Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail (often called “MCJ”) is one of the largest jails in the United States. Located in downtown Los Angeles, it primarily houses male inmates who have been recently arrested, are awaiting trial, or are serving county jail sentences.
The address for Men’s Central Jail is:
Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail
441 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-4921
Driving directions: Google Maps
With a capacity of more than 6,000 inmates, MCJ serves as a key hub for the Los Angeles County jail system. Many defendants arrested in or near Ventura County are transported here if their cases are being handled in Los Angeles County courts.
How to post bail for someone at Men’s Central Jail
Bail for MCJ inmates can be posted at the nearby Inmate Reception Center (IRC), which operates around the clock. The IRC is located at:
Inmate Reception Center
450 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 893-5875
You can post bail at the IRC using cash, a California-bank-issued cashier’s check, a U.S. Postal Service money order, or a licensed bail bondsman.
If you pay cash, you must provide the full amount. The money will be returned after the case ends, minus a small administrative fee, provided the defendant attends all court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, the entire amount is forfeited.
When using a cashier’s check or money order, make it payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Release will not occur until the funds are verified.
Bail bonds are often the most practical option. You pay a non-refundable percentage of the bail amount — typically up to 10% — to a licensed bondsman. If the defendant appears in court as required, you owe nothing further. If they fail to appear, you may be responsible for the full bail amount. Once the bond is processed, the inmate is usually released within a few hours.
How to find inmate information
To locate an inmate, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Inmate Information Line at (213) 473-6100 at any time. You will need the inmate’s full name, date of birth, or booking number.
You can also use the Sheriff’s Department’s online inmate search to check bail amounts, housing locations, and upcoming court dates.
How to contact someone being held at Men’s Central Jail
Inmates at MCJ cannot receive incoming calls. Upon booking, they are allowed one free outbound call. Additional calls must be made using a prepaid calling card or by calling collect.
If you want to help an inmate stay in touch, you can send a prepaid calling card or deposit money into their inmate account so they can purchase phone time or commissary items.
You can send mail to the following address:
Inmate’s Full Name and Booking Number
P.O. Box 86164
Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164
Be sure to include the inmate’s booking number on all correspondence and payments. All mail is screened before being delivered.
Visiting an inmate at Men’s Central Jail
MCJ allows in-person visits on designated visiting days, generally Thursday through Sunday. Visits are offered in two blocks of time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and comply with the jail’s dress code and security procedures. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult and may need a certified birth certificate and, if applicable, notarized consent from a parent or guardian.
Because MCJ is a high-volume facility, visiting slots can fill quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.
How to get help for someone who has been arrested
An arrest in Los Angeles County can be stressful and confusing, especially if your loved one has been transferred from Ventura County. A knowledgeable defense attorney can guide you through the bail process, help protect the detainee’s rights, and provide strong representation in court.
Robert M. Helfend is a SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 rated trial attorney who has practiced in the Ventura area for more than 40 years. Call today – 805-273-5611.
Published September 25, 2025.