About Louisiana Department of Corrections
Use this website for informational purposes only.
The correctional system in Louisiana is multifaceted, comprising a variety of institutions, from local city jails to federal prisons. This system is known for having one of the highest incarceration rates in the U.S. It includes several types of facilities, each serving different functions and housing different types of inmates. The Department of Public Safety & Corrections oversees the state prison system, while local county and city jails are administered by local law enforcement agencies. Federal prisons are governed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Types of Correctional Institutions in Louisiana
State Prisons
State prisons in Louisiana are run by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. They hold inmates who have been sentenced to serve time for state-level crimes. Major state prisons in Louisiana include:
- Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola)
- David Wade Correctional Center
- Raymond Laborde Correctional Center
- Dixon Correctional Institute
County Jails
County jails in Louisiana, sometimes called parish jails as Louisiana has parishes instead of counties, hold individuals who are awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. These facilities are managed by the local Sheriff's department. Some of the notable parish jails include:
- Orleans Parish Prison
- East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
- Jefferson Parish Correctional Center
City Jails
City jails, managed by local city law enforcement agencies, typically hold inmates who are awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanors. They are smaller and hold fewer inmates than state or parish jails. Examples include:
- Baton Rouge City Jail
- New Orleans City Jail
- Shreveport City Jail
Federal Prisons
Federal prisons house individuals who have been convicted of federal crimes. They are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In Louisiana, there is one federal prison:
- Federal Correctional Complex, Pollock
Inmate Search Options in Louisiana
State Prison Inmate Search
For state prisons, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections provides an online offender locator system. You can input the inmate's DOC number or name to find their location. If you are unable to find an inmate or do not have online access, you may call the department at (225) 383-4580.
County Jail Inmate Search
Most county or parish jails in Louisiana have online inmate search capabilities, though the specific system varies by parish.
If online search options are unavailable or not yielding results, it is advisable to call the specific parish jail for information.
City Jail Inmate Search
City jails may or may not offer online inmate searches. For cities that do, the search typically is found on the city police department's website. If not, contacting the city jail directly via phone would be the next best step.
Federal Prison Inmate Search
For inmates in federal prisons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator can be used to find the location of an inmate. It allows you to search by BOP number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number. If you do not have this information, you can also search by name.
Remember, when searching for an inmate, patience and persistence can be key. If you're unable to find the information you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact the institution directly for assistance.
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