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Guide for Inmate Family Members at NYC DOC - Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC)

Overview of the Facility

The Manhattan Detention Complex, commonly known as “The Tombs,” is a facility operated by the New York City Department of Correction. It is situated in Lower Manhattan and primarily houses inmates who are awaiting trial or sentencing or who are serving short sentences.

Contact Information

Address: 125 White Street, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone Number: +1 212-266-1500

Website: NYC Department of Correction

How to Locate an Inmate

To find an inmate housed at the Manhattan Detention Complex, you can use the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup Service. You will need the inmate’s first and last name or their NYSID or Book and Case number.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitors must schedule a visit in advance using the DOC's online scheduling system. Visitation hours vary by the inmate’s housing location. Check the Department’s website or contact the facility directly to confirm the hours and any specific requirements.

How to Send Money

Money can be added to an inmate's commissary account via JPay, a secure service used for sending funds to inmates. You can send money online by visiting the JPay website.

Phone Calls and Video Visitation Options

Inmates are allowed to make outgoing calls but cannot receive incoming calls. For video visitation, the Manhattan Detention Complex utilizes services like Securus Technologies. Family members can set up an account and schedule video visits through the Securus website.

Inmate Services and Programs

The facility offers various programs including educational programs, health and wellness services, and legal education to support the inmates' rehabilitation and well-being.

History of the Facility

The original facility known as “The Tombs” was built in 1838, designed in an Egyptian Revival style. The current structure has undergone several renovations to improve conditions and services.

Security and Management Information

The Manhattan Detention Complex is a high-security facility with stringent security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to receive visitors and legal counsel. Specific guidelines and schedules for visitation can be accessed on the facility’s website.

Booking and Release Process

Booking involves taking the individual's information and reasons for arrest, and processing them into the system. The release process depends on the court’s decisions or completion of the sentence. Information on both processes can be directly obtained from the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I send a package to an inmate at MDC?

Inmate packages can only include items from an approved vendor list. More details are available on the NYC DOC website.

Can I send books to an inmate at MDC?

Yes, books can be sent directly to an inmate from a publisher or an authorized retailer like Amazon. Ensure that the books are new and paperback.

Leave a Review

If you are a current or former inmate, employee, family member or a friend of someone who is in prison, please share your feedback so others can get better understanding how the institution works. The survey is completely anonymous and your personal information will never be shared or publicly shown.

How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

General Stats for New York

New York Total Number of Inmates

50,771

New York Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

76,323

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

154

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

43,979

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

8,296

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

96.37

29,219

Female

3.63

1,102

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

61.29

513

Detained

37.99

318

Diverted

0.36

3

Prisons and Jails in New York