Lafayette Parish Jail Inmate Lookup

Use this website for informational purposes only.

The Lafayette Parish Jail, situated in Louisiana, serves as a correctional facility to confine individuals arrested or sentenced in Lafayette Parish. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, ensuring safety, security, and adherence to state guidelines.

CLICK HERE to Search for Incarcerated Friends or Family Members

Jail Inmate Search and Prison Roster

To locate an inmate within the detention center:

1. Official Inmate Lookup Tool: Visit the official Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office website. They typically have an online inmate lookup tool that allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated.
2. Use Inmate's Full Name: For a more accurate search, use the inmate's full name, including first, middle, and last name, if possible.
3. Contact the Detention Facility Directly: If you cannot access the online tool or need additional assistance, call the Lafayette Parish Jail directly. They can provide information over the phone after verifying your identity.

Information Available on the Jail Roster

When searching for an inmate, the jail roster provides the following details:

• Booking Number: A unique identifier assigned to each inmate upon their entry into the facility.
• Last Name: The surname of the inmate.
• First Name: The given name of the inmate.
• Date of Birth: The inmate's birth date.
• Release Date: If applicable, the expected date the inmate will be released from the detention center.
• Criminal Charges: The charges or reasons for the inmate's incarceration.

Tips for Inmate Search

1. Spelling Matters: Ensure that you spell the inmate's name correctly. Even a minor typo can hinder your search results.
2. Be Patient: The system updates regularly, but there might be a slight delay between an inmate's booking and their appearance on the online roster.
3. Additional Details Help: If you have more information about the inmate (e.g., booking number or date of birth), use it to refine your search.
4. Privacy Restrictions: Some inmate details might be restricted due to privacy laws or ongoing legal processes.
5. Stay Respectful: If you choose to call the detention center directly, remember to stay polite and respectful. The staff is more likely to assist you effectively if you maintain a courteous demeanor.

Visitation Guidelines and Hours

Procedure for Arranging a Visit

1. Pre-Registration: Before scheduling a visit, potential visitors might need to register with the Lafayette Parish Jail. This process can sometimes be done online via the facility's official website.

2. Scheduling: After registration, visitors usually need to schedule their visit in advance. The detention center might have an online booking system, or you may need to call the facility directly.

3. Identification: All visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon arrival at the detention center. This could be a driver's license, passport, or state ID.

4. Background Check: Some facilities conduct a background check on visitors. Those with criminal records or active warrants may be denied visitation.

Rules and Regulations for Visits

1. Dress Code: Many jails have a strict dress code for visitors to ensure a respectful environment. Inappropriate attire, like overly revealing clothing or clothing with offensive imagery, will not be permitted.

2. Personal Items: Items like purses, bags, and cell phones are typically not allowed in the visitation area. Lockers or storage may be provided.

3. Behavior: Any disruptive or inappropriate behavior can lead to immediate termination of the visit and potential bans from future visits.

4. Contact: Depending on the facility and the inmate's custody level, visits may be non-contact, where a barrier separates visitors and inmates, or contact, allowing limited physical interaction.

5. Number of Visitors: There might be a limit on how many visitors an inmate can have at one time or within a specific period.

Inmate Communications

Inmate Call System and Associated Regulations

1. Collect Calls: In many jails, inmates make outbound calls as collect calls, meaning the receiving party bears the cost.

2. Pre-Paid Accounts: Some facilities allow families to set up pre-paid accounts for inmates, so they can make calls without it being collect.

3. Call Duration: Calls from jails often have a set duration limit. Once reached, the call will automatically end.

4. Monitoring: For security reasons, inmate calls are typically monitored or recorded, except conversations with legal counsel.

Guidelines for Use

1. Direct Line to Facility: The direct phone number to Lafayette Parish Jail allows family, friends, and legal representatives to inquire about inmates, set up telephonic meetings, or handle emergencies.

