How to send messages, photos, and packages
For quick answers, start with the official county and facility listings for Men's Central Jail. You'll find the jail's street address plus phone contacts for the watch commander and main control—these are your best numbers for direct facility questions. The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) associated with MCJ is listed separately at 450 Bauchet Street with its own watch-commander and main-control contacts for reception-related issues. Communication options are also shifting statewide as California transitions many facilities to a new provider. This can change which service handles phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging. To be ready when video and messaging become available, set up an account on the department's communications platform and add prepaid funds if required. During the changeover, confirm which platform the facility currently supports.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
If your loved one was just arrested in Los Angeles County, you'll likely hear they're at the Inmate Reception Center (IRC). This is where LASD handles the
Men’s Central Jail’s street address is listed in the official county and facility directories. The Inmate Reception Center tied to MCJ is listed at 450 Bauchet Street.
Use the published watch commander and main-control phone numbers for Men’s Central Jail (and for the IRC if your question is reception-related). The current contacts are posted in the official facility/county listings.
Usually, yes. For video visits and electronic messaging at many California facilities, you’ll need an account on the department’s communications platform, and you may need to add prepaid funds; during the statewide transition, confirm which platform the facility is using.
The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) processes inmate mail at Men’s Central Jail. The IRC also handles property storage and cashier services tied to intake, processing, and release.
No. Legal mail receives special handling, and staff do not read it during contraband checks.
Use the incarcerated person’s full booked name and the required identifier (such as a booking number, X‑reference, or PFN), plus your printed return name and address. Follow content and format rules, including avoiding stickers, glitter, and certain photo types.
Need to reach Men's Central Jail or the Inmate Reception Center? Here are the direct numbers families call most.
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.
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.
