Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles Inmate Search helps families, attorneys, and researchers locate individuals held at this federal facility. The center sits at 535 North Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles and serves as a key holding site for pre-trial detainees and short-term federal inmates. Opened in 1975, it houses up to 2,150 people across 12 secure housing units. Inmates can join GED classes, learn automotive repair, and attend religious services for Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths. Visits happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but appointments must be made at least 48 hours ahead using the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator. The center runs an on-site medical clinic, offers mental health counseling, and started an anti-violence program in 2020 that cut reported assaults by 12%. All mail must include the inmate’s BOP register number, and packages are checked for banned items. Since early 2022, staff wear N-95 masks and pass daily temperature checks due to updated health rules.
How to Perform a Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles Inmate Search
To find someone at the Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles, use the official BOP Inmate Locator tool online. Pick “California” from the state menu and type the person’s full name, BOP register number, or date of birth. The search returns key details like when they entered custody, their expected release date, which housing unit they’re in, and any recent disciplinary notes. You can also call the MDC information desk at 213-485-0439 during business hours. Staff will confirm if the inmate is in general population or part of a special program such as the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit. Always have the inmate’s full legal name and BOP number ready when calling. This makes the process faster and more accurate.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator – Step-by-Step
The BOP Inmate Locator is the most trusted way to find someone at MDC Los Angeles. Go to the BOP website and click on the “Inmate Locator” link. Choose California from the dropdown list. Enter the inmate’s last name and first name exactly as it appears on court documents. You may also use their BOP register number or date of birth if you don’t know the full name. After clicking “Search,” the system shows a profile with custody status, location, and release info. If no results appear, double-check spelling or try a different name variation. The locator updates daily, so information is usually current within 24 hours of any change.
Contact Information and Visiting Rules
The main phone number for Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles is 213-485-0439. Calls are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time. For mail, use this format: Inmate’s Full Name, BOP Register Number, Metropolitan Detention Center, PO Box 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90053. All letters must be on plain white paper with clear handwriting or typing. Do not send photos, stickers, or colored paper. Packages are only allowed from approved vendors and limited to one book, magazine, or newspaper per month. Visits require advance booking through the BOP system at least 48 hours before the desired date. Only two visitors are allowed per session, and each visit lasts up to one hour.
Funding an Inmate’s Commissary Account
Families can add money to an inmate’s account using Access Corrections or Western Union. Both services let you deposit funds online or by phone. Money shows up in the inmate’s commissary balance within one business day. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and BOP register number to complete the transaction. Commissary funds pay for snacks, hygiene items, phone time, and other approved goods. There’s a $2.95 fee per deposit through Access Corrections. Western Union charges vary by amount sent. Never send cash through the mail. Only use official channels to protect your money and the inmate’s safety.
Health Services and Mental Health Support
MDC Los Angeles provides basic medical care through an on-site clinic staffed by nurses and a visiting doctor. Inmates can request sick calls and receive treatment for common illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. Mental health counselors are available for individual and group sessions. The facility launched a violence reduction initiative in 2020 that includes conflict resolution training and behavioral incentives. This program helped lower assault reports by 12% in its first year. All health services follow federal standards set by the Department of Justice. Inmates with serious medical needs may be transferred to a federal medical center if required.
Education and Vocational Programs
Inmates at MDC Los Angeles can take GED preparation classes to earn a high school equivalency diploma. The automotive repair program teaches hands-on skills like engine maintenance, brake systems, and electrical diagnostics. These programs aim to reduce recidivism by building job-ready abilities. Religious services are held weekly for multiple faiths, including Catholic Mass, Protestant worship, Muslim prayers, and Buddhist meditation. Chaplains also offer one-on-one spiritual counseling upon request. Participation in these programs is voluntary but encouraged as part of rehabilitation efforts.
Recreation and Library Access
Recreation time happens three times a week on the outdoor patio, weather permitting. Activities include basketball, light exercise in a small gym, and access to a library with over 3,000 books. The library carries fiction, non-fiction, legal reference materials, and religious texts. Inmates can request books through staff or during scheduled library hours. All materials are screened for safety and content. Outdoor time is supervised at all times, and inmates must follow facility rules to maintain privileges. These activities support physical health and mental well-being during confinement.
Mail Guidelines and Package Rules
All incoming mail must include the inmate’s full name and BOP register number on the envelope. Return addresses are required. Letters should be written in English or Spanish and avoid coded language or drawings. Packages are only accepted from publishers, bookstores, or direct retailers like Amazon. Each inmate may receive one book, magazine, or newspaper per month. No homemade items, food, clothing, or electronics are allowed. All packages go through X-ray and manual inspection. If something is rejected, the sender gets a notice explaining why. Follow these rules to ensure mail arrives safely.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Since early 2022, MDC Los Angeles follows updated health guidelines to prevent illness spread. All staff wear N-95 masks during shifts and undergo daily temperature checks. Inmates showing symptoms are isolated and tested quickly. Common areas are cleaned multiple times per day with disinfectant. Visitation may be paused during outbreaks, but video calls are offered as an alternative. Vaccines are available to inmates upon request. These measures follow CDC and BOP recommendations to protect everyone in the facility.
