Bossier Parish Arrest Records

In Louisiana, an arrest occurs when law enforcement takes an individual into custody on suspicion of criminal involvement. In Bossier Parish, Louisiana, a lawful arrest can occur under the following circumstances:

• When the individual commits a crime in the officer's presence.
• When the officer has probable cause to believe the person has committed a felony or misdemeanor.
• When an arrest warrant, signed by a magistrate in Bossier Parish, is issued naming the individual as the defendant (L.A. Code Crim Pro Art. 213).

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office manages the creation of Bossier Parish arrest records during the booking process. These records typically record details pertaining to the arrestee, their alleged offense, and the apprehension. These records are typically featured within an individual's criminal history record and Bossier Parish Court Records if they are relevant to a judicial proceeding.

Are Arrest Records Public in Bossier Parish?

Bossier Parish arrest records are public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1), which allows public access to government documents. However, there are exceptions to protect sensitive information. The Louisiana Constitution (Article XII, Section 3) also upholds the public's right to access these records unless specific legal exemptions apply.

The following types of information may be exempt from public disclosure:

• Confidential Information: Any data protected by law or court order.
• Juvenile Records: Arrests involving minors.
• Ongoing Investigations: Arrest records before a final conviction, except for basic arrest details like booking information and the suspect's identity.
• Body Camera Footage: Recordings that may violate privacy rights.
• Undercover Operations: The identity of undercover officers.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Bossier Parish arrest records typically include:

• Details of the alleged crime
• The arrestee's personal information and bio-data
• Date, time, and location of the alleged crime
• The date, time, and location of the apprehension
• The arresting officer's name and details
• Witnesses, the victim(s) of the arrestee's crime and related information

Bossier Parish Crime Rate

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice (LCLE) publishes the state's crime statistics as reported by various law enforcement agencies. Per the annual Crime in Louisiana publication, Bossier Parish crimes may be categorized into three:

• offenses against persons
• offenses against property
• offenses against society

In 2022, Bossier Parish law enforcement agencies reported 2,755 offenses, including 923 crimes against persons, 786 crimes against property, and 1,046 crimes against society.

For crimes against persons in Bossier Parish in 2022, simple assault was the most frequently reported offense, with 586 cases. Intimidation followed with 128, while there were 113 Aggravated assault reports in that year. Under offenses against property, all other larceny accounted for 273 cases, making it the most prevalent property crime. This was followed by 162 incidents of vandalism and 75 reports of burglary. Offenses against society primarily involved drug-related violations, with 614 cases of drug/narcotic offenses and 274 violations of drug equipment laws.

Bossier Parish Arrest Statistics

While detailed online arrest statistics for Bossier Parish may be limited, individuals seeking arrest information can contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office or the Louisiana State Police. These agencies provide official arrest data upon request, which includes arrest numbers for various crimes in the parish.

Find Bossier Parish Arrest Records

Arrest information for Bossier Parish is primarily managed by the Parish Sheriff's Office, which conducts a significant number of arrests in the district. The office operates a Jail Information Database, which allows inquirers to find information about currently housed inmates as well as details of arrests that occurred in the preceding 12 months.

Inquirers may also query the office directly by making in-person or mail requests to its administrative division at:

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
204 Burt Boulevard Benton,
LA 71006
Email: info@bossiersheriff.com
Phone: (318) 965-2203

Arrest records can also be requested as part of a criminal record. Individuals interested in accessing these records can submit a request at the courthouse where the case was processed or contact the law enforcement agency involved in the arrest.

For those seeking more comprehensive records, the Louisiana State Police maintains statewide arrest records as part of an individual's criminal history. These records can be obtained through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.

Free Arrest Record Search in Bossier Parish

Bossier Parish residents have access to free arrest record searches through the Sheriff's Office. The office publishes and frequently updates lists of current inmates detained within parish limits. However, if copies of the arrest records are needed, a small fee may apply.

Some private online databases may also provide arrest records for Bossier Parish. These third-party services often charge a fee, but some may offer free searches for limited information.

Get Bossier Parish Criminal Records

Criminal records in Bossier Parish are more comprehensive than arrest records. They include details about criminal activities, court proceedings, and final judgments. Per Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587, criminal records are not considered public documents. Only authorized individuals, such as employers or government agencies, are allowed to access these records.

To obtain Bossier Parish criminal records, an authorized individual can contact the Parish Sheriff or the Bossier Parish Clerk of Courts.

