What are Ouachita Parish Public Records?
Ouachita County public records are documents preserving information created by public official at various county agencies. These records are available regardless of digital or physical format provided a requester can identify the record custodian and provide the necessary information to facilitate a search. Note that certain documents are exempted from public view, especially when the information contained in those documents could sabotage personal safety, privacy, trade advantage, or state secrets.
Examples of the restricted records are:
- Confidential financial information
- Assessment records for employment, educational, or licensure exams.
- Estate assessments from engineers used in the construction of the real estate
- Private transaction records
- Personal data of juvenile public school students
- Protected documents by state or federal law.
- Records of security and emergency plans
- Documents that might endanger the life of an individual if exposed
In addition to government agencies, parish public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, parish, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Ouachita Parish Crime Statistics
According to the 2019 crime report from the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Ouachita Parish reported 2,937 crimes, including 425 violent crimes and 2512 property crimes. Violent crimes in the county include seven murders, 42 rapes, 39 robberies, and 337 aggravated assaults. Meanwhile, property crimes 599 burglaries, 1,724 larceny thefts, 189 motor-vehicle thefts, and seven arsons. Ouachita County recorded 3,254 total index crimes in 2018, which shows a 9.7% drop in crime within one year.
Are Ouachita Parish Criminal Records Public?
Criminal records in Ouachita are not public. The Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, a division of the Louisiana State Police, operates a statewide database of criminal records. Only record holders, authorized agencies, and employers can get Ouachita Parish criminal records. Approved agencies can perform name-based background checks using the Internet Background Check(IBC), while employers should fill the General Disclosure Form and Authorization Form to access criminal records. On the other hand, individuals can get their criminal history files by completing the Right to Review Authorization Form and Right to Review Disclosure Form.
Criminal history files cost $26 per copy. Agencies using the IBC platform can pay with debit/credit cards like American Express, Visa, Master Card, and Discover. Employers and record holders sending mail requests can pay via money orders or checks. Mail requests should contain the fees, applicants’ state-issued ID, and self-addressed envelopes. Afterwards, send such request to:
Louisiana State Police
Bureau of Criminal Identification
P.O. Box 66614 Mail Slip A-6
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
How to Obtain Ouachita Parish Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Ouachita Parish sheriff maintains and provides access to vehicle accident reports, crash reports, offense reports, and other police reports. Interested parties can call the Records Division on (318) 324-2630 to obtain the records or send written requests via mail. Details such as names of involved persons, date/place of events, and arresting agencies will help the record custodian retrieve required records quickly. Mail requesters should enclose copies of valid photo IDs and the search fees in the request letters. The parish sheriff’s department is located at:
Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office
400 Saint John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 329-1200
The parish sheriff also provides access to its arrest warrant search list. Requesters can find information on the warrant search platform by providing the first name, last name, warrant number, and warrant date. Other viable approaches for obtaining police reports and arrest information can arise from the several police departments in the Parish. Individuals should contact one of the police stations listed below:
Levee District Police
505 District Road
Monroe, LA
Monroe Police Department
700 Wood Street
Monroe, LA
Richwood Police Department
5130 Brown Road
Monroe, LA
Sterlington Police Department
103 High Avenue
Sterlington, LA
West Monroe Police Department
2301 North 7th Street
West Monroe, LA
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office publishes information on sex offenders living in the Parish online in accordance with Section 15:542 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The sex offender search is readily available online free of charge to raise awareness of former sex predators within and outside the Parish. The database allows residents to sign up with their emails or phone numbers. Alternatively, requestors can use the Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry for information on sex offenders from Ouachita Parish and other parts of the state. The Ouachita Parish can also be found on the state-managed website, which provides a log of names and addresses of sentenced sex offenders and child predators.
How to Find Ouachita Parish Inmate Records
Ouachita Parish inmate records can be found online with a name search on the Ouachita Parish Inmate Finder. Typically, search results will contain the inmate’s personal information, mugshot, offense details, and release date. If the information sought is unavailable on the Inmate Finder, contact the jail administrative staff to schedule an in-person visit to obtain inmate records.
Ouachita Correctional Center
400 St John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 329-1200
Note that the Ouachita Parish Inmate Finder only features information about persons taken into custody or serving time at the local jail. For information on persons in a state prison, contact the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Ouachita Parish Jail?
Offenders serve time at the Ouachita Correctional Center. Generally, persons who wish to visit an inmate in person must schedule a visit at least 24 hours by calling the jail administrator on (318) 329-1200. On the visitation date, dress formally, carry a valid photo ID, and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Alternatively, families and friends of inmates may schedule a free video visitation.
