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What Is Louisiana Inmate Search?
A Louisiana inmate search is the process of locating and accessing information about individuals confined in correctional facilities across the state. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) provides online tools and resources to facilitate inmate searches. Through these platforms, users may obtain critical details for legal purposes, including an inmate's name, DOC number, current facility, and parole eligibility. This system promotes public safety and ensures accountability by making inmate records accessible.
Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana inmate search records are generally accessible to the public under Louisiana's Public Records Law. However, certain restrictions apply to the type of information that may be disclosed. For example, the following details may not be disclosed in an inmate search record:
- Information sealed by court orders or related to ongoing investigations
- Records of juvenile offenders
- Details that may compromise security or safety
How To Perform Louisiana Inmate Lookup
To perform a Louisiana inmate lookup, a requester may use the Louisiana DPS&C's Offender Locator Tool and search by entering their names or DOC numbers. The results will display information such as the inmate's name, the correctional institution where they are held, parole eligibility, projected release date, and sentencing details. In addition, interested parties may contact the department directly at (225) 383-4580 for inmate search assistance. On the other hand, some inmate details may be requested by email. However, adequate information must be provided, such as the inmate's name, DOC number, or date of birth, to process such a request.
How To Search for an Inmate in Louisiana
Interested persons may search for inmates in Louisiana by using the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS). This online system is refreshed every 24 hours and enables searches by location, name, ID number, or case number. LAVNS also provides relevant information for inmates under probation or parole supervision.
Additionally, certain parish jails offer online inmate search tools, such as the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, which allows users to search for current inmates online. Similarly, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office offers an online inmate list.
To search by phone, you can call the Imprisoned Person Locator. However, to obtain details such as the inmate's facility address, contact number, or projected release date (if available), interested individuals must provide their DPS&C number or their name and date of birth.
How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Louisiana
Interested individuals may perform Louisiana inmate searches at no cost through reputable third-party websites like RecordsFinder. These platforms enable users to access inmate records from various correctional facilities, including county, state, city, and federal prisons. While third-party websites may offer free inmate search services, it is essential to exercise caution as they may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. To ensure accuracy and reliability, it is recommended to use official state resources like LAVNS or directly contact the relevant parish sheriff's office.
How To Find a Federal Inmate in Louisiana
To locate federal inmates detained in Louisiana, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator Tool. This service allows searches by name or BOP register number. The following are federal correctional facilities in Louisiana:
- Oakdale FCI
- Pollock USP
- New Orlean FDC
- Terre Haute USP
What Can You Find with State of Louisiana Inmate Search
A typical Louisiana inmate search on the DPS&C Inmate Record Search tool will provide detailed information, such as:
- Inmate's full name and aliases
- DOC ID/Case number
- Physical description (Gender, Race, Weight, Height)
- Age
- Case information
- Sentence information and custody status (pending charges or transfers)
- Probation status
- Disciplinary records
- Parole eligibility
- Inmate visitation eligibility
- Release date
- Current facility of incarceration
- Date of incarceration
- Offense history
Jail and Inmate Search in Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States, with an incarceration rate of 596 per 100,000 residents. The state's correctional system comprises state-operated facilities and parish jails, each managed by local sheriff's offices. Approximately 31,000 inmates are housed in Louisiana's state-operated correctional facilities.
In addition to state facilities, parish jails hold many inmates. As of 2015, pretrial detainees constituted 47% of the total jail population in Louisiana. Beyond incarceration, Louisiana supervises thousands more individuals on parole and probation, contributing to the state's overall correctional population.
As of the second quarter of 2023, Louisiana's juvenile detention system reported that 434 youths were in secure custody, representing 43.2% of the total juvenile population, and 406 youths in non-secure custody, accounting for 16.5%. Regarding community corrections, as of December 31, 2022, Louisiana's community corrections population was 26,790 under probation and 18,960 under parole.
