St. Landry Parish Public Records /St. Landry Parish Inmate Search

St. Landry County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In St. Landry County?

Inmate records in St. Landry Parish are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the parish's correctional facilities. These records are systematically maintained by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and other authorized correctional authorities in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:574.12, which governs the creation and maintenance of offender records.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document judicial proceedings, case filings, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court maintains case files pertaining to criminal charges and proceedings, whereas the Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting an individual's time within correctional facilities.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial records are generated during booking and intake procedures when an individual is first taken into custody
Information is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Records document transfers between facilities, disciplinary actions, and program participation
Upon release, records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the system as historical documentation

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in parish facilities, while the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains records for those transferred to state custody.

Are Inmate Records Public In St. Landry County?

Inmate records in St. Landry Parish are generally considered public information under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions designed to protect certain sensitive information and maintain institutional security.

The following inmate record components are typically accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster showing individuals presently in custody
Basic booking and arrest information
Charges filed against the individual
Mugshot photographs
Bond or bail amounts when applicable
Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
Current housing facility location

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:574.12(G), certain portions of inmate records may be withheld from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health information
Disciplinary reports containing sensitive security details
Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
Victim information and certain personal identifiers

Members of the public seeking inmate information in St. Landry Parish may access basic custody status through the parish's online inmate lookup system or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. More comprehensive record requests may require submission of a formal public records request in accordance with state law.

What's Included Inmate Records in St. Landry County

Inmate records maintained by St. Landry Parish correctional authorities contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
State identification number and/or booking number
Last known address prior to incarceration

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest and booking
Arresting agency and officer information
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, awaiting transfer)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level and any special housing requirements
Disciplinary incidents and institutional adjustment

Charge Information:

Current charges with statutory citations
Case numbers associated with pending charges
Prior booking history within the parish
Warrant information if applicable
Arresting agency and jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
Conditions of release if bond is posted
Bond hearing dates and outcomes

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (e.g., 27th Judicial District Court)
Assigned judge
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney of record information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges and dates
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Probation or parole eligibility dates
Projected release date
Special conditions imposed by the court

Release Information:

Scheduled or actual release date
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release
Destination upon release

These records are maintained in compliance with Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections standards and are subject to regular audits to ensure accuracy and completeness.

St. Landry County Prison System

The St. Landry Parish correctional system operates under the authority of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and administering detention facilities within the parish. The system primarily consists of the St. Landry Parish Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for individuals arrested within the parish jurisdiction.

It is important to distinguish between the parish jail system and the state prison system. The St. Landry Parish Jail primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
Those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses
Individuals serving sentences of less than one year
Persons awaiting transfer to state custody following felony convictions

By contrast, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals serving longer sentences for felony convictions, typically exceeding one year. Individuals convicted of serious felonies in St. Landry Parish courts are generally transferred to state custody after sentencing.

The St. Landry Parish correctional system operates under the administrative oversight of the elected Sheriff, who serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the parish.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office
780 Highway 742
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-6516
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In St. Landry County

St. Landry Parish maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the parish's criminal justice system:

St. Landry Parish Jail
1592 W. Grolee Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-5804
St. Landry Parish Jail

The St. Landry Parish Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the parish. This facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail provides basic medical services, visitation opportunities, and limited programming for inmates.

St. Landry Parish Work Release Center
1592 W. Grolee Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-5804
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office

The Work Release Center houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for employment opportunities within the community. Participants in this program are typically near the end of their sentences and demonstrate good institutional behavior. The program allows inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences, facilitating their eventual reintegration into society.

St. Landry Parish Juvenile Detention Center
761 Highway 742
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-3308
St. Landry Parish Juvenile Detention

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders who are awaiting adjudication or serving court-ordered detention. The center provides educational services, counseling, and age-appropriate programming designed to address the unique needs of youthful offenders.

In addition to these parish facilities, individuals convicted of felonies in St. Landry Parish may be transferred to various state correctional institutions operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections based on their classification, security level, and programming needs.

Who's in Prison In St. Landry County

The St. Landry Parish correctional facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail
Individuals held on probation or parole violations awaiting hearings

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences typically under one year
Individuals serving time for offenses such as simple assault, petty theft, or driving while intoxicated
Those serving weekend or intermittent sentences for minor offenses

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Individuals convicted of certain felonies serving sentences in parish facilities through cooperative agreements with the state
Persons awaiting transfer to state custody following felony convictions
Low-risk felony offenders participating in local work release programs

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
Federal detainees housed through agreements with federal agencies
Individuals held on immigration detainers

According to data from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, the St. Landry Parish correctional system typically houses between 250-300 inmates at any given time, with population fluctuations based on seasonal arrest patterns, court schedules, and transfers to state facilities.

The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals and those with substance abuse or mental health challenges.

How To Search for Inmate Records In St. Landry County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in St. Landry Parish currently have several methods available to access these records. The following procedures are in place for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office official website
Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Detention Center" section
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
Review the results, which typically include basic custody information, charges, and bond status
Note that online records are updated regularly but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the St. Landry Parish Jail at (337) 948-5804 during regular business hours
Provide the name and date of birth of the individual you are inquiring about
Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate and reason for inquiry
Staff can typically provide basic custody status, visiting hours, and bond information

In-Person Record Request:

Visit the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 780 Highway 742, Opelousas, LA 70570
Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
Provide specific information about the inmate and records being requested
Present valid identification
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)

Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator:

For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, visit the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender information portal
Enter the individual's name or Department of Corrections number
Review custody status, location, and projected release date information
Alternatively, call the Imprisoned Person Locator at 225-383-4580

Pursuant to Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:32, records custodians must respond to requests within three business days. More comprehensive records may require a formal written request and longer processing time.