2. Inmate-Specific Queries: When calling the jail for inmate-specific concerns, be prepared to provide the inmate's full name or booking number for identification.

3. Guidelines: Always be respectful and concise when calling the facility. Remember that staff are handling numerous calls and tasks daily.

4. Restricted Hours: There are designated hours during which inmates can make calls. Ensure you're available during these hours if expecting a call.

For the direct phone number and detailed guidelines on inmate communications, please refer to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office website.

Inmate Mail

Process of Sending Mail to an Inmate

1. Addressing the Envelope: All mail must be addressed using the inmate's full name, followed by their booking number, and then the jail's address. Ensure every detail is clearly written to prevent any delay or misplacement.

2. Return Address: Every piece of mail must have a return address, including the full name and address of the sender. Mail without a return address might not be delivered.

3. Delivery Time: Be aware that the mail might take a few days longer than usual to reach the inmate. All incoming mail, with the exception of legal correspondence, is usually inspected for contraband before being delivered.

Guidelines for Sending Mail to Inmates

1. Prohibited Items: Do not send any items that are not paper-based, like money, jewelry, or any form of contraband. Such items will be confiscated, and the mail might be returned or destroyed.

2. Content Restrictions: Any content that poses a security threat, contains explicit material, or promotes illegal activities will be rejected.

3. Legal Mail: Correspondence from legal representatives should be clearly marked as "Legal Mail." Such mail is typically opened in the presence of the inmate to ensure no contraband is inside, but it is not read.

4. Photographs: Some facilities allow inmates to receive photographs. However, they should be appropriate and adhere to any size and content restrictions set by the jail.

Sending Money to Inmates

Approved Methods for Sending Money

1. Online Services: Many jails have partnered with online services that allow family and friends to send money directly to an inmate's account. There's usually a fee associated with this service.

2. Money Orders: Money orders can often be mailed directly to the facility. They should be made payable to the inmate's full name and booking number.

3. Jail Kiosk: Some detention facilities have a kiosk in their lobby where you can deposit money directly into an inmate's account.

4. Over the Phone: Certain jails permit adding funds to an inmate's account via phone. This may also involve service fees.

Regulations and Limitations for Sending Money

1. Limits: There's typically a maximum amount an inmate can receive or have in their account at any given time.

2. Usage: Funds in an inmate's account can usually be used to purchase items from the jail's commissary, like snacks, toiletries, and stationery.

3. Refunds: If an inmate is transferred or released, the remaining balance might be returned. Each facility has its own procedures for this.

4. Fees: Be aware of any transaction fees when sending money, especially with online or phone services.

5. Source Documentation: For large amounts, the jail might require documentation or a statement indicating the source of the funds.

Inmate Commissary

The inmate commissary refers to a store within the detention facility where inmates can purchase various products not provided by the institution. Items often include snacks, personal hygiene products, stationery, and sometimes clothing or entertainment options like books or magazines.

The primary purpose of the commissary is to:

• Enhance inmates' quality of life by providing items for personal comfort.
• Serve as an incentive, with commissary privileges sometimes linked to good behavior.
• Allow inmates to maintain personal hygiene and health, particularly with products not standardly issued by the facility.

How Inmates Can Use the Commissary

1. Funding: Inmates need funds in their personal jail accounts to shop from the commissary. Families and friends typically add these funds, either through online payments, money orders, phone transactions, or kiosks.

2. Ordering: Detention centers may have specific days when inmates can order items. Inmates fill out a form or use a kiosk to select the desired products.

3. Delivery: Once ordered, items are packed and delivered to inmates on designated commissary delivery days.

Restrictions on the Commissary Use

1. Spending Limit: There might be a weekly or monthly limit on how much an inmate can spend at the commissary.

2. Item Restrictions: Not all items are available to all inmates. Security levels, health concerns, or disciplinary actions can restrict certain products.

3. Quantity Limitations: There may be limits on the quantity of particular items an inmate can purchase, especially for popular or in-demand products.

