Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center is a large city jail at 13850 Northwest 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178. It opened in 1992 and holds up to 3,098 people. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department runs it. This center is the main place for people arrested in Miami-Dade County before trial or for short stays. You can find inmate lists, visit rules, and policy papers on its official website. Call 786-263-5101 for general questions. Other numbers are 786-263-5154, 786-263-5155, and 786-263-5156. A fax line at 786-263-5690 takes medical records and court orders. About 250 sworn officers and 100 civilian staff work there. They handle intake, classification, and daily tasks.
How to Find an Inmate at Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center
Use the online inmate search tool on the Miami-Dade County website. Type the person’s last name and first initial or full first name. The results show name, birth date, race, gender, housing location, charges, bond amount, jail ID number, booking date and time, and a photo. You can download a PDF of the booking report. This tool updates in real time. It helps families, lawyers, and friends check status fast. Always double-check spelling when searching. The system only shows people currently in custody.
Mailing Letters to Inmates at Metro West Detention Center
Send mail to: [Inmate’s Full Name], [Inmate ID Number], Metro West Detention Center, 13850 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178. Use plain white paper. Letters can be up to ten pages long. Photos must be smaller than 4×6 inches. Do not send cash, stamps, or stickers. All mail is checked for safety. Write clearly and print if possible. Include the inmate ID number on every letter. Without it, mail may be returned or delayed. Rules can change, so check the official MDCR site before sending anything.
Visiting Rules and Virtual Visits at Metro West
In-person visits stopped on March 12, 2020, due to health concerns. They have not restarted yet. Instead, the center offers secure video calls. Each inmate can have two callers per session. Sessions last 30 minutes. Schedule online or by phone. You need a valid ID to join. The system works on computers and smartphones. Audio and video are monitored. No inappropriate behavior is allowed. If rules are broken, visits may be canceled. Check the MDCR website for updates on when in-person visits might return.
Sending Messages to Inmates Electronically
Families can send short text messages through the inmate’s online profile. Each inmate gets five incoming messages per week. Messages must be under 100 words. No photos, videos, or links are allowed. Content is reviewed before delivery. Avoid threats, illegal talk, or coded language. Messages that break rules will not be sent. This service is free but limited. It helps stay in touch when visits aren’t possible. Log in to the MDCR portal to use this feature.
Inmate Trust Accounts and Money Rules
Every detainee has a trust account with a unique ID. Facility number 233101 identifies Metro West. When money is added, 50% goes to court-ordered debts like fines or restitution. The rest goes into the personal account. Inmates use this for commissary items, phone time, or legal fees. Deposits can be made online or at kiosks in the lobby. Keep receipts. Account balances update within 24 hours. Minors need guardian approval to add funds. All transactions are tracked and secure.
Staffing and Security at Metro West Detention Center
The center employs about 250 sworn correctional officers. Another 100 civilian staff support operations. They manage intake, health checks, housing assignments, and safety protocols. Officers train regularly in crisis response and de-escalation. The facility uses cameras, alarms, and controlled access points. Shifts run 24/7. Staff follow strict state and county guidelines. Background checks are required for all hires. The goal is safe custody while treating inmates fairly.
Medical and Mental Health Services
All inmates receive medical screening upon arrival. Doctors, nurses, and mental health workers are on-site. Emergency care is available anytime. Prescription medications are managed daily. Mental health support includes counseling and crisis intervention. Requests for care can be made in writing. Serious cases are sent to outside hospitals. Privacy is protected under HIPAA laws. Staff document all treatments. Families can inquire about health status through the public liaison office.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
Metro West offers basic education classes. These include GED prep, literacy, and life skills. Some inmates qualify for work-release programs. Vocational training is limited but expanding. Religious services are held weekly. Volunteers lead Bible studies, meditation, and support groups. Participation is voluntary. Progress is tracked for parole boards. The department aims to reduce repeat offenses through skill-building.
Contact Information for Metro West Detention Center
Address: 13850 Northwest 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178 Phone: 786-263-5101 Fax for documents: 786-263-5690 MDCR Headquarters: 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147 Website: miamidade.gov (official Miami-Dade County site) Visiting hours: Currently suspended; virtual visits only Mail processing: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
How Bond and Release Work at Metro West
Most inmates are held before trial. Bond amounts are set by judges. Payment can be made in cash, bond, or property. Once paid, release takes 2–6 hours. Inmates must sign release forms. Personal items are returned. Transportation is not provided. If no bond is set, the case goes to court within 21 days. Lawyers can request bond hearings. The jail does not set bond—only courts do.
Rules for Attorneys and Legal Visits
Lawyers can schedule private video or in-person meetings. ID and bar number are required. Legal mail is not opened by staff. It must be marked “Legal Correspondence.” Phone calls with attorneys are unmonitored. Appointments should be made 24 hours ahead. Emergency legal visits may be allowed same-day. All visits follow confidentiality rules.
Common Questions About Metro West Detention Center
People often ask how to send money, find an inmate, or visit. Others want to know about mail rules or health services. Many search for booking dates or charge details. Some look for mugshots or release info. The MDCR website answers most questions. For urgent issues, call the main number. Staff cannot give legal advice. Always verify info on official sources.
History and Role in Miami-Dade County
Metro West opened in 1992 to handle growing arrest numbers. It replaced older jails that were too small. Today, it’s one of the largest city jails in Florida. It holds people from all over Miami-Dade County. Most stay less than a year. The center focuses on safety, health, and fairness. It works with courts, police, and social services.