How To Find an Inmate in St. Landry County for Free?

St. Landry Parish provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the parish correctional system. These free resources are designed to provide basic information about an inmate's custody status and location:

St. Landry Parish Online Inmate Roster:

Access the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
No registration or payment is required to access this basic information
Results typically display current inmates only, not historical records

Telephone Information Line:

Call the St. Landry Parish Jail directly at (337) 948-5804
Request information about a specific inmate by providing their full name and date of birth
Basic custody information is provided at no charge
Staff can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide general information about visitation and bond

Louisiana Victim Notification System (LAVNS):

Visit the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System website
Select "Find an Offender" and choose Louisiana from the dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's name or identification number
This free service provides custody status and facility information
Users can also register for notifications about changes in custody status

Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator:

For inmates who have been transferred to state custody, use the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender lookup tool
Enter the individual's name or DOC number
This free service provides current location and custody status for state prisoners
Information is updated daily for all state facilities

These free resources typically provide limited information such as:

Confirmation of custody status
Current housing facility
Booking date
Charges (without detailed case information)
Scheduled release date (if available)
Bond amount (if applicable)

For more comprehensive records or historical information, a formal public records request may be necessary, which could involve reproduction fees as authorized under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C).

How To Visit an Inmate In St. Landry County

Visitation with inmates housed in St. Landry Parish correctional facilities is governed by established policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial intake process
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
A maximum of two visitors are allowed per visitation session
All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the visitation area
Visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Work Release Inmates: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Special Housing Units: Thursday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (by appointment only)
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time for processing
No visits are conducted on parish holidays or during facility lockdowns

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
Up to $50 in cash for the inmate account deposit (to be processed at the visitation desk)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices of any kind
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any type (including pocket knives)
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Medications not declared and approved

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required for all visitors
No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms that resemble staff attire
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Contact visits are generally not permitted at the St. Landry Parish Jail
Visits are conducted through secure visitation booths with glass partitions
Communication occurs via telephone handsets
Special contact visits may be approved for certain circumstances (attorney visits, clergy)

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be denied visitation
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

These policies are established in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part I, Chapter 31, which governs visitation in correctional facilities. For the most current information, visitors should contact the St. Landry Parish Jail at (337) 948-5804 prior to planning their visit.

How To Send Money to a St. Landry County Inmate

St. Landry Parish provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:

In-Person Cash Deposits:

Visit the St. Landry Parish Jail lobby at 1592 W. Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
Complete the provided deposit slip with the inmate's full name and booking number
Submit cash payment to the designated staff member at the deposit window
Obtain and retain a receipt for your records
Lobby hours for deposits: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Online Credit/Debit Card Deposits:

Visit the St. Landry Parish inmate deposit website
Create an account or log in if you have an existing account
Select "St. Landry Parish" from the facility dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
Complete the secure payment process using a valid credit or debit card
Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of the deposit amount)

Telephone Deposits:

Call the automated system at 1-866-345-1884
Follow the prompts to make a deposit using a credit or debit card
Provide the inmate's name and booking number when requested
Service fees apply for telephone transactions

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "St. Landry Parish Inmate Trust Fund"
Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
Do not send cash, personal checks, or letters with the money order
Mail to: St. Landry Parish Jail, Inmate Accounts, 1592 W. Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit total: $1,500.00

Deposit Fees:

In-person cash deposits: No fee
Online deposits: 5-8% of deposit amount
Telephone deposits: $4.95 flat fee plus 3% of deposit amount
Money orders by mail: No fee

Funds Usage Restrictions: Inmates may use deposited funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Restitution and court-ordered payments

Funds may not be used for:

Purchasing contraband items
Transferring money to other inmates
Paying for unauthorized services
Bond payments (must be handled separately through the bonding process)

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:866, which governs inmate accounts in correctional facilities.

How To Send Jail Mail In St. Landry County

Correspondence with inmates housed in St. Landry Parish correctional facilities must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to inmates:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include the sender's complete name and return address
Address mail using the following format:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
St. Landry Parish Jail
1592 W. Grolee Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
Mail without proper addressing or return information will be returned to sender
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened for contraband
Legal mail from attorneys will be opened in the inmate's presence

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Money orders (must be separate from letters, see money deposit section)
Legal documents from attorneys or courts
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)
Pre-approved subscription magazines sent directly from publisher

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or oversized envelopes
Plastic, cloth, or metal items of any kind
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers, labels, or tape
Polaroid photographs
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Cards larger than 5"x7"
Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content or symbols
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Correspondence containing threats or extortion
Items with perfume, lipstick, or unknown substances
Books (must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor)

Electronic Messaging:

Visit the St. Landry Parish inmate messaging system
Create an account and purchase messaging credits
Compose messages of up to 2,000 characters
Messages are subject to review before delivery
Service fees apply (typically $0.50 per message)

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by jail staff
Contraband items are removed and documented
Mail containing unauthorized items may be returned to sender or destroyed
Mail suspected of containing illegal materials may be forwarded to law enforcement
Inmates are notified when mail is rejected

Mail Restrictions:

Correspondence with other incarcerated individuals requires prior approval
Inmates may be restricted from corresponding with victims or witnesses
Mail privileges may be limited for inmates with disciplinary issues
Volume limitations may apply (typically 10 incoming letters per week)

These mail procedures are established in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part I, Chapter 31, which governs inmate correspondence in correctional facilities.