Louisiana Inmate Lookup Help: State Prison, Parish Jail or Court Case?
Use this guide when you need to find someone in Louisiana custody, understand whether they are in a parish jail or state DOC custody, call the right locator number, register for LA VINE alerts, check bond/court routing, send money, plan visitation, or find the correct facility contact.
Start Here: Pick the Correct Louisiana Search Route
Louisiana uses “parishes,” not counties. A person may be in a local parish jail before court, in a parish jail serving a local sentence, in state DPS&C custody, in a transitional work program, under probation/parole supervision, or already released.
| Searcher need | Best official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locate a state prisoner or DPS&C-supervised person | LA VINE / VINELink Louisiana or call 225-383-4580 | DPS&C number, or full name and date of birth. | DPS&C says the locator can provide housing assignment, facility address, contact phone, and projected release date if applicable. |
| Find someone newly arrested | Search the arresting parish sheriff jail roster first. | Name spelling, arrest city/parish, booking date, date of birth if calling. | New bookings may not appear immediately. Call the parish jail if urgent. |
| Register for custody/court alerts | VINELink or call 866-LAVNS-4-U | Offender/defendant name, offender number, defendant number, or case number. | LAVNS can monitor custody status in parish jails, state prisons, and current court cases when data is available. |
| Confirm bond or next court date | Use the court of jurisdiction, clerk of court, or parish sheriff bond page. | Case number, charge line, arrest date, full name, DOB, parish. | Jail rosters are not the final court record. Bond/court information can change quickly. |
| Call about a state prison phone issue | Securus customer service at 800-844-6591 | Your phone number, facility, person’s name/DPS&C number, billing issue. | State-prison calls are outgoing only and usually limited to 15 minutes. |
| Send money to a state prisoner | JPay, MoneyGram, mail money order with JPay slip, telephone, or facility kiosk. | DPS&C number, correct name, amount, deposit method. | DPS&C warns Cash App is illegal for sending money to incarcerated people. |
| Visit a state correctional facility | Use DPS&C facility page and facility-specific visitation instructions. | Approved visiting-list status, photo ID, facility name, dress-code compliance. | Do not call the facility to ask if you are on the person’s approved visiting list; DPS&C says that information is not given by phone. |
| Request media/public/legal information | Use DPS&C contact pages, facility, sheriff records office, clerk of court, or public records route. | Specific record, name, date range, case/booking number, requester contact. | Ask for the exact record type; broad records requests are slower. |
Fast warning: “LA county jail inmate search” can mean Louisiana or Los Angeles County. This article is for Louisiana. For Louisiana, search by parish, not county.
Official Louisiana DPS&C Contact Box
DPS&C Headquarters
Physical address:
504 Mayflower Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Mail:
P.O. Box 94304
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9304
Core phone numbers
Main DPS&C: 225-342-6740
Imprisoned Person Locator: 225-383-4580
Adult Services: 225-342-9711
LA VINE: 866-528-6748
What DPS&C covers
DPS&C covers Louisiana state correctional custody, probation/parole supervision, state prison facilities, transitional work programs, and state-level imprisoned-person locator information.
Parish sheriffs manage most local jail rosters and newly booked detainees.
| Office / route | Official contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Imprisoned Person Locator | 225-383-4580 | State custody location, facility address, contact phone, projected release date if applicable. |
| DPS&C Headquarters | 225-342-6740 | Main Louisiana corrections routing. |
| Adult Services | 225-342-9711 | Unwanted/harassing calls from state correctional facility inmates, adult corrections routing. |
| Louisiana Victim Outreach | 800-342-6110 | Victim-services routing from DPS&C contact page. |
| Probation and Parole | 225-342-6609 | Community supervision questions when LA VINE shows probation/parole status. |
| Media inquiries | doccommunications@la.gov | Media questions about people currently or formerly under DPS&C custody. |
| PREA / sexual misconduct concern | Notify the warden’s office where the person is assigned or the probation/parole office if under supervision. | Report sexual violence or sexual misconduct concerns involving staff or incarcerated people. |
How to Do a Louisiana Inmate Search Without Wasting Time
Use the custody stage to choose the right source. Louisiana searchers often fail because they use the state DOC locator for someone still in a parish jail or use a parish jail roster for someone already transferred to state custody.
Start with where the arrest happened
If the person was arrested today or this week, search the parish sheriff jail roster first. Use the city/parish of arrest: New Orleans/Orleans, Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge, Shreveport/Caddo, Lafayette/Lafayette, Lake Charles/Calcasieu, Gretna/Jefferson.