Legal Resources and Law Library
MDC Los Angeles maintains a law library with the United States Code, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and recent court decisions. Inmates can use these resources to research appeals, file motions, or understand their rights. Trained staff assist with locating documents but cannot give legal advice. Computers with limited internet access are available for legal research under supervision. Time in the law library is scheduled in advance. This service supports fair access to justice and helps inmates prepare for court appearances or post-conviction actions.
Phone System and Communication Policies
Inmates make calls using a prepaid system managed by the BOP. Families must set up an account through the official vendor to receive calls. All calls are recorded and may be monitored for security reasons. Calls last up to 15 minutes and can be made during approved hours. Inmates cannot call cell phones directly unless the number is registered and approved. International calls require special permission. Misuse of the phone system can result in loss of privileges. Always verify contact numbers with the facility before expecting a call.
Release and Transfer Information
When an inmate is released or moved, the BOP updates the Inmate Locator within 24 hours. The daily Custody and Release List shows who entered or left the facility each day. Reasons include court appearances, transfers to other prisons, or sentence completion. The list includes names, BOP numbers, dates, and custody levels. Researchers and families can use this data to track movements. If someone disappears from the roster, contact the information desk immediately. Never assume release without confirmation—mistakes can happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles Inmate Search
Many people ask how to find an inmate, send money, or visit. Others wonder about mail rules, health services, or legal help. Below are detailed answers to common questions based on official BOP policies and facility procedures. These responses reflect the latest information as of 2024 and are designed to save time and reduce confusion. Always double-check with the facility for case-specific details.
How do I find out if someone is held at MDC Los Angeles?
Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator online. Enter the person’s full name, BOP register number, or date of birth. Select California from the state menu. The system will show if they are currently housed at MDC Los Angeles, along with custody status and housing unit. If the search fails, call 213-485-0439 and speak with the Inmate Records Department. Have the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth ready. Note that not all detainees appear immediately—updates may take 24–48 hours after intake.
Can I visit an inmate at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles?
Yes, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must schedule your visit at least 48 hours in advance using the BOP visitation portal. Bring a valid government-issued ID. Only two visitors are allowed per inmate per session. Visits last up to one hour and occur in a supervised setting. Dress modestly—no revealing clothing, hats, or sunglasses. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you arrive late or without an appointment, entry will be denied.
How do I send money to an inmate at MDC Los Angeles?
Use Access Corrections or Western Union. Both allow online deposits with a credit/debit card or bank transfer. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and BOP register number. Funds appear in their commissary account within 24 hours. Access Corrections charges a $2.95 fee per transaction. Western Union fees vary by amount. Never mail cash. Only use official channels to avoid scams. Once deposited, the inmate can buy snacks, hygiene items, or phone time from the commissary.
What items can I send in the mail to an inmate?
Only plain letters on white paper with clear writing. Include the inmate’s full name and BOP number on the envelope. Return address is required. Packages are limited to one book, magazine, or newspaper per month from a publisher or retailer. No food, clothes, photos, or electronics. All mail is inspected. If something is banned, the sender gets a rejection notice. Avoid colored paper, stickers, or drawings—they may delay delivery.
Does MDC Los Angeles offer medical or mental health care?
Yes. The facility has an on-site clinic with nurses and a visiting physician. Inmates can request medical attention for illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions. Mental health counselors provide individual and group therapy. A violence reduction program started in 2020 includes behavioral support and conflict resolution. Serious cases may be referred to a federal medical center. All care follows Department of Justice standards.
How can I check an inmate’s release date?
The BOP Inmate Locator shows the projected release date if available. This date can change due to court rulings, good behavior credits, or sentencing adjustments. For the most accurate info, call 213-485-0439 and ask the Inmate Records Department. They can confirm current status and any upcoming court dates. Never rely solely on online data—always verify with the facility.
What happens if an inmate gets sick with COVID-19?
Symptomatic inmates are isolated and tested immediately. Staff wear N-95 masks and follow strict cleaning protocols. Vaccines are offered to all inmates. During outbreaks, in-person visits may暂停, but video calls are provided. The facility follows CDC and BOP health guidelines to protect everyone. Families will be notified if their loved one is affected, per privacy laws.
Official Website: https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/los/
Phone: 213-485-0439
Visiting Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (by appointment only)
Mailing Address: PO Box 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90053
Physical Address: 535 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
