, so call 213-356-3400 first; once someone moves to County custody, use that jail’s mailing address instead.

Phone calls

People in custody at MDC cannot take incoming calls. Arrestees can call a lawyer, a relative or another person — three calls are free within the local area, and calls to a lawyer are never recorded.

Need to reach someone fast? Call us at 909-310-3372 — we’ll confirm where they are.

Inmate search

How to find someone at Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center

Choose Los Angeles as the county of arrest and send the person’s full name. We check both LAPD and County records, so we can tell you whether they are still at MDC or have been moved to the County jail.

Start an inmate search or call 909-310-3372

Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center questions

Is the Metropolitan Detention Center the same as the LA County Jail?

No. MDC is run by the Los Angeles Police Department at 180 N Los Angeles St. The LA County Jail — Men’s Central Jail and the IRC on Bauchet Street — is run by the County Sheriff.

How long will someone stay at LAPD’s Metropolitan Detention Center?

MDC is a short-term Type I jail. People are usually released, taken to arraignment, or — if they stay in custody after arraignment — transferred to the LA County Sheriff.

What are the visiting hours at MDC?

Every day, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each person gets one visit a day, by one adult (plus one child), for up to 15 minutes.

How can I find out if someone is at the Metropolitan Detention Center?

Send their name using the form at the top of this page or call 909-310-3372. LAPD also directs the public to the County’s Inmate Information Center, which covers LAPD and Sheriff custody.

Is Inmate Search Central part of LAPD?

No. We are an independent service and are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Police Department, the Sheriff or any jail.