Where is Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail located?

MCJ is at 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. It’s next to Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown LA.

Can bail be posted at MCJ 24/7?

Yes. LASD accepts cash bail or surety bonds 24 hours a day at any station or jail facility, including MCJ.

Which details do I need to start MCJ bail?

Defendant’s full name, date of birth, booking number (if known), charges, and your valid ID. We handle the rest.

How long does MCJ release take after posting bail?

Processing times vary by volume and shift changes. Many releases occur within a few hours once the bond is filed.

How do I check MCJ booking status?

Use the LASD Inmate Locator or call our 24/7 team for a fast search and booking confirmation.

Men’s Central Jail (MCJ): Los Angeles County’s Central Men’s Facility

Los Angeles County’s Men’s Central Jail is one of California’s oldest and largest county detention centers, operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Built in 1963, MCJ serves as both a pre-trial holding facility and a long-term county jail for male inmates. It’s located at 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.

Call Today (213) 584-5840

START BAIL APPLICATION

Overview & History

MCJ was commissioned in 1963 to centralize intake and classification for male arrestees across L.A. County. Over the decades it has expanded to accommodate growing populations, but its original towers remain in service alongside newer housing units. As a primary hub for booking, medical screening, and classification, MCJ processes thousands of inmates each year.

Capacity & Inmate Population

MCJ’s Board of State and Community Corrections–rated capacity is 3,512 inmates, yet it maintains an actual bed capacity of up to 5,640. Daily populations average around 4,200 inmates, spanning every security level from general population to high-security units.

Housing & Security Levels

Old Side

Blocks 1700, 2000, 3000

New Side

Blocks 4000, 5000, 9000

Medical / Mental Health

Blocks 6000, 7000, 8000

Inmates are classified upon arrival and assigned housing based on security needs, medical status, and program eligibility.

Inmate Services & Programs

MCJ offers a range of programs aimed at safety, rehabilitation, and well-being:

Medical & Mental Health Care

On-site clinics staffed by medical professionals

Educational Classes

Literacy, GED preparation, and life-skills workshops

Work Assignments

Facility maintenance and food-service roles under supervision

Classification & Case Management

Ongoing risk and needs assessments to guide housing and programming decisions

Visiting, Communication & Commissary

Visiting Hours

Scheduled daily sessions—advance approval and photo ID required

Phone & Mail

Inmates may make collect or debit calls; all incoming/outgoing mail is inspected

Commissary

Deposits accepted via online kiosks or lobby drop-boxes; inmates can purchase approved hygiene items and snacks

Transportation & Overcrowding Challenges

MCJ is part of the Los Angeles County jail system that, on an average day, holds over 12,000 inmates across its facilities. A severe shortage of functional buses—only 23 of 82 vehicles operable—has prevented up to one-third of inmates from reaching court hearings, exacerbating overcrowding and lengthening pre-trial detention .

Have a Loved One in Custody? Start the Bail Application Now

If someone you care about is held at MCJ, you can begin the bail process immediately. Posting bail can secure their release pending court proceedings:

Start the Bail Application Now