Orleans County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Orleans County?

Inmate records in Orleans County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office that document individuals in custody within the parish's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in Orleans County facilities.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records, maintained by the judicial system, document case proceedings, filings, and dispositions, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:574.12, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records for all persons in their custody.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual first enters the correctional system. During this initial phase, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are documented. These records are subsequently updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect:

• Changes in custody status
• Disciplinary actions
• Program participation
• Medical information
• Visitation records
• Court appearances
• Release information

The Orleans 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 in state custody.

Are Inmate Records Public In Orleans County?

Inmate records in Orleans County are generally considered public information under the Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including correctional facilities, are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

However, not all components of inmate records are publicly accessible. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:574.12(G), certain portions of inmate records may be withheld from public disclosure to protect privacy interests, security concerns, or ongoing investigations.

Information that is typically available to the public includes:

• Current inmate roster
• Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
• Booking date and time
• Charges filed
• Mugshots
• Bond/bail amounts
• Expected release dates
• Current housing facility

Information that is generally restricted from public access includes:

• Medical and mental health records
• Social security numbers
• Detailed disciplinary records
• Victim information
• Confidential informant information
• Records pertaining to juveniles

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a public inmate search database that provides access to basic information about individuals currently in custody.

What's Included Inmate Records in Orleans County

Inmate records in Orleans County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
• Fingerprints
• Photograph (mugshot)
• State identification number
• Booking number

Custody Information:

• Date and time of admission
• Arresting agency
• Booking officer
• Current housing assignment
• Custody classification level
• Previous incarceration history
• Disciplinary records
• Program participation

Charge Information:

• Current charges
• Warrant information
• Case numbers
• Arresting agency
• Offense dates
• Charge severity (felony/misdemeanor)

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond type
• Bond amount
• Bond status (posted/not posted)
• Bondsman information (if applicable)
• Court-ordered conditions of release

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Judge assigned
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court case numbers
• Attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction charges
• Sentence length
• Sentence start date
• Projected release date
• Parole eligibility date
• Good time credits earned
• Detainers or holds

Release Information:

• Release date and time
• Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
• Release conditions
• Probation/parole requirements
• Supervising agency

Orleans County Prison System

The Orleans County prison system, officially known as the Orleans Parish prison system, operates under the authority of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. This system is responsible for the custody and care of individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of typically one year or less, or awaiting transfer to state facilities.

It is important to distinguish between the parish jail system and the state prison system. The Orleans Parish facilities primarily house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies. Individuals sentenced to longer terms for more serious offenses are typically transferred to facilities operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for operating the parish's correctional facilities:

Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office
2800 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains several facilities that collectively form the Orleans Parish prison system. These facilities operate under the oversight of the Sheriff and in accordance with standards established by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections and various national accreditation bodies.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Orleans County

Orleans County, officially known as Orleans Parish, maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations:

Orleans Justice Center (OJC)
2800 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Orleans Justice Center

The Orleans Justice Center is the primary detention facility in Orleans Parish, opened in 2015 to replace the former Orleans Parish Prison. This modern facility houses the majority of pre-trial detainees and serves as the main booking and intake center for the parish. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,438 beds and includes specialized housing units for various classifications of inmates.

Temporary Detention Center (TDC)
3000 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Temporary Detention Center

The Temporary Detention Center serves as an overflow facility and is used primarily for short-term holding during high-volume arrest periods. This facility works in conjunction with the Orleans Justice Center to process individuals entering the system.

Hunt Correctional Center (Orleans Parish Reentry Program)
6925 LA-74
St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Phone: (225) 319-4300
Hunt Correctional Center

While technically a state facility, Hunt Correctional Center houses some Orleans Parish inmates through a cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. This arrangement helps address capacity issues and provides additional programming options for eligible inmates.

Each facility operates with specific security protocols, visitation policies, and programming opportunities based on the population served and security requirements.

Who's in Prison In Orleans County

The Orleans Parish correctional facilities house a diverse population 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 who could not afford bail or were denied bail
• Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings

Sentenced Offenders:

• Individuals serving sentences of typically one year or less
• Those convicted of misdemeanors or non-violent felonies
• Persons serving time for municipal code violations

Specialized Populations:

• Individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
• Those held on federal detainers
• Persons in protective custody
• Individuals with special medical or mental health needs

According to data from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, the average daily population in Orleans Parish facilities fluctuates between 800-1,200 individuals. Demographic analysis indicates that the population is predominantly male (approximately 85-90%), with an average age of 32 years.

The length of stay varies significantly based on case status:

• Pre-trial detainees: Average stay of 60-90 days
• Sentenced misdemeanants: Average stay of 30-180 days
• Individuals awaiting transfer: Average stay of 14-30 days

The Orleans Parish correctional system operates under a consent decree established in 2013, which mandates specific standards for housing, medical care, mental health services, and overall conditions of confinement.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Orleans County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Orleans County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office provides multiple channels through which inmate status and basic record information can be obtained:

Online Inmate Lookup:

1. Visit the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Detainee Search portal
2. Enter the individual's first and last name in the search fields
3. For more specific results, include additional identifiers if known (date of birth, booking number)
4. Review the search results, which will display basic information including:
   • Full name
   • Booking date
   • Current charges
   • Bond information
   • Housing location
   • Next court date

Telephone Inquiry:

1. Contact the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at (504) 202-9339
2. Provide the operator with the full name of the individual
3. Be prepared to furnish additional identifying information if requested
4. Receive basic custody status information

In-Person Request:

1. Visit the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 2800 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
2. Complete an inmate information request form
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay any applicable fees for printed records
5. Records staff will provide available public information

For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, interested parties may need to submit a formal public records request pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Law. Such requests should be directed to:

Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
2800 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

How To Find an Inmate in Orleans County for Free?

