Penmate Inmate Support Guides
mens-central-jail-contacts

Men's Central Jail — Important Phone Numbers (Watch Commander & Main Control)

Need to reach Men's Central Jail or the Inmate Reception Center? Here are the direct numbers families call most.

• 2 min read • locator.lacounty.gov
Men's Central Jail — Important Phone Numbers (Watch Commander & Main Control)

Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) Watch Commander: (213) 974-4916.

Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) Main Control: (213) 974-4921.

The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) is at 450 Bauchet Street in Los Angeles. If you have questions about intake or where someone is being processed, the IRC numbers below are your best starting point.

Inmate Reception Center (IRC) Watch Commander: (213) 893-5303.

Inmate Reception Center (IRC) Main Control: (213) 893-5324.

Men's Central Jail — Important Phone Numbers (Watch Commander & Main Control)

Call these lines when you need to confirm basic information - like where someone is located - or when you have time-sensitive questions that can't wait. Have the person's full name and booking number ready before you dial. Staff will ask, and it'll save you from getting transferred or having to call back.

  • ✓ Incarcerated person’s full legal name
  • ✓ Booking number (if you have it)
  • ✓ Date of birth
  • ✓ Your relationship to the person you’re calling about

Phone numbers do change, and different listings don't always match. If something urgent comes up, double-check against an official source - especially if your call won't connect. For reference: MCJ Watch Commander (213) 974-4916, MCJ Main Control (213) 974-4921, IRC Watch Commander (213) 893-5303, IRC Main Control (213) 893-5324.

Note: If a number doesn't connect, don't panic - it doesn't mean your information is wrong. Try another official listing for the facility and call again.

Find an Inmate at Mens Central Jail, Los Angeles

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from Mens Central Jail, Los Angeles

inmate-reception-center-irc-mcj

The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) and How It Handles Property & Mail for MCJ

Trying to track down your loved one's belongings or figure out where mail gets processed for Men's Central Jail (MCJ)? The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) handles both. Here's what you need to know about the facility, its location, and who to call.

mcj-security-levels-and-medical-housing

Understanding Men's Central Jail's Security Levels and Medical Housing

Men's Central Jail (MCJ) is one of the largest facilities in Los Angeles County, housing people with vastly different custody needs. If you're trying to figure out where your loved one might be placed - and why - here's what you should know.

visiting-hours-mens-central-jail

Visiting Hours at Men's Central Jail (MCJ) — What the Schedule Means for Families

Planning a visit to Men's Central Jail gets easier once you understand the difference between when the jail is open and when visits are actually allowed. Here's how to read the schedule and plan your trip.