NYPD Manhattan Central Booking – New York, NY

Manhattan Central Booking (The Tombs)

Institution Overview

NYPD Manhattan Central Booking is the primary intake and processing facility for arrests made within New York County (Manhattan). Located within the Criminal Court building at 100 Centre Street, this facility serves as the critical junction between law enforcement apprehension and the judicial system. Often historically referred to as 'The Tombs' due to the architecture of the original jail on this site, it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is jointly managed by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for arrest processing and the Department of Correction (DOC) for pre-arraignment detention.

Processing and Intake

Upon arrest, individuals are transported here for ‘booking.’ This procedure involves verifying identity, taking mugshots, and conducting Live Scan fingerprinting.

• Medical Screening: All detainees undergo a mandatory health assessment before being placed in holding cells.
• Arraignment Preparation: Paperwork is prepared for the District Attorney’s office to draft the complaint. Detainees remain in custody here until they are brought upstairs to the Arraignment Part of the Criminal Court.

Visitation Policy

It is important to note that Manhattan Central Booking is not a visitation facility for friends and family. It is a secure police processing zone. Social visits are not permitted. Family members wishing to support a detainee should proceed to the public arraignment courtrooms (usually open to the public) or wait for bail information to be posted after the arraignment. Only defense attorneys are granted access to speak with clients in the holding area prior to their court appearance.

Location and Security

The facility is located in the Civic Center neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. Access is heavily restricted. The building at 100 Centre Street requires airport-style security screening for all entrants. Items such as belts and shoelaces may be removed from detainees for safety reasons during processing.