Louisiana Inmate Search

Louisiana Inmate Search is an online system provided by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LA DPSC).

It is an essential tool for families, friends, and legal professionals to find information about an individual sentenced to prison in the state. It allows them to search for an inmate's name, identification number, race, gender, date of birth, and the facility where the inmate is being held.

The system also provides automated notifications to registered victims about changes in an offender's custody status, such as release, transfer, or escape.

The inmate search in Louisiana plays a crucial role in enabling family members and friends to stay informed about the status of their loved ones while incarcerated. It also assists legal professionals in locating and contacting inmates who may be needed as witnesses in a court case or for other lawful purposes.

However, it is vital to note that the state's inmate search system has limitations. While it provides basic information about an inmate, it may not always be current. In some cases, state prisons transfer inmates to different locations, and there may be delays in updating their information.

Another limitation of the inmate search in Louisiana is that it only offers information about individuals presently serving time in a LA DPSC correctional facility, excluding individuals who have been released from prison, those incarcerated in federal prisons, or those being held in local jails.

What Are Louisiana Inmate Records?

Louisiana Inmate Records are official documents containing detailed information about individuals currently or previously incarcerated in Louisiana correctional facilities. The LA DPSC primarily maintains these records, which are public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law, meaning anyone can request access to them.

Inmate records are more comprehensive than the information obtained from conducting a Louisiana Inmate Search, which only provides basic information such as the inmate's name, ID number, and location.

Louisiana Inmate Records contain a wealth of information about the inmates, including the following:

Inmate's full name
Date of birth
Race and gender
Booking number and identification number
Current and previous incarceration dates
Current and previous location(s) within the Louisiana prison system
Charges and offenses for which they were convicted
Sentence length and release date
The parole eligibility date and status
Disciplinary history and any infractions committed while in custody
Mugshot or photograph
Fingerprints and other identifying information
Medical and mental health history
Visitation history and approved visitors
Inmate's release and reentry plans, if available

These records can be helpful to researchers, legal professionals, and other individuals interested in understanding the criminal justice system and the effects of incarceration on individuals.

The LA DPSC typically grants access to inmate records through a formal request process. Interested parties must complete a request form and pay any associated fees before receiving access to the requested documents.

While there are some restrictions on who can access inmate records, they are generally available to the public, subject to certain exemptions such as sensitive medical or mental health information.

What Are Louisiana Prison and Jail Records?

Louisiana Prison and Jail Records refer to the documentation and data related to the state's correctional facilities, including prisons and jails. These records typically include information on the number of inmates, their demographics, offenses committed, sentences imposed, and other relevant details.

Statistical records of correctional facilities in Louisiana provide insights into the state's criminal justice system and its performance. These records help track incarceration rate trends, analyze rehabilitation programs' effectiveness, and identify areas where improvements can be made.

Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the U.S., with more than half of all male inmates incarcerated for violent crimes. In addition, the state has jailed female inmates for committing violent acts, accounting for 43% of the total female prison population.

Drug crimes are the second most common reason for imprisonment in Louisiana, affecting both men and women. Property and non-violent sex crimes are also among the top reasons for detention in the state.

The statistics also reveal that a significant proportion of Louisiana's population is under correctional control, with over 70,000 individuals on probation or parole. However, despite the high number of people who leave prison each year, the incarceration rate remains high, with more people going to jail each year than leaving.

The data also shows a significant increase in government spending on corrections in Louisiana since 1979-1980, with a 290% increase in expenditures. The state's high incarceration rates and the need for more resources to manage the prison population may have contributed to this increase in spending.

What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in Louisiana?

Louisiana has various correctional facilities designed with unique functions and purposes within the state's criminal justice system. For individuals seeking information regarding inmates or the workings of the penitentiary system, it is imperative to possess comprehensive knowledge of these facilities.

Below is an overview of Louisiana's various correctional institutions and their designations:

Louisiana State Prisons

Louisiana state prisons are primarily maximum-security correctional facilities operated by the LA DPSC to incarcerate inmates convicted of serious offenses. These prisons house offenders who pose a high risk to public safety and require strict security measures.

