Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- County Facility
- Security Level
- Pretrial / Sentenced
- Inmate Capacity
- Not available
- Established
- Not available
- Operated By
- Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate Communication Overview
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, known locally as MDC, is the largest jail in New Mexico and the main booking facility for the Albuquerque area. It is operated by Bernalillo County, not by a single police department, and it takes in people arrested by the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies across the county. The facility sits on the south side of Albuquerque and holds both people awaiting trial and people serving shorter county sentences.
Communication at MDC runs through two providers. GettingOut handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money deposits, and families set up a free account at gettingout.com or through the GettingOut mobile app. Securus handles phone calls and video visitation, and requires a separate account at securustech.net. Because these are two different companies, you will need two accounts to access every communication option. Add funds to a Securus account before expecting a call, since MDC phone calls are generally paid for by the person receiving them.
MDC is reachable from most parts of the Albuquerque metro area within a short drive, which makes in-person visits realistic for local families. For people coming from other parts of New Mexico, the facility is accessible from I-25 and I-40. Most people at MDC are in pretrial status waiting on Bernalillo County District Court proceedings. If someone is sentenced to state prison time rather than county time, they are transferred to a New Mexico Corrections Department facility, where the communication setup is different from MDC's.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87151
Main Phone
(505) 839-8700
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: GettingOut
Electronic messaging through the GettingOut app or website. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Remote video visits can be scheduled through Securus. On-site video visitation may also be offered; check current hours with MDC.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: GettingOut
Digital photo sharing through GettingOut. Physical photo mail is also accepted, subject to MDC mail rules.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Fund a Securus account so you can accept collect or prepaid calls from MDC.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: GettingOut
Commissary and account deposits through GettingOut, by phone, or at facility kiosks.
Communication Providers at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
GettingOut
Handles messaging, photo sharing, and money deposits for MDC. Create a free account at gettingout.com.
View GettingOut ServicesSecurus
Handles phone calls and video visitation for MDC. A separate Securus account is required.
View Securus ServicesCommunication Rules at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
- GettingOut and Securus are two separate companies. You need one account with each to access all communication options.
- All calls, messages, and visits at MDC are subject to monitoring and review by facility staff.
- Only people on an inmate's approved contact list can send messages or schedule visits.
- Video visits should be scheduled in advance through the Securus website or app.
- If someone is transferred to New Mexico Corrections Department custody, the communication provider will change.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I contact someone at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center?
- You will need two accounts. Use GettingOut for messaging, photos, and money deposits, and Securus for phone calls and video visits. Both can be set up online or through their mobile apps.
- Can I do a video visit with someone at MDC?
- Yes. Video visitation is available through Securus. Create an account, search for the facility, and book an open time slot. It's a good idea to schedule at least a day in advance.
- How do I know if someone is currently held at MDC?
- Bernalillo County provides an online inmate search through its detention center website. You can search by name to confirm custody status before setting up an account.
- What happens after someone is sentenced from MDC?
- People sentenced to county time may stay at MDC. People sentenced to state prison time are transferred to a New Mexico Corrections Department facility, which uses a different communication setup than MDC.
- How do I send money to someone at MDC?
- Money deposits go through GettingOut online, by phone, or at a kiosk. Funds are typically applied to the inmate's commissary account within a day.
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