Orleans County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the parish correctional system:

Online Inmate Locator: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office online detainee search portal. This free service allows users to:

• Search by first and last name
• View current custody status
• Access booking date information
• Review current charges
• Check bond amounts
• Identify housing location
• View scheduled court dates

Automated Telephone System: The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an automated information line that provides basic inmate location information at no charge:

1. Dial (504) 202-9339 and follow the automated prompts
2. Enter or speak the inmate's name when prompted
3. The system will provide current custody status and basic case information

Louisiana Victim Notification System (LAVNS): Victims of crimes may register with the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System to receive free notifications regarding an offender's custody status:

1. Visit the LAVNS website or call 1-866-528-6748
2. Register using the offender's name or identification number
3. Receive automated notifications regarding custody changes

For individuals who may be in state custody rather than parish facilities, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains a separate inmate locator system that can be accessed at no cost.

These free resources provide basic custody information, while more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Orleans County

Visitation with inmates housed in Orleans Parish facilities is governed by specific protocols established by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

• All visits must be scheduled in advance through the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office visitation system
• Visitors must register in the system prior to scheduling visits
• Each inmate is permitted two 20-minute visits per week
• Visits are conducted via video visitation terminals
• On-site and remote video visitation options are available

Visit Schedule:

• On-site video visitation hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Remote video visitation hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Special housing units may have restricted visitation schedules
• Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
• Holiday schedules may vary

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
• Visitation confirmation number
• Minor visitors must be accompanied by an authorized adult
• Locker tokens for securing personal items (available for purchase)

What NOT to Bring:

• Weapons of any kind
• Illegal substances or alcohol
• Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
• Food or beverages
• Bags, purses, or backpacks
• Excessive jewelry or accessories
• Tobacco products or vaping devices

Dress Code:

• Conservative attire is required
• No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
• No gang-related colors or symbols
• No clothing with offensive language or images
• No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
• No excessively baggy clothing

Visit Types:

• Standard video visitation (on-site)
• Remote video visitation (fee-based)
• Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
• Special visits (approved by facility administration)

Visit Restrictions:

• Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
• Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
• Visitors under the influence of substances will be denied entry
• Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visits
• Violations of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

These visitation policies are established in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part I, Chapter 31, which governs visitation in correctional facilities.

How To Send Money to a Orleans County Inmate

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses:

Online Deposits:

• Visit the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office inmate deposit portal
• Create an account or log in to an existing account
• Enter the inmate's name and identification number
• Select the deposit amount
• Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
• Transaction fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
• Funds are typically available within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

• Visit the Orleans Justice Center lobby at 2800 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
• Locate the automated deposit kiosk
• Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
• Insert cash or credit/debit card for payment
• Receive printed receipt
• Funds are typically available within 1-4 hours
• Kiosks are available 24/7

Money Order by Mail:

• Purchase a money order payable to "Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office"
• Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
• Include sender's full name and return address
• Mail to: Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts 2800 Gravier Street New Orleans, LA 70119
• No personal checks accepted
• Funds typically available within 5-7 business days

Amount Limits:

• Minimum deposit: $1.00
• Maximum single deposit: $300.00
• Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00 per inmate
• Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00 per inmate

Prohibited Uses of Funds:

• Bail or bond payments
• Court fees or fines
• Restitution payments
• Transfer to other inmates
• Purchase of prohibited items

Approved Uses of Funds:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
• Telephone calls
• Video visitation fees
• Medical co-pays
• Release funds

Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:866.2, unclaimed funds may be subject to forfeiture after a specified period.

How To Send Jail Mail In Orleans County

Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Orleans Parish facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office:

General Mail:

• All incoming mail must include:
  • Inmate's full name and booking number
  • Orleans Justice Center
  • 2800 Gravier Street
  • New Orleans, LA 70119
• Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
• Mail lacking proper identification will be returned to sender
• All mail is inspected for contraband and policy violations
• Processing typically takes 24-48 hours after receipt

Acceptable Mail Items:

• Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
• Greeting cards (no musical, oversized, or padded cards)
• Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
• Money orders (following proper procedure)
• Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)

Prohibited Mail Items:

• Packages or padded envelopes
• Colored paper or envelopes
• Cardstock or construction paper
• Stickers, labels, or tape
• Perfumed or scented items
• Polaroid photographs
• Cash or personal checks
• Stamps or envelopes
• Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
• Any items containing glitter, glue, or adhesives

Legal Mail:

• Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
• Must include attorney's name, bar number, and return address
• Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
• Is not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening
• May exceed standard page limits for regular mail

Electronic Messaging:

• Available through the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office inmate messaging system
• Requires account creation and inmate information
• Fee-based service (typically $0.50 per message)
• Messages limited to 2,000 characters
• All electronic messages are subject to monitoring
• Responses from inmates are delivered electronically to sender's account

Publications:

• Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
• Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
• Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
• Maximum of 3 publications per mailing
• Religious materials subject to same restrictions

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

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