Use LA VINE for broader custody and alerts
Search by location, name, or ID/case number. Register for notifications if you are a victim, family member, attorney staff, or concerned citizen who needs custody-status updates.
Call the DPS&C locator for state custody
Call 225-383-4580 with the DPS&C number or full name and date of birth. Ask for housing assignment, facility address, phone number, and projected release date if applicable.
Use the court for bond and hearing details
Parish jail results can show charges or bond fields, but courts control case status, hearings, bond conditions, release orders, and warrants. Confirm with the clerk/court in the parish where the case is pending.
Save numbers before paying or visiting
Copy the booking number, DPS&C number, offender number, facility name, case number, and exact spelling. You will need these for money deposits, phone setup, mail, records requests, and visitation.
If no result appears: the person may not be booked yet, may be under a different spelling, may be in a police lockup, may be held by another parish, may have been released, may be under federal custody, or may be in state custody but not yet updated.
State Prison vs Parish Jail: Which Lookup Should You Use?
Parish jail
Best for new arrests, pretrial custody, local sentences, municipal cases, and people waiting for bond, arraignment, or transfer.
State DPS&C custody
Best after a person is sentenced to state custody, assigned to a state facility, or under state probation/parole supervision.
LA VINE / LAVNS
Best for custody-status notifications, victim/community alerts, and searching by offender/defendant number, name, or case number.
| Situation | Search first | Then confirm with |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest happened today | Parish sheriff jail roster or arresting agency. | Jail booking desk, court, or arresting agency. |
| Person is awaiting trial | Parish jail roster and LA VINE. | Parish clerk/court for hearing and bond changes. |
| Person was sentenced to state time | LA VINE and DPS&C locator at 225-383-4580. | Facility where assigned. |
| Person is on probation or parole | LA VINE may include community supervision information. | DPS&C Probation and Parole at 225-342-6609 or district office. |
| Trying to post bond | Parish jail roster/bond page. | Court of jurisdiction before paying. |
| Trying to visit | Facility-specific visitation rules. | Facility or parish jail visitation office. |
| Trying to send money | State DPS&C/JPay route for state prisons; parish jail vendor for local jail. | Correct facility/vendor before sending funds. |
| Person is under 17 | Do not expect LA VINE public results. | Juvenile court/authorized legal channels only. |
LA VINE / LAVNS: Custody Alerts, Court Alerts and What It Shows
Online access
Use VINELink Louisiana to search and register for available custody notifications.
Search identifiers
LAVNS search can use offender/defendant number, offender/defendant name, or case number when available.
| LAVNS detail | What it means | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Information and notification | LAVNS provides custody information and notification features for victims and concerned citizens. | Register with phone number and 4-digit PIN if using phone notification. |
| Monitored systems | Parish jails, state prisons, and current court cases when data is available. | Use name, offender/defendant number, or case number. |
| Information shown | Custody status, location, sentence expiration date, parole eligibility, scheduled release date, charges/bail/court information when made available. | Do not rely on it alone for emergency release or bond decisions; confirm with jail/court. |
| Languages | Phone information may be available in English, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese. | Ask the live operator for language support if needed. |
| Juveniles | Information on offenders 17 years old or under is not available through LAVNS. | Use authorized juvenile court/legal channels. |
| Changed phone number | Registered users must call LAVNS and update registration if the phone number changes. | Keep your PIN safe. |
Louisiana Parish Jail Lookup Routes
For local jail search intent, the most helpful answer is a routing table. Use the parish where the arrest happened or where the case is pending.
| Parish / area | Official jail / roster detail | Phone / address users need |
|---|---|---|
| Orleans Parish / New Orleans | OPSO Detainee Search and Detainee Information | Orleans Justice Center, 2800 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 • 504-202-9339 |
| Jefferson Parish / Gretna / Harvey | JPSO “Find an Inmate” route | Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, 100 Dolhonde St., Gretna, LA 70053 • 504-736-6840 |
| East Baton Rouge Parish | EBRSO Prison Inmate List | EBRSO office: 8900 Jimmy Wedell Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70807 • non-emergency 225-389-5000 |
| Caddo Parish / Shreveport | Caddo Sheriff Inmate Lookup route | Caddo Correctional Center, 1101 Forum Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107 • 318-677-5254 |
| Lafayette Parish | LPSO Offender Information / 365Labs Community Portal | LPCC, 916 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 • 337-236-5400 |
| Calcasieu Parish / Lake Charles | Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Inmate Roster | Calcasieu Correctional Center, 5410 East Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615 • 337-491-3800 |
| Statewide prison facility search | DPS&C Facility Directory | Use when the person is in state custody, transitional work program, probation/parole, or state facility assignment. |
| Custody notification across parishes | VINELink Louisiana | Call 866-528-6748 for LA VINE/LAVNS registration and custody updates. |
Parish search tip: many sheriff rosters use different terms: “inmate search,” “jail roster,” “detainee search,” “offender information,” “prison inmate list,” or “community portal.” Search the parish sheriff site first before using non-official directories.
