Louisiana Prison and Jail System
Louisiana's prison and jail system is comprised of several state-run prisons, parish jails, and transitional work programs. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) is responsible for overseeing the state's prison system. On the other hand, parish jails are typically operated by individual parish (county) law enforcement agencies.
Who's In Prison in Louisiana
The state's prisons house individuals who have been convicted of felonies and are serving longer sentences. In contrast, parish jails usually hold detainees awaiting trial or those serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors.
Louisiana Inmate Search and Inmate Records
Every person incarcerated in Louisiana has a set of records associated with them. These inmate records often contain personal information, details about their conviction, sentence length, parole status, and other relevant data.
What Constitutes Inmate Records in Louisiana: Typically, these records include:
- Full name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and race
- Inmate ID number
- Current and past offenses
- Sentence details (commencement, expected release, parole status, etc.)
- Current location (specific prison or jail)
- Mugshot and physical descriptors
- Any known gang affiliations or other notable details
Online Inmate Search Process in Louisiana
If you're looking to locate an inmate in Louisiana, the DPS&C offers an online offender locator tool. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Visit the Louisiana DPS&C Offender Locator: The official website offers a search tool dedicated to finding inmates within the Louisiana state prison system.
- Input Inmate Details: Typically, you can search using an inmate's name or their DPS&C number. Provide as much detail as possible to narrow down results.
- Review Results: If the person is in the system, their name, DPS&C number, and current facility should appear. By clicking on the name, you can get more detailed information.
- Additional Resources: For inmates not found in the state system (e.g., in a parish jail), most parishes offer their own inmate lookup tools on their sheriff's office website.
Click here to access the Louisiana DPS&C Offender Locator
County Jail Records in Louisiana
In Louisiana, counties are termed as "parishes." Each parish jail maintains its own set of records for individuals held within their facilities. These records can range from booking details to bond information. Most parish sheriff's offices have their own websites that often provide online search tools for their jail roster. If you're looking to locate someone in a parish jail, the parish's sheriff's website would be the best starting point.
Federal Prisons in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to several federal prison facilities. Inmates incarcerated in federal prisons are those convicted of violating federal laws. To search for an inmate in a federal prison, you would use the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator.
Steps to find inmates in federal prisons:
- Visit the BOP Inmate Locator Website: This is a national database for all federal inmates.
- Enter the Inmate's Information: You can search using their name, BOP register number, or other identifying details.
- Review Results: Once located, the search will provide details like the inmate's current location, release date, and register number.
Click here to access the BOP Inmate Locator
Offline Inmate Search Methods in Louisiana
While online searches are convenient, not all information might be accessible online, especially for older records or less digitalized parishes. Here are some offline methods:
- Visit the Prison or Parish Jail in Person: Most facilities have a records or administration department that can assist with inmate inquiries.
- Phone Calls: Call the specific facility or the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections for state inmates. Ensure you have identifying details on hand to assist the search.
- Written Requests: Some parishes or state facilities might require formal written requests, especially if seeking detailed records.
Louisiana Sex Offender Search
Louisiana maintains a dedicated sex offender registry to track individuals convicted of sex-related crimes. This is a public database to inform residents about registered offenders living in their communities.
How to search for a sex offender in Louisiana:
- Visit the Louisiana Sex Offender Registry Website: This website is regularly updated and offers a comprehensive search tool.
- Search by Name or Location: You can look up specific individuals or search for registered offenders in a particular area or near a specific address.
- Review Results: Profiles often include a photo, personal details, address, and specifics of their offenses.
Click here to access the Louisiana Sex Offender Registry
