Find Louisiana Inmate Records

Records of arrests, charges, sentencing, and other records generated about incarcerated persons, including fingerprints, photographs, and identification numbers, are inmate records. Louisiana'sDepartment of Public Safety and Corrections generates and maintains inmate records. The department also makes inmate information available to the public, updating the public website daily with new information to ensure accuracy. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections typically maintains information about inmates in state incarceration facilities. Offenders sentenced by the criminal justice system to more than one year are sent to state facilities. Offenders sentenced to no more than one year's imprisonment serve time in parish jails and other local correctional facilities.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Louisiana?

Incarceration records are public information in Louisiana. According to the state's Public Records Law, members of the public may request access to any government agency's records to the extent permitted by law. Anyone may request access to the records to inspect or obtain copies.

Access to public records is not confined to local or state government websites. Several private websites also compile this information into searchable databases, often intended to help users conduct broad searches across jurisdictions. These third-party resources can be particularly helpful for those who do not know exactly where a record is located. To use the service, a requester must usually provide the subject's name and the relevant location details. Information about minors is generally restricted from disclosure. Because these platforms are independent of government oversight, record coverage may vary, and the accuracy of results cannot always be guaranteed.

What Information is Contained in a Louisiana Inmate Record?

Inmate records contain personal identifying information and other information that pertain to the incarceration of a Louisiana inmate, such as sentencing information, the nature of the inmate's offense, and the court or parish in which the inmate was tried. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections assigns a unique number to each inmate on registration, which forms part of the inmate's record. Information in a Louisiana inmate record includes:

• Inmate's names and aliases
• Offense record
• Date of birth
• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Nationality
• Photograph
• State Identification number
• Social security number
• Department of Public Safety and Corrections number

Where do I Look Up an Inmate in Louisiana?

The Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) makes inmate information available through the Imprisoned Persons Locator system; interested parties may call the system, which is available 24 hours a day, to look up inmates. The Imprisoned Persons Locator contains information about inmates in state facilities and custody of the DPS&C, including persons under community supervision or probation. The DPS&C updates the Imprisoned Persons Locator system daily to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information.

Alternatively, interested parties may use the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) to look up an inmate. The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice. LAVNS provides information about inmates in local jurisdictions and does not contain information about inmates in state facilities. Interested parties may also contact local Sheriffs or law enforcement agencies for information about inmates in parish and municipal correctional facilities. Interested parties may also look up inmates through third-party websites.

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Louisiana?

Interested parties may conduct an inmate search using the Imprisoned Persons Locator system. Requesting parties may call (225) 383-4580 to request inmate information. The DPS&C maintains the inmate locator system and updates the data every 24 hours. Requesting parties may call the Imprisoned Persons Locator any hour of the day; however, such parties must provide the inmate's prison name, date of birth, DPS&C number, and possible release date. The Imprisoned Persons Locator contains information about persons incarcerated in DPS&C facilities, including persons on probation and community supervision.

Similarly, the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) provides information about persons incarcerated in local correctional facilities. LAVNS is available 24 hours online or via phone at (866) 528-6748. LAVNS does not contain information about persons incarcerated in DPS&C facilities. To request physical copies of local inmate records, interested parties may contact the Sheriff's office in each parish. Some parishes maintain inmate information in online databases.

To request physical copies of DPS&C inmate records, interested parties may submit written public records requests to:

La. Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Attn: Deputy Secretary's Office
P.O. Box 94304
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Requesting parties may also email written requests to docpublicrecords@la.gov. The DPS&C may charge fees to produce copies of inmate records.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Louisiana?

Interested persons may find inmates in Louisiana for free through independent third-party websites and government-partnered third-party websites. Louisiana partners with third-party service providers to make inmate information freely available online. Additionally, interested parties may visit each parish's website to search for inmates incarcerated in jail for free.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Louisiana

To find old inmate records in Louisiana, interested parties may search through the DPS&C's Imprisoned Persons Locator System. Requesting parties may search old inmate records through the Louisiana Automated Victims Notification System (LAVNS) and independent third-party websites. Government-partnered third-party websites also provide updated Louisiana inmate records. Additionally, requesting parties may submit written public records requests to the DPS&C or contact the Parish Sheriff in the county where the inmate was incarcerated.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDPSC) provides public access to inmate information through its Offender Locator To. The toolch displays custody status, location, and anticipated release dates when available. Searches may be conducted using an inmate's name or Department of Corrections number.

Those who prefer direct inquiries may contact:

Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
P.O. Box 94304,
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone: (225) 342-9711

Local jails and parish detention centers maintain databases for inmates not under LDPSC custody. Release dates may be revised depending on parole eligibility, sentence modifications, or disciplinary credits. The Office of Juvenile Justice handles juvenile records separately and does not include them in the public search system.

How do I Find Inmate Death Records in Louisiana?

The Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) makes all inmate information available through the Imprisoned Persons Locator System. The DPS&C updates the system every 24 hours to ensure accuracy; however, persons who do not find inmate death records through the Imprisoned Persons Locator system may write to the DPS&C via email at docpublicrecords@la.gov or by mail to:

La. Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Attn: Deputy Secretary's Office
P.O. Box 94304
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Persons interested in a federal prison inmate search must visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website. The website has an inmate locator tool which allows users to search federal inmates using:

• BOP register number
• FBI number
• DCDC number
• INS number
• Inmate name
• Race
• Age
• Gender

The BOP website is updated daily from the BOP's inmate database.

How Long Does it Take For An Inmate's Information to Be Published in Louisiana Inmate Locator?

The DPS&C publishes inmate information in the Imprisoned Persons Locator System as soon as it is available. Processing times may vary from one facility to another. However, the Imprisoned Persons Locator is updated every 24 hours and is available 24 hours a day.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

An inmate may not appear in the LDPSC database if confined in a parish jail, awaiting trial, or under federal or juvenile supervision. Records may also be missing if the inmate has recently been admitted or released and the system has not yet been updated. Technical issues or court restrictions can further prevent the display of inmate data. In such cases, inquiries should be made directly to the parish sheriff's office or the Department of Corrections.