Money, Phone Calls, Email and Packages for State Custody
Send money
DPS&C lists JPay, MoneyGram, mail money order with JPay deposit slip, telephone, and facility kiosks for state-prison deposits.
Phone provider
Securus handles state-prison phone communication. Customer service: 800-844-6591.
Canteen packages
DPS&C lists Access Securepak by Keefe Group for pre-approved food, hygiene, and personal property packages at state institutions.
| Service | Official detail | Practical warning |
|---|---|---|
| Phone calls | People in state prison can only make outgoing collect calls; calls are usually limited to 15 minutes. | You cannot call a prison phone and reach the person directly. |
| Approved phone list | State-prison telephone lists can include up to 20 numbers and may be updated quarterly. | If your number is not approved, the call may be blocked. |
| Cell phone calls | Approved cell phone numbers require a Securus account and primary residence information; prepaid cell phones are not allowed. | Ask the person to add the correct number to the approved list. |
| JPay online deposit | Visa/MasterCard online deposits have tiered fees and $300 maximum; 10 PM CST cutoff and two-day turnaround are listed. | Do not send urgent release money without checking whether it will post in time. |
| Telephone deposit | JPay phone deposits can be made at 800-574-5729 with Visa/MasterCard; $300 maximum listed. | Telephone fees are higher than online deposit fees. |
| MoneyGram | MoneyGram has a listed $4,999.99 maximum and two-day turnaround. | Deposits of $500 or more are subject to investigation and may be delayed. |
| Mail money order | Requires JPay deposit slip and mailing to JPay’s Miami, Florida address; $999.99 mail maximum listed. | Mail time plus processing time can be slow. |
| Cash App | DPS&C states it is illegal to use Cash App to send money to inmates. | Use only official JPay/MoneyGram/mail/kiosk methods. |
| Email-style communication | JPay provides secure electronic communication; incarcerated people do not access the internet directly. | Photos may be attached when appropriate and allowed. |
Louisiana State-Prison Visitation Rules Users Actually Need
Approved list required
Visitors must be on the incarcerated person’s approved visiting list. DPS&C says the facility will not confirm this over the phone.
Photo ID required
Visitors 18 or older must show picture ID. Accepted examples include state driver’s license, state photo ID, active-duty military photo ID, or passport.
Searches and contraband
Visitors, vehicles, and property are subject to search. Refusing a search means entry can be denied.
| Visit topic | DPS&C rule / detail | What to do before going |
|---|---|---|
| Facility hours | Visiting hours depend on the individual facility. | Use the DPS&C facility page and call the facility if the schedule is unclear. |
| Children | Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian and cannot be left alone on facility grounds. | Bring required child documents if the facility requires them. |
| Dress code | No transparent clothing, swimsuits, tank/halter/strapless tops, exposed midriff, improper shorts/skirts, exposed undergarments, gang-related items, or slippers/shower shoes. | Dress plain and conservative; when unsure, choose a different outfit. |
| Phones/electronics | Cell phones, cameras, audio/video recording equipment, pagers, BlackBerry radios, tape recorders, and similar devices are prohibited in the visiting area. | Leave electronics locked in the vehicle as instructed. |
| Medication | Only life-saving/life-sustaining prescribed medication may be permitted in limited quantity for the visit. | Tell the visiting desk before entering. |
| Infants | Limited infant items may be permitted: diapers, baby food, bottles, one change of clothing, small blanket, clear bag of wipes. | Pack only the allowed items in a clear container. |
| Contact | Contact may be limited; excessive affection or improper contact can end the visit. | Follow staff instructions exactly. |
| ADA accommodation | Contact the facility in advance for ADA accommodations. | Call before the visit date, not at the gate. |
Do not bring money to give directly: DPS&C says visitors shall not give money to an imprisoned person. Use official deposit methods.