Incarceration Records and Mugshots

Process of Obtaining Incarceration Records

1. Public Records Request: Many incarceration records are considered public. You can request them through the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office or the respective department handling records.

2. Online Databases: Some jurisdictions have online databases where the public can search for and view specific incarceration details.

3. In-Person Inquiry: Visiting the facility or local sheriff's office in person may also yield records, though it's best to call ahead and understand the process and any associated fees.

4. Third-Party Services: Some websites or services specialize in aggregating incarceration records. However, ensure they are legitimate and note that they might charge fees.

Explanation of Mugshots and Their Availability

Mugshots are photographic records of individuals taken shortly after their arrest. They typically include a front-view and side-view of the face. Mugshots serve several purposes:

• Provide a visual record of the arrestee's appearance at the time of arrest.
• Aid in identification processes, particularly when seeking witnesses or victims.
• Documentation for internal records.

Availability:

• Public Access: In many jurisdictions, mugshots are considered public records and can be accessed by anyone. However, this varies based on local and state laws.

• Online Databases: Mugshots might be available on the official Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office website or other local law enforcement sites.

• Privacy Concerns: Some states or jurisdictions have started restricting the public release of mugshots due to concerns over privacy and the potential misuse of images.

Security Level

Detention facilities like Lafayette Parish Jail implement a multi-layered security approach:

1. Physical Security: This includes barriers like fences, walls, secure doors, and surveillance cameras.

2. Controlled Movement: Inmates' movement within the facility is closely monitored and controlled. They may require escorts or permissions for certain areas.

3. Surveillance: Continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras and regular inmate counts ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and staff.

4. Searches: Regular searches of inmates, their cells, and their belongings are conducted to prevent the possession of contraband.

5. Security Protocols: Measures such as controlled visitation, mail inspection, and call monitoring help in ensuring the external interactions of inmates are secure.

Categories of Offenders Housed

1. Pre-trial Detainees: These are individuals who are awaiting trial and have not yet been convicted.

2. Short-term Sentences: Inmates serving sentences for minor offenses, typically misdemeanors.

3. Transfers: Some inmates might be temporarily held before being transferred to a longer-term facility or state prison.

4. Specialized Populations: This can include individuals with medical needs, protective custody, or other special requirements.

Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers play a crucial role in maintaining the security and order of the detention facility. Their responsibilities include:

1. Supervision: They monitor inmate behavior and activities to ensure compliance with facility rules.

2. Safety: Officers are trained to handle conflicts and emergencies, ensuring the safety of all individuals in the jail.

3. Transport: They escort inmates within the facility and are involved in transporting them to court hearings or other institutions.

4. Communication: Officers serve as the primary point of communication between inmates and the external world, facilitating visitations, mail, and other interactions.

5. Enforcement: Correctional officers enforce facility rules and can issue disciplinary actions if rules are broken.

For detailed statistics, security protocols, and inmate categories specific to Lafayette Parish Jail, it's always best to refer to official sources or contact the facility directly.

Location and Contact Details

Official Address

916 Lafayette St, Lafayette, LA 70501

Official Phone Number

337-236-5400

Official Website

www.lafayettesheriff.com/site356.php

Frequently Asked Questions

Inmate Search

How can I search for an inmate in the system?

Most correctional facilities have online databases where you can search for inmates using their name or inmate ID number. Check the official website of the jail or prison where you believe the inmate is housed.

Is there a fee associated with inmate searches?

Typically, there is no fee to simply search for an inmate on official correctional facility websites. However, third-party websites may charge a fee.

How often is the inmate database updated?

The frequency varies by facility, but most update their databases daily.

Arrests Lookup

Can I find out if someone has been arrested recently?

Yes, you can check recent arrest logs or booking information on the website of the corresponding law enforcement agency or local sheriff's department.

How can I access arrest records?

Arrest records can often be obtained from the local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Many agencies have online portals where you can search for records.

Are arrest records public information?