Online requests can be submitted through the Louisiana State Police's Computerized Criminal History System (LACCH); in this case, the inquirer will be required to schedule an appointment to submit digital fingerprints through the Department's official third-party vendor. Inquirers generally have two options for obtaining a certified copy of their criminal history information record, also known as a "Right to Review". The options are:

• Emailed Right to Review
• Printed copy Right to Review

Whatever the case, the requester will be expected to download, complete, and submit:

• Right to Review Authorization Form
• Right to Review Disclosure Form
• Attorney or Authorized Representative Form (If authorized to request on behalf of the record holder)

In addition to completing the form, the requesting party will be expected to pay a $10.00 Fingerprint Fee (if printed at LSP Headquarters) or a $26.00 Processing Fee (required whether printed at LSP Headquarters or when mailing in two fingerprint cards)

Completed forms and the appropriate fees should be submitted to:

Louisiana State Police
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
P.O. Box 66614 - Box A-6
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

For those seeking a federal criminal history report, contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is necessary, as federal records are not accessible at the parish or state level.

Bossier Parish Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

While both arrest records and criminal records pertain to criminal activity, they have different functions and components. Arrest records detail the circumstances of an arrest and provide basic information about the individual and the offense but do not necessarily indicate guilt. These records can be accessed through public records requests at the Sheriff's Office per Louisiana Revised Statute 44:1. In contrast, a criminal record encompasses the entire legal process, including charges, court outcomes, and sentencing. They typically indicate a conviction and are confidential, and under LRS 15:587, criminal records are restricted from public disclosure in Louisiana.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Louisiana, including Bossier Parish, remain publicly accessible unless expunged, regardless of whether the individual was acquitted or charges were dropped. An expunged record is not destroyed but is restricted from public disclosure. Expungement in Louisiana allows only certain individuals and agencies to access the record.

Expunge Bossier Parish Arrest Records

Under LA Code Crim Pro Art. 976, a person arrested in Bossier Parish can file for expungement if the arrest did not lead to a conviction, provided:

• The prosecution is now statute-barred.
• The district attorney chose not to prosecute.
• The charges were dismissed, or the person was acquitted.

Expungement is generally not available for DUI arrests until five years after the arrest. For those convicted of misdemeanors or felonies, expungement eligibility depends on the completion of all sentencing terms, with no new convictions for five to ten years, depending on the offense (L.A. Code Crim Pro Art. 977 and 978).

Eligible persons may proceed to file an expungement petition in the judicial district where the arrest occurred. Once granted, expungement orders are distributed to law enforcement and relevant agencies by the court clerk, and third-party companies are prohibited from disseminating information related to the expunged record (L.A. Code Crim Pro Art. 974). Violations of this prohibition may result in legal action and liability for damages.

Bossier Parish Arrest Warrants

In Bossier Parish, Louisiana, arrest warrants are legal permission for law enforcement to arrest the named individual. The issuance of warrants in Louisiana, including Bossier Parish, is governed by the L.A. Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 202

To obtain an arrest warrant, law enforcement officers must conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence supporting their suspicions. This evidence can include sworn statements (affidavits), witness testimonies, and other forms of documentation. Once sufficient evidence is collected, it is presented to a judge or magistrate, who then reviews it to determine whether probable cause exists. If the judge is convinced that there is enough reason to believe a crime has been committed, they will authorize the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Once an arrest warrant is issued, any law enforcement officer within Bossier Parish or the state of Louisiana can detain the person named in the warrant. This includes officers from the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the state. The warrant typically contains detailed information, such as the suspect's name, a physical description if available, the date of issuance, the specific crime alleged, and the signature of the issuing judge.

Bossier Parish Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals may contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office directly to conduct a Bossier Parish warrant search. While there may not be a comprehensive online database listing current arrest warrants in Bossier Parish, the office typically publishes wanted notices on its website and can provide information on any active warrants for a specific individual. Inquirers may also obtain warrant information from case records maintained by the Parish Court Clerk. Local law enforcement (besides the Sheriff's Office) may occasionally publish lists of most-wanted individuals for those who want to stay informed about potential warrants without going through official channels.

Do Bossier Parish Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, as in other parts of Louisiana, arrest warrants in Bossier Parish do not expire. According to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 211, once a warrant is issued, it remains in effect indefinitely until the person named in the warrant is apprehended or, in rare cases, if the warrant is recalled or quashed by the court. This means that individuals with outstanding warrants can be arrested at any time, even if many years have passed since the warrant was first issued.