Major Louisiana State Correctional Facilities
Use this table when LA VINE or the locator shows a state facility. Always confirm housing assignment before traveling, sending mail, or scheduling a visit.
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State Penitentiary | 17544 Tunica Trace, Angola, LA 70712 | 225-655-4411 |
| Allen Correctional Center | 3751 Lauderdale Woodyard Rd., Kinder, LA 70648 | 337-639-2943 |
| David Wade Correctional Center | 670 Bell Hill Road, Homer, LA 71040 | 318-927-0400 |
| Dixon Correctional Institute | 5568 LA-68, Jackson, LA 70748 | 225-634-1200 |
| Elayn Hunt Correctional Center | 6925 Highway 74, St. Gabriel, LA 70776 | 225-642-3306 |
| Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women | 6923 Highway 74, St. Gabriel, LA 70776 | 225-319-2701 |
| B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center | 27268 Hwy. 21 North, Angie, LA 70426 | 985-661-6300 |
| Raymond Laborde Correctional Center | 1630 Prison Rd., Cottonport, LA 71327 | 318-876-2891 |
Official state directory:
Bond, Court Date and Release: Where to Confirm
Bond amount
Confirm with the parish jail and court before paying. Bond amount can change after arraignment, bench warrant, hold, new charge, or judge order.
Court date
Use the court/clerk in the parish where the case is pending. LA VINE may show court information when available, but the court is the control source.
Release
Do not assume release right after payment. Holds, warrants, processing, transport, court orders, or other agencies can delay release.
| Question | Ask this office | Exact script |
|---|---|---|
| “Can they bond out?” | Parish jail booking/bond desk and the court of jurisdiction. | “Is there a bond today, what type is it, and are there any holds or warrants?” |
| “Where is court?” | Parish clerk of court, municipal court, district court, or criminal court. | “What is the next hearing date, courtroom, judge/division, and case number?” |
| “Why did the roster change?” | Jail information line and LA VINE alerts. | “Was this a release, transfer, housing move, court transport, or data update?” |
| “Why no release after bond?” | Jail and court. | “Are there other charges, holds, out-of-parish warrants, probation/parole issues, or processing delays?” |
| “Can I get records?” | Parish sheriff records, clerk of court, or public records office. | “I need [booking sheet / arrest report / case record] for [name], date range [date]. What is the public records process?” |
Mail, Records and Safety Notes
Mail is facility-specific
State prisons, parish jails, and mail-scanning vendors often use different addresses. Confirm the facility and mail format before sending anything.
Records are split
Sheriff records, jail records, court records, clerk records, and DPS&C records are not the same office. Ask for the exact record type.
No conviction assumption
A jail roster, arrest, charge, booking photo, or custody alert is not proof of conviction. Court outcome can change after review.
| Task | Use this route | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Send personal mail to state prison | Facility-specific mail instructions. | Facility name, DPS&C number, mail rules, banned items, return address. |
| Send mail to parish jail | Parish sheriff mail page or jail vendor address. | Booking number, inmate ID, mail-scanning address, no cash/money-order restrictions. |
| Request arrest report | Arresting law-enforcement agency or parish sheriff records. | Incident number, date, name, location, agency. |
| Request court record | Clerk of court or court public access system. | Case number, defendant name, parish, division/judge. |
| Report state-prison contraband/social media | DPS&C Inmates & Families report form/warden route. | Person’s name, assigned location, social media URL or contraband detail. |
| Report urgent safety threat | 911, local sheriff, facility, or law enforcement. | Location, threat details, victim safety needs, immediate danger. |
Map: Louisiana DPS&C Headquarters
Use this map for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections headquarters in Baton Rouge. For a person’s actual housing location, use LA VINE or call the DPS&C locator before traveling.
| Place | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| DPS&C Headquarters | 504 Mayflower Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 • 225-342-6740 | State corrections routing, headquarters contact. |
| DPS&C Mailing Address | P.O. Box 94304, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9304 | General DPS&C mail routing, not inmate personal mail unless specifically instructed. |
| Orleans Justice Center | 2800 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 • 504-202-9339 | Orleans Parish jail/detainee lookup route. |
| Jefferson Parish Correctional Center | 100 Dolhonde St., Gretna, LA 70053 • 504-736-6840 | Jefferson Parish jail and correctional center routing. |
| Caddo Correctional Center | 1101 Forum Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107 • 318-677-5254 | Caddo Parish jail lookup and custody routing. |
| Lafayette Parish Correctional Center | 916 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 • 337-236-5400 | Lafayette Parish offender information and custody routing. |
| Calcasieu Correctional Center | 5410 East Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615 • 337-491-3800 | Calcasieu Parish inmate roster/correctional center routing. |
Louisiana Jail Inmate Search FAQ
What is the official Louisiana inmate lookup?
