Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
How to Find Someone at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.
Search the LASD Inmate Information Center with the person's last name, first name and date of birth. LAPD jails like MDC use that same lookup. New bookings do not show for about 2 hours. If the search comes up empty after that, call (213) 473-6100, any time of day, with the full name and date of birth.
Find someone at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
Search the Sheriff's Inmate Information Center by name and date of birth, or by booking number. You can also call LASD at 213-473-6100.
Have ready
- Full legal name, spelled the way it is on their ID
- Date of birth
- Booking number, if you have it
Stuck? Call us at (213) 725-2815 and we will look up the booking with you.
Where do I look for someone held at MDC?
The Metropolitan Detention Center, or MDC, is run by LAPD at 180 N. Los Angeles St. LAPD does not have its own public arrest lookup. Its jail page sends you to the LASD Inmate Information Center, which covers both LAPD and county jails.
Type the last name, first name, middle name if you know it, and the date of birth. That is all the form asks for. You can also use the box on this page, which helps you through the same steps. Our guide to finding someone in jail has more search tips.
Why is my person not showing up yet?
The most common reason is timing. LASD, LAPD and the lookup page all say records are not available for bookings made in the last 2 hours. If the arrest was just now, the booking may still be in progress at MDC. Wait, then try again.
The second reason is the name. LASD says people are sometimes booked with or without a middle name, so try each version. Try nicknames, maiden names and other spellings the person has used. Searching the complete legal name also brings up the booking number.
A third reason is that the person may be at a different jail. Being arrested downtown does not mean the person is held at MDC. LAPD does not publish a chart that says which arrests go to which jail, so do not rely on a guess.
Who do I call when the search comes up empty?
Call the custody line at (213) 473-6100. LAPD says the public can call it 24 hours a day to get information on anyone held at an LAPD or LASD jail. Have the full legal name and date of birth ready. The date of arrest helps too.
You can also call MDC directly at (213) 356-3400. The TTY line is (213) 356-3406. Staff there can tell you whether the person is in the building, though they may be busy, so the county line is often the easier first call.
What is a booking number and how do I get it?
A booking number is the number the jail gives a person when the arrest is entered. Bail agents, courts and jail staff use it to pull up the right record. LASD says a complete name search returns it. If the online search does not, call (213) 473-6100 with the full name, date of birth and date of arrest, and ask for it.
Write the number down and keep it on your phone. You will need it for bail, for visits and for questions about court.
What happens if they move from MDC to county custody?
MDC is a short stay jail. LAPD says people still in custody after arraignment are remanded to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. LASD says it does not notify families when someone changes facilities, so you have to check again.
Men are usually processed through the Inmate Reception Center and may then be housed at Men's Central Jail. Women go to Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. Search again with the same name once you hear about court. If you are ready to arrange a bond, read how release after bail works at MDC.
1% down is a down payment on approved credit, not the price of the bond. The premium is the rate on file with the California Department of Insurance, 10% of the bail amount, or 8% when a private attorney is retained or you or the defendant is a veteran. The balance goes on a payment plan.
Questions people ask
Does the search show the bail amount?
We could not confirm that it does. The lookup page only shows search fields for name and date of birth. Ask the custody line at (213) 473-6100 or the jail for the amount.
Can I search by booking number alone?
The lookup page asks for names and a date of birth. Use the booking number when you talk to the jail or to us, and use the name search to find it.
Is there a victim alert service?
Yes. LASD lists the VINE service at 1-877-411-5588 or vinelink.com.
Can you check for me if I cannot find them?
Yes. Call us at (213) 725-2815 with the full name and date of birth and we will help you search.
More about Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
Sources
Jane Un Bail Bonds is a private bail agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance, License #1843448. We are not part of LAPD, LASD or the courts. Rules change, so check the official source before you go.