The Louisiana State Prison System

In Louisiana, the prison system, considered the final phase of the criminal justice process, is managed by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. The department oversees the operation of custody, incarceration, probation, and parole of inmates in the state. However, the state department of corrections is only concerned with all affairs related to the state’s correctional centers. This often involves the classification of convicts into different security levels. On the other hand, jails are operated by law enforcement agencies in the county or city. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) manages federal prisons located in Louisiana.

What Is The Difference Between Jail and Prison in Louisiana?

The terms ‘jail’ and ‘prison’ are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing. However, the significant difference between the two terms lies in jurisdiction and mode of operation. Generally, the state department of corrections manages prison facilities while local law enforcement officials maintain jails. State prisons in Louisiana are built to detain prisoners for lengthy periods. They are larger and have more training centers, religious care, and mentoring services than jails. While county jails detain all male and female prisoners, each state prison is gender-specific.

Another distinction between jails and prisons in Louisiana is where they are located. Since most inmates in prisons are in the pre-trial stage of their proceedings or are anticipating sentencing, jails are usually placed within the streets of the courtroom in the center of each city where the prosecutions of the inmates are handled. Most prisons are housed in remote places and classified as minimum, medium, or full security. Note that Louisiana is a state with the death penalty. Therefore, the department maintains a death row prison with capital punishment administration services at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola.

How Many Prisons Are In Louisiana?

Louisiana has 19 jails, nine state prisons, and two federal prisons. The LA DPS&C also manages the affairs of the parole/probation offices and transitional work program facilities. Below are the names of the prisons in Louisiana:

Louisiana jails

• Ascension Parish Jail
• Bossier Parish Jail
• Caddo Correctional Center
• Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center
• East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
• Iberville Parish Jail
• Jefferson Parish Jail
• Lafayette Parish Correctional Center
• Livingston Parish Detention Center
• Orleans Parish Prison
• Plaquemines Parish Jail
• Pointe Coupee Detention Center
• Rapides Parish Jail
• St. Bernard Parish Jail
• St. Charles Parish Jail
• St. Landry Parish Jail
• Tangipahoa Parish Jail
• Terrebonne Parish Jail
• West Baton Rouge Detention Center

Louisiana State Prisons

• Allen Correctional Center (private)
• Avoyelles Correctional Center
• B. B. Rayburn Correctional Center
• David Wade Correctional Center
• Dixon Correctional Institute
• Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
• Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
• Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola Prison)
• Winn Correctional Center (private)

Federal Prisons in Louisiana

• Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale
• United States Penitentiary, Pollock

How Do I Search For An Inmate In Louisiana State Prison?

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains an imprisoned person locator accessible to requesters searching for inmates in any Louisiana state prison. Requesters may only access the database by calling (225) 383–4580. The central repository is accessible by providing the prisoner’s last name, DPS&C number, or birth date. The search result includes the prisoner's names, images, and locations. Inmates located in county and city jails are accessible at the office of the sheriff or police department. The department refreshes this repository daily to ensure it is as precise as possible. Also, to know about any change in a convict’s status, an online tool called the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) has been provided. LAVNS is available to individuals seeking information regarding the case status and custody of suspects still undergoing trial.

Are Incarceration Records Public in Louisiana?

Incarceration records in Louisiana are open to state residents as stated under the public records law. These records may be found in a prisoner's criminal history files. Approved record custodians are required to provide access to eligible requesters to demonstrate the integrity and openness of state agencies. Criminal records may contain police reports, arrest records, court records/dockets, court transcripts, and probation records.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often simplify the search process by aggregating information from various jurisdictions and providing it to record seekers via a single database. Users are generally required to provide the following information to facilitate a search:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state where the person resides or was accused.

Third-party sites operate independently from government sources and are not sponsored by these agencies. Therefore, the accuracy and validity of the information they provide may not be guaranteed.

How to Look Up Jail Records in Louisiana?

The county sheriff or police department provides jail background searches either online or via mail. In-person requests may also be preferred by individuals close to the city’s police department or county sheriff's office. Criminal history records in Louisiana are obtainable at the state level through the Louisiana State Police (LSP). The law enforcement agency operates an internet background check (IBC) that is accessible using a fingerprint or name-based search. Requesters are expected to pay $26 for using the IBC. Name searches require information such as the offender’s name, race, sex, birth date, social security number, and/or driver’s license number. Note that inaccurate information may produce incorrect results. Fingerprint-based searches are more expensive and are only accessible by the record holder or by law enforcement agencies approved by the court.

Can Jail Records be Expunged in Louisiana?

According to section 978 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCRP), a criminal record may be expunged or destroyed. Expungement refers to the destruction of documents, and law enforcement authorities may no longer access them. Nevertheless, expungement in Louisiana is probable if an inmate is not guilty of a felony crime. Also, expungement is often granted for ex-offenders who obtained an executive pardon. Such persons may start the expungement process by contacting the circuit court clerk. At the court clerk's office, forms are typically provided for filing for expungement. Applicants are required to carry a state-approved ID, stamped copies of their forms, records revealing educational background information, and job history. Applicants should receive an email after the hearing indicating whether their appeal has been accepted or rejected.