Generally, yes. However, certain details might be redacted for privacy or ongoing investigation reasons.

Jail Bookings

How can I find out if someone has been booked into jail?

Most jails have online booking logs or inmate search tools on their official websites.

What information is included in a jail booking record?

Booking records typically include the inmate's name, mugshot, charges, booking date, and bond amount, if applicable.

Are all jail bookings available for public viewing?

Most jail bookings are public, but certain details or records might be withheld due to privacy concerns or ongoing investigations.

Inmate Calls

How can I receive calls from an inmate?

Inmates can typically make collect calls or use a prepaid phone account. Ensure your phone number is approved by the facility and that you accept collect calls if that's the chosen method.

Are there restrictions on when inmates can make calls?

Yes, facilities usually have set times during which inmates can make calls, often around meal times or recreation periods.

Is there a fee for inmate calls, and how are charges determined?

Yes, there are often fees. The rates can be determined by the facility's contract with the phone service provider and can vary widely.

Inmate Mail

What is the process for sending mail to inmates?

Address the mail correctly with the inmate's name, ID number, and facility address. Avoid sending prohibited items.

Are there specific guidelines for sending packages to inmates?

Yes, each facility will have guidelines. Some common restrictions include no food or perishables, no electronics, and limited personal items.

How is inmate mail screened and monitored?

All incoming and outgoing mail is typically inspected by correctional staff for contraband or security threats. Only legal correspondence may be exempt from thorough content inspections.

Visitation

How can I visit an inmate?

Check the facility's visitation policy. You might need to be on an approved visitor list and schedule your visit in advance.

Are there specific visitation hours and days?

Yes, each facility sets its own visitation schedule.

What are the guidelines and rules for inmate visitation?

Guidelines vary, but common rules include dress codes, ID requirements, restrictions on items brought in, and behavior expectations during the visit.

Sending Money

How can I send money to an inmate?

Methods vary by facility but often include online payments, mailed money orders, or deposits at the facility.

Are there limits on the amount of money I can send?

Yes, facilities often have limits on the amount that can be sent or kept in an inmate's account.

Are there fees associated with sending money to inmates?

There may be fees, especially for online transactions.

Posting Bond

What is the process for posting bond for an inmate?

You can typically post bond at the jail's bond window or through a licensed bail bondsman.

Are there specific guidelines on who can post bond?

Generally, anyone can post bond unless there's a court order or other restriction in place.

What payment methods are accepted for posting bond?

Payment methods vary but often include cash, credit, cashier's checks, or property.

Legal Assistance for Inmates

How can inmates access legal representation?

Inmates have the right to an attorney. They can hire a private attorney or request a public defender.

Are public defenders available for inmates?

Yes, if an inmate cannot afford an attorney, they can request a public defender.

Can inmates receive legal documents while incarcerated?

Yes, legal mail is a protected right, though it may be inspected for contraband.

Release

How can I find out when an inmate will be released?

Release dates might be available through the facility's inmate search tool or by contacting the facility directly.

What is the process for an inmate's release?

Inmates are typically processed out, given their personal belongings, and released. Some might have specific parole or probation conditions.

Are there post-release programs available for inmates?

Yes, many jurisdictions have re-entry programs to help inmates transition back into society.

Criminal Records Lookup

How can I access someone's criminal record?

Criminal records can often be requested from the state's Department of Justice or equivalent agency. Some local law enforcement agencies also provide them.

Is there a fee associated with obtaining criminal records?

There may be a fee, depending on the agency and the extent of the records request.

Are all criminal records public information?

Most criminal records are public, but some juvenile records and certain expunged or sealed records are not.

Background Check

How can I conduct a background check on someone?

You can use online services, hire a private investigator, or request records from relevant governmental agencies.

What information is included in a background check?

Background checks can include criminal history, employment history, credit history, and more, depending on the depth and purpose of the check.

How long does it take to receive background check results?

Online checks can be almost immediate, while formal requests through agencies might take days to weeks.