Chicago Police Department Central Detention Facility
The Chicago Police Department Central Detention Facility, occasionally referred to as Area Central Lockup, functions as a short-term containment site for individuals apprehended within Chicago’s boundaries. It operates as a transit hub before detainees are either discharged or transferred over to the Cook County Jail.
Key Details
- Address: 2452 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- Main Phone: 312-744-5000 (Chicago Police Department non-urgent line)
- Inmate Capacity: Roughly 200 (actual capacity can fluctuate)
- Security Level: Medium
- Operated by: Chicago Police Department
Contact Information
- General Inquiries: 312-744-5000
- Detainee Information: 312-745-5669 (Central Detention Unit)
- Emergency: 911
Important Web Pages
History and Significance
The Central Detention Facility has functioned for numerous years as part of the Chicago Police Department’s framework. It holds a vital place in the city’s policing operations, acting as a provisional confinement area for persons taken into custody but not yet formally charged or sent to extended detention.
Facility Features
- Booking and processing zones
- Short-term holding spaces
- Interview chambers
- Health screening section
- Property storage for those detained
Detainee Services
- Basic health assessments
- Access to phone services for detainees
- Meals served for prolonged stays
- Opportunities to consult legal representatives
Visitation
- General visitation is not permitted at this site due to its short-term function
- Lawyer meetings can be scheduled through formal channels
Additional Information
- Detainees usually stay no longer than 48 to 72 hours
- Post-processing, detainees may be:
- Released on bail
- Released on personal recognizance
- Moved to Cook County Jail
- The facility operates around the clock, handling arrests from across all Chicago police zones
- Fingerprinting and mugshots of arrestees are processed here
- Translators are available for non-English-speaking individuals