Accessibility and Disability Support
The facility meets ADA standards. Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available. Staff assist inmates with disabilities. Special communication devices help deaf or hard-of-hearing people. Medical staff manage chronic conditions. Requests for accommodations should be made early. The public liaison office handles complaints or concerns.
How to File a Grievance or Complaint
Inmates can file grievances about food, medical care, or staff behavior. Forms are available in housing units. They are reviewed within 7 days. Appeals go to higher supervisors. Families can report concerns to the MDCR public liaison. All complaints are logged and investigated. Retaliation is not allowed. Serious issues may involve external oversight.
Commissary and What Inmates Can Buy
Inmates use trust account money for commissary. Items include snacks, hygiene products, stationery, and phone credits. Prices are posted weekly. Orders are placed on kiosks or paper forms. Delivery happens twice a week. Limits apply to prevent hoarding. Special diets are available for medical or religious needs. All purchases are tracked.
Phone Calls and Communication Rules
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Calls are monitored except for legal ones. Each call lasts 15 minutes. You can add funds online. No three-way calls or recording. Phones are available in common areas. Usage depends on behavior level. Violations can lead to loss of phone privileges.
Housing and Daily Life at Metro West
Inmates live in dorm-style or cell units. They eat three meals a day. Showers, laundry, and recreation are scheduled. Outdoor time is limited but provided. Uniforms are issued. Personal clothing is not allowed except for court. Lights out is at 10 p.m. Wake-up is at 6 a.m. Rules promote order and safety.
Release Process and What Happens Next
When released, inmates get their belongings back. They receive a release form and any remaining trust balance. If owed money, deductions are explained. Transportation is not provided. Some go to rehab or halfway houses. Others return home. Parole officers may contact them. The jail does not track post-release plans.
How to Verify Inmate Information Online
Go to the MDCR website and click “Inmate Search.” Enter the name correctly. Results show current status only. Mugshots are included. Booking reports can be downloaded. The system updates every few hours. It does not show past inmates. For older records, contact the clerk of court. Never rely on third-party sites—they may be outdated or wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metro West Detention Center
Below are common questions with clear answers based on official MDCR policies and public records. Each response is accurate as of 2024 and reflects current procedures.
Can I visit someone in person at Metro West right now?
No. In-person visits have been suspended since March 12, 2020, and remain paused. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has not announced a restart date. Health officials must approve reopening. Until then, only secure video visits are allowed. Each inmate can have two callers per 30-minute session. Schedule online or by phone. This rule applies to all MDCR facilities, including Metro West. Check the official website for updates. Do not travel to the jail expecting a visit—it will not be permitted.
How do I send money to an inmate at Metro West?
Use the MDCR online payment portal or deposit cash at the lobby kiosk. Each inmate has a trust account with a unique ID. When you add money, 50% automatically pays court-ordered debts like fines or restitution. The rest goes into their spending account. Deposits post within 24 hours. Keep your receipt. Minors need a guardian to add funds. You cannot send cash through mail. All transactions are secure and tracked. The facility number for Metro West is 233101. Always include the inmate’s full name and ID number.
What happens if I send mail without the inmate ID number?
Mail without the correct inmate ID number may be returned or delayed. Staff cannot deliver it without proper identification. Always write: [Full Name], [ID Number], Metro West Detention Center, 13850 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178. Use plain white paper. Limit letters to ten pages. Photos must be under 4×6 inches. Do not include stickers, drawings, or cash. All mail is inspected. If the ID is missing, the letter goes to a holding area. It may be destroyed after 30 days. Check the MDCR website for the latest mail policy before sending anything.
How long does it take to get released after bond is paid?
Release usually takes 2 to 6 hours after bond is paid. Staff must process paperwork, return personal items, and complete final checks. The time depends on staffing and workload. Weekends and holidays may slow the process. Once released, inmates receive a form showing their trust account balance. If they owe money, deductions are explained. The jail does not provide transportation. Families should plan pickup in advance. For urgent releases, contact the facility directly. Note that only courts set bond—jail staff cannot change it.
Can I call an inmate directly at Metro West?
No. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. They can only make outgoing collect or prepaid calls. Each call lasts 15 minutes. You can add funds to their phone account online. Calls are monitored except for legal conversations. Three-way calls and recording are not allowed. Phone access depends on behavior level. Violations can result in loss of privileges. To speak with an inmate, wait for them to call you. Provide your number during video visits or through messages. The main jail number (786-263-5101) is for information only—not for inmate calls.
What medical care is available at Metro West?
All inmates get a medical screening upon arrival. Doctors, nurses, and mental health staff are on-site 24/7. Emergency care is provided immediately. Prescription medications are managed daily. Mental health support includes counseling and crisis help. Inmates can request care in writing. Serious cases are sent to hospitals. Privacy is protected under HIPAA. Families can ask about health status through the public liaison office. The jail follows state health standards. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are treated regularly.
How do I file a complaint about treatment at Metro West?
Inmates can file grievances using forms in their housing unit. These are reviewed within seven days. Appeals go to supervisors. Families should contact the MDCR Public Liaison Office at 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147, or call 786-263-5101. All complaints are logged and investigated. Retaliation is prohibited. For serious issues like abuse or neglect, external agencies may be involved. Keep records of all communications. The MDCR website lists full grievance procedures. Never use social media to report concerns—official channels ensure proper handling.
Official Website: miamidade.gov Phone: 786-263-5101 Address: 13850 Northwest 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178 Visiting Hours: Suspended (Virtual Only) Fax for Documents: 786-263-5690