The primary objective of Louisiana state prisons is to ensure public safety by incarcerating and rehabilitating severe offenders. In addition to providing secure housing for inmates, these facilities offer various educational and vocational programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

As of 2023, Louisiana has a total of eight state prisons, and these are the following:

Louisiana State Penitentiary
Allen Correctional Center
David Wade Correctional Center
B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
Dixon Correctional Institute
Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Raymond Laborde Correctional Center

To access these facilities' contact information and other details, navigate to the "Department Facilities" page or the Facility Directory on the LA DPSC website. Select "Correctional Facilities" from the search menu and click the particular state prison to view its contact and other relevant information.

Louisiana Transitional Work Program Facilities

Louisiana transitional work program facilities are specialized correctional facilities operated by the LA DPSC. These facilities provide structured work programs and training to offenders nearing the end of their sentences to prepare them for successful reentry into society.

A Transitional Work Program (TWP) allows eligible inmates to work in community service and public works projects while participating in educational and vocational training programs.

Eligibility for participation in the TWP depends on several factors, including the offense's nature and the sentence's length. Inmates six months to four years away from their scheduled release from incarceration may be considered for the TWP.

However, it is essential to note that individuals convicted of sex offenses are typically not eligible for participation in the TWP. This exclusion aligns with the policies and regulations of the LA DPSC, which prioritize public safety and the community's well-being.

As of 2023, there are 39 transitional work program facilities in Louisiana. For the complete list of these facilities and their contact details, visit the "Department Facilities" page or the Facility Directory on the LA DPSC website. Select "Transitional Work Program Facilities" from the search menu and click the particular facility to view its contact and other relevant information.

Louisiana Local Jails

Louisiana local jails are correctional facilities operated by parish Sheriff's Offices in 64 parishes. Each parish Sheriff's Office manages the local jails within its jurisdiction. The parish sheriff is an elected official and serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the parish.

These facilities house individuals arrested, those awaiting trial, and those sentenced to serve time for misdemeanor offenses. Local jails in Louisiana typically offer short-term detention and may provide services such as medical care, visitation, and educational and vocational programs. Most of the time, inmates in these jails spend time for a period of up to one year.

As of 2023, there are more than 64 local jails in 64 parishes since some parishes in Louisiana operate numerous local jails.

For individuals seeking to access current information on local jails and their contact details in each Louisiana parish, visit the "Department Facilities" page or the Facility Directory on the LA DPSC website.

To access the desired information, select "Local Jails & Offices" from the search menu and choose the specific parish to view the number of local jails operated by it and their contact information.

Louisiana Federal Prisons

Louisiana federal prisons are correctional facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. These facilities house individuals convicted of federal crimes and sentenced to serve time in federal prison.

Federal prisons in Louisiana, like all federal prisons in the U.S., are designed to provide safe, secure, and humane confinement for individuals convicted of federal crimes. In addition to housing inmates, these facilities offer a range of programs and services to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry into society upon release.

As of 2023, Louisiana has only two federal prisons: the Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) and Pollock FCC.

The Oakdale FCC comprises two separate facilities, both low-security in nature. The first facility, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Oakdale I, houses approximately 899 male inmates, while the second, the FCI Oakdale II, houses about 1,197 inmates.

Similarly, the Pollock FCC consists of two facilities. One is the FCI Pollock, a medium-security facility accommodating approximately 1,576 male offenders. The other facility is the United States Penitentiary (USP) Pollock, which is a high-security institution that houses about 1,466 male inmates.

Louisiana Juvenile Detention Centers

Louisiana juvenile detention centers are facilities operated by the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) designed to temporarily house juveniles who have been arrested and awaiting adjudication or who have been adjudicated and are awaiting placement in a long-term facility.

The OJJ operates five secure detention centers throughout the state, and these are the following:

Acadiana Center for Youth in St. Martinville
Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie
Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish
Swanson Center for Youth at Columbia
Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe

These centers provide a safe and secure environment for juveniles accused or convicted of a crime. They provide basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, and education.