Criminal Justice Quick Facts
Louisiana Imprisonment Rate * (per 100,000 population)
596
Prison Population (All facilities/State & Federal jails)
27,296
Probation Population
26,790
Parole Population
18,960
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 2.3
Hispanic: White Ratio: 1.3:1
Juvenile Custody Rate (per 100,000 juveniles)
69
Disenfranchised Population
234,000 (3.1%)
Disenfranchised African Americans
131,290 (5.19%)
Corrections Expenditures (state/local)
$3.8 B / $2.9 B
* Louisiana's incarceration rate includes statistics from prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice centers.
Louisiana Parole Population
At the beginning of 2022, the Louisiana parole population was 19,090 and decreased to 18,960 by the end of the year.
Paroles per 100,000 Population (2022)
Nationwide
267
Louisiana
538
Parole Total Population in Louisiana (2022)
Nationwide
698,820
Louisiana
28,283
Parole Entries and Exits (2022)
Reported Entries
Reported Exits
25,090
Change in 2022, in Percentage and Number
Percent
1%
Number
1,262
Number on Parole per 100,000 U.S. Adult Residents
Decreased by
267
Louisiana Prisons
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) oversees a network of correctional facilities and programs across the state, including the following:
- State Prisons such as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, and Raymond Laborde Correctional Center house inmates serving various sentences
- Parish Jails are operated by the respective parish sheriff's office and handle inmates awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or transitioning to state custody.
- Transitional Work Programs provide eligible inmates with opportunities to work in the community under supervision, aiding in their reintegration into society.
As of 2022, the state has 8 state-run correctional facilities housing approximately 19,000 inmates. Additionally, over 14,000 inmates are held in local parish jails, making Louisiana's incarceration rate one of the highest in the United States. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) offers an interactive map to help users locate correctional facilities across the state. This map allows them to search by city, county, or zip code to find specific facilities. Interested individuals may access the map and comprehensive facility directory on the DPS&C's official website.
Louisiana has historically had high crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the state reported a violent crime rate of 628 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 68% higher than the national average of 381 per 100,000 people. On the other hand, the property crime rate in Louisiana was 2,748 per 100,000 residents. State-operated correctional facilities have a staff of 4,848 employees and an annual budget of approximately $704 million. It costs the state $23,933 to house and care for each inmate annually.
| Prison Name | Prison Type |
|---|---|
| B. B. Rayburn Correctional Center | State Prison |
| David Wade Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Dixon Correctional Institute | State Prison |
| Elayn Hunt Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women | State Prison |
| Louisiana State Penitentiary | State Prison |
| Oakdale I FCI | Federal Prison |
| Oakdale II FCI | Federal Prison |
| Pollock FCI | Federal Prison |
| Pollock USP | Federal Prison |
| Raymond Laborde Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Winn Correctional Center | State Prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions and answers about searching for inmates in Louisiana:
Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?
An inmate's information may not appear in a search if the record is being sealed for legal reasons or if search details are incorrect such as misspelled names or wrong DOC numbers. Recent transfers or processing delays may also be responsible. In such a situation, inmate information may only be found by contacting the holding facility directly. In the case of an inaccurate search criterion, verify the details entered to be sure there are no spelling errors.
How Can You Check If Someone Is in Jail in Louisiana?
Interested parties may check if someone is in jail in Louisiana and obtain relevant information regarding the individual's incarceration status by:
- Using the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Inmate Locator tool on its website, which allows users to search for inmates in state correctional facilities
- Contacting the county or city jail facilities in Louisiana to inquire if an individual is currently incarcerated. Many jails maintain inmate rosters or have inmate locators available on their websites
- Contacting the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for state prison inquiries
- Contacting the local law enforcement office or county sheriff's department to obtain information about an individual's current status and location. Especially if they are in pre-trial detention.
What Is the Cost of Louisiana Inmate Search Services?
In Louisiana, individuals can conduct a prison inmate search using state-provided tools such as the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) offender search portal, which is typically free of charge. The DPS&C's online database allows users to search for inmates in state correctional facilities.
Third-party services like RecordsFinder may offer more comprehensive background checks and access to specific inmate records in Louisiana for a fee. These platforms are trusted for their reliability in assisting individuals in finding inmate records within the state.