For state DPS&C custody, use LA VINE / VINELink Louisiana or call the DPS&C Imprisoned Person Locator at 225-383-4580. For newly arrested people, search the parish sheriff jail roster first.
What information do I need to call the Louisiana DOC locator?
Callers need the person’s DPS&C number or the person’s full name and date of birth. The locator can provide housing assignment, facility address, facility phone, and projected release date if applicable.
What is the LA VINE / LAVNS phone number?
The LA VINE / LAVNS phone number is 866-528-6748, also shown as 866-LAVNS-4-U.
Does Louisiana have counties or parishes?
Louisiana uses parishes, not counties. For a local jail search, use the parish sheriff roster or jail page for the parish where the arrest happened.
Why can’t I find someone in the Louisiana inmate search?
The person may not be booked yet, may be in a police lockup, may be listed under another spelling, may be held by another parish, may have been released, may be in federal custody, or may not yet appear in the updated system.
Is LA VINE updated immediately?
DPS&C says LA VINE is updated every 24 hours for state-custody locator information. Parish jail rosters and court data can update on different schedules.
Can LA VINE show court and bond information?
LAVNS may show charges, bail, and court information when made available, but the court of jurisdiction remains the best source for bond conditions, next hearing, case number, and final case status.
Can I use LA VINE for juveniles?
Information on offenders 17 years old or under is not available through LAVNS. Use authorized juvenile court or legal channels.
How do I send money to someone in Louisiana state prison?
DPS&C lists JPay, MoneyGram, mail money order with a JPay deposit slip, telephone, and facility kiosks. Do not use Cash App; DPS&C states it is illegal for inmate money transfers.
What is the JPay phone number for Louisiana prison deposits?
DPS&C lists JPay telephone deposits at 800-574-5729 for Visa/MasterCard deposits, with fees and maximums listed by deposit method.
Who handles Louisiana state-prison phone calls?
DPS&C lists Securus Technologies as the phone vendor. Securus customer service is 800-844-6591.
Can I call a prisoner directly?
No. DPS&C says state-prison telephones are outgoing only. People in prison may make collect calls to approved numbers, usually limited to 15 minutes.
How do I visit someone in Louisiana state prison?
The visitor must be on the approved visiting list, bring accepted photo ID, follow search and dress-code rules, and check the specific facility’s visiting hours and requirements before travel.
Can the facility tell me if I am on the approved visiting list?
DPS&C says facilities will not provide approved visiting-list information over the phone. Contact the person you wish to visit if you are unsure.
Where is Louisiana DPS&C headquarters?
Louisiana DPS&C headquarters is at 504 Mayflower Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The main phone is 225-342-6740.
What is the difference between Louisiana DOC custody and parish jail custody?
Parish jails usually handle new arrests, pretrial custody, local sentences, and local warrants. State DPS&C custody generally applies after sentence/assignment to state custody or state supervision.
Where do I confirm bond?
Confirm bond with the parish jail and the court of jurisdiction. Roster bond fields can change after arraignment, court orders, holds, warrants, or new charges.
Is a Louisiana jail roster a conviction record?
No. A jail listing, arrest, booking, charge, or custody notification is not a conviction. Confirm case outcome with the court or clerk.
Is this the official Louisiana DPS&C website?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official DPS&C, LA VINE, parish sheriff, court, and clerk sources for live custody, bond, court, visitation, mail, money, and records actions.
30-Second Louisiana Inmate Lookup Checklist
New arrest: search parish sheriff roster first → try spelling variants → call parish jail if urgent.
State custody: LA VINE or 225-383-4580 → DPS&C number or name/date of birth → facility and release info.
Alerts: register through VINELink or 866-528-6748 → use offender/defendant number, name, or case number.
Bond/court: roster is a starting point → confirm with court/clerk before paying or traveling.
Money/phone/visit: state custody uses DPS&C/JPay/Securus/facility rules; parish jails use local sheriff/vendor rules.