Additionally, the centers offer a range of programs and services to address the youth's needs, including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, education and vocational training, and counseling.

How To Perform Inmate Search in Louisiana

The first step in performing Louisiana Inmate Search is identifying the institution responsible for the inmate.

If the inmate is in a Louisiana state prison and transitional work program facilities, one should use the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS).

By registering with the LAVNS, public members can conduct an inmate inquiry in Louisiana. It is important to note that this system is updated every 24 hours, so information may not be immediately available.

The Imprisoned Person Locator System is another way to find a LA DPSC prisoner. To use this system, one must dial 225-383-4580, and the caller must provide the offender's name, LA DPSC number, and birth date.

If the inmate is in a parish-level jail, Louisiana parishes typically offer online resources to aid the public in locating inmates within their jurisdiction.

For example, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office hosts an Online Inmate Search enabling searches by name, race, or sex. Similarly, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office offers an Inmate Master Search to assist in locating inmates.

Several Sheriff's Offices in Louisiana offer different online platforms to access information on inmates in their custody.

For instance, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office provides an inmate list for their parish prison, while St. Tammany Parish's online inmate roster displays current inmates and recently released offenders within 48 hours.

To locate an inmate in a federal prison, visit the FBOP website and navigate to the inmate locator page. From there, enter the inmate's name or FBOP register number to retrieve the inmate's location and other information.

Regrettably, information about juveniles held in detention centers in Louisiana is confidential and cannot be accessed by the general public. Therefore, to locate a juvenile inmate in the state's juvenile detention system, individuals must contact the OJJ or the facility for more information.

How To Contact an Inmate in Louisiana

The LA DPSC acknowledges the significance of positive communication between incarcerated individuals, their families, and acquaintances. As a result, LA DPSC correctional facilities provide several communication methods for incarcerated individuals to contact their loved ones, including telephone calls, regular mail, and secure electronic communication provided by JPAY.

Telephone Calls

One way to contact an inmate in Louisiana is through telephone calls. However, the LA DPSC has specific guidelines regarding inmate phone calls, and they can only call approved phone numbers.

As per state law, each inmate in LA DPSC facilities can maintain a master list of up to 20 approved telephone numbers for family, acquaintances, and legal contacts. Inmates may update the list quarterly. The call is blocked automatically if an inmate dials a phone number not on their approved list from a state correctional facility.

Prison telephones have outgoing call capabilities only, and incarcerated individuals can only make collect calls, with each call typically lasting 15 minutes. Additionally, no one is permitted to make inbound calls to a prison telephone.

To receive calls from an inmate, individuals must sign up for a prepaid calling account and provide the facility with their phone number.

Securus Technologies is the phone service provider for the LA DPSC. To set up the account, call 1-800-844-6591 or visit the Securus website.

Mail Communication

Once the inmate's location is known, individuals can contact them through the facility's mail system.

Correctional staff in Louisiana inspect all incoming and outgoing mail, and they will confiscate any unauthorized or prohibited items. Therefore, following the facility's guidelines regarding acceptable items to send and receive in the mail is essential.

One must not include items other than the letter itself in the envelope. Correctional staff does not allow certain things, such as cash or explicit photographs.

Using the correct address format is vital to ensure correspondence reaches an inmate. The sender should include the inmate's full name and identification number, the name of the correctional facility where the inmate is located, the facility's complete address with either a PO Box or street address, and the city, state, and zip code for the facility.

It is crucial to verify the accuracy of the information through the Louisiana Inmate Search system before sending the mail to prevent any delays or potential issues with delivery.

Electronic Communication

JPay offers an email service for maintaining contact, which the LA DPSC also provides. The service allows for the attachment of photographs to emails as needed and is typically quicker than standard mail. It is exclusively offered through an encrypted connection, ensuring inmates never have internet access.

Correctional staff will reject or take disciplinary action on inappropriate content found in attachments or photographs. Thus, it is crucial to comply with the guidelines set by the facility regarding these items.

For communication options in local jails, federal prisons, or juvenile detention centers, it is advisable to contact the relevant agency or facility directly. Visiting the facility's website can also be a helpful resource for information on communication options.

While these facilities may offer similar communication options as those found in LA DPSC facilities, it is best to confirm the specific and accurate methods available.

How To Visit an Inmate in Louisiana

When visiting an inmate in Louisiana, visitors need to follow the regulations and guidelines set by the LA DPSC to ensure a successful visit.

To visit an inmate in Louisiana, visitors must first understand the process for gaining approval to visit. Inmates are allowed up to ten approved visitors on their visitation list.

The initial step for visitors is to fill out a Louisiana inmate visitors application. To obtain the application, request it directly from the inmate, as it is currently unavailable online. After completing the application, mail it back to the facility.

Upon completing the application process, the facility will inform the inmate of the application's approval or denial. The inmate will then be responsible for informing prospective visitors of their status. It is important to note that visitors cannot visit until they have received approval.

Once approved, visitors must review the visiting time for each facility and its specific regulations on visitations. One can typically find this information by contacting the facility directly or visiting the department's website.

After reviewing the visiting time and regulations, all approved visitors must register with officials before entering the visiting area. Visitors must provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, and adhere to the facility's strict dress code. Generally, it is not permitted to wear clothing with gang symbols, exposing gaps, or clothing worn by correctional officers.

The general instructions above are only for LA DPSC facilities. Individuals who wish to visit an inmate outside the LA DPSC facilities must contact the appropriate agency or the inmate's housing facility. They can also refer to the facility's website for current visitation rules, protocols, and schedules.

How To Send Money to an Inmate in Louisiana

There are several ways to send money to an inmate in Louisiana. It is a simple process, but choosing the suitable method and following the necessary steps is vital to ensure the money is delivered safely and securely.

Here are the different ways available to send money to an inmate in Louisiana:

Lobby Kiosks

In all state correctional facility visiting areas, kiosks are present where individuals can provide funds to people in prison using cash, credit, or debit card.

Note that the authorities will investigate when someone makes $500 or more deposits.

Online

In processing all online payments to inmates, JPay enables interested parties to make payments by accessing the payment service and sending funds through credit or debit cards. Individuals can send a maximum of $300.00 to inmates online.

Telephone

Individuals can transfer funds to an imprisoned person's account by calling (800) 574-5729 and using a credit or debit card. Similar to the online method, the maximum amount an inmate can receive via this method is $300.00.

Walk-up MoneyGram Locations

MoneyGram, which provides a service for electronically transmitting funds from one location to another, is available at CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, and other sites displaying the MoneyGram logo.

To transfer funds to an inmate's MoneyGram account, family and acquaintances must bring cash and the inmate's information, verified through the Louisiana Inmate Search system, to a MoneyGram office. MoneyGram will then electronically transmit the payment for a fee to the recipient business or destination.

MoneyGram has a maximum transmission limit of $4,999.99, and deposits of $500 or more are subject to investigation.

Mail

Interested parties can send money orders via mail without incurring any fees. However, they must include a JPay deposit form along with the money order. Mail them to the JPay mailing address provided in the form.

Money orders sent through the mail are subject to a maximum limit of $999.99, and deposits equal to or exceeding $500 are investigated.

Note that the lobby kiosks, online, telephone, and MoneyGram methods have a 2-day turnaround time to transmit the funds to the inmate's account, while the mail method requires four days.

Furthermore, all methods above incur a service fee except for the money order. To obtain the updated charge for the online, telephone, and lobby kiosks methods, visit this LA DPSC page.

Lastly, the above methods are exclusive to LA DPSC facilities. Thus, individuals who plan to send money to an inmate in a county jail, federal prison, and juvenile detention center must contact the responsible agency or facility or visit their website for specific and accurate information.

Counties in Louisiana

List of Content

What Are Louisiana Inmate Records?
What Are Louisiana Prison and Jail Records?
1. What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in Louisiana?
How To Perform Inmate Search in Louisiana
How To Contact an Inmate in Louisiana
How To Visit an Inmate in Louisiana
How To Send Money to an Inmate in Louisiana