Ouachita Correctional Center
400 St John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Ouachita Parish Court Records
Ouachita County court records are documents of court proceedings describing the case and events that happened from case filing to adjudication. These records are typically available for public inspection unless restricted by law or statute. Persons who wish to obtain court records must visit the Clerk’s Office at the court where the case was adjudicated.
Ouachita Parish has a District Court, two City Courts, six Justice of Peace Courts, and two Mayor's Courts. The 4th Judicial District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases, and general jurisdiction over other criminal and civil cases.
Locations of Courts in Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish Courthouse (4th Judicial District Court)
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
P.O. Box 1862
Monroe, LA 71210
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Fax: (318) 327-1462
Monroe City Court
600 Calypso Street
P.O. Box 777
Monroe, LA 71210
Phone: (318) 329-2580
Fax: (318) 329-2622
West Monroe City Court
2303 North 7th Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
Phone: (318) 396-2767
Fax: (318) 396-2738
Justice of the Peace Ward 1
100 Camelot Place
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 503-1550
Justice of the Peace Ward 2
26 Quail Ridge Drive
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 547-2810
Justice of the Peace Ward 6
643 Highway 837
Calhoun, LA 71225
Phone: (318) 644-2688
Justice of the Peace Ward 7
3939 New Ouachita Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
Phone: (318) 381-3593
Justice of the Peace Ward 8
375 Caples Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
Phone: (318) 381-7606
Justice of the Peace Ward 9
222 Owens Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
Phone: (318) 388-4506
Richwood Mayor's Court
2710 Martin Luther King Drive
Richwood, LA 71202
Phone: (318) 325-4328
Fax: (318) 322-0584
Sterlington Mayor's Court
503 Highway 2
Sterlington, LA 71280
Phone: (318) 665-2157
Fax: (318) 665-2841
Are Ouachita Parish Court Records Public?
Under the Louisiana Public Records Act, Ouachita Parish court records are open for public view and can be accessed in person, via mail, or by calling the phone lines to the Clerk of Courts’ Office. Note that certain court records are barred from public access, including court records sealed or deemed confidential by court order, court records in cases involving minors, jurors quizzes, and court records containing personal details on victims.
How to Obtain Ouachita Parish Civil Court Case Records
Civil court cases in Ouachita Parish are resolved at the local district court, city court, or justice of peace court according to the nature of dispute and settlement amount. In Ouachita Parish, the authorized record custodian of civil court case documents is the Civil Department of the Court of Clerk's office. Interested persons searching for civil court case records can visit the clerk of court in person, send a mail, email, or call the office using the details below.
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Email: clerk@opclerkofcourt.com
Record seekers should provide details such as the names of litigants in the case and their representatives. These details, provided in a written request, will help the record custodian retrieve the requested file. Interested persons should also note that the court clerk may request for certain payment before allowing access to the civil court case records. It is essential to call the department first to find out about the necessary fees, payment methods, and other requirements for obtaining the records.
How to Obtain Ouachita Parish Criminal Court Records
Ouachita Parish criminal court records contain court proceedings and transcripts or criminal trials in the local court. The Criminal Department of the Ouachita Clerk of Court's office created and maintained these records. Requesters searching for criminal court case records can visit the clerk of court in person, send a mail, email or call the department using the information below.
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Email: clerk@opclerkofcourt.com
Interested parties should note that the court clerk may request specific payment before granting access to the criminal court case records. Therefore, it is key to contact the department first to determine the necessary fees, payment methods, and other requirements for obtaining the records.
What are Ouachita Parish Vital Records?
Ouachita Parish vital records are documents describing important life events of the residents of Ouachita Parish. These include birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. Eligible record seekers may obtain certified copies of vital records at the Clerk of Court's Office or from the State Registrar and Vital Records Department. On the other hand, public requesters may only obtain informational copies.
Where and How to Obtain Ouachita Parish Divorce Records
Divorce records in Ouachita Parish are documents that detail the dissolution of marriages between two parties. These records are obtainable by visiting the Ouachita Clerk of Court's Office in person or sending a request letter.
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Email: clerk@opclerkofcourt.com
Generally, all requesters must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search, submit a valid picture ID, and information about their relationship with the persons named on the record. Furthermore, requesters must pay the applicable service fee before the record custodian will provide copies of the divorce record. The necessary details to obtain a divorce record include:
- Names of the record holders
- Divorce date
- The courthouse that resolved the marriage dissolution case.
Where and How to Get Public Ouachita Parish Marriage Records
Ouachita Parish marriage records are available at the Recorder's Department under the Clerk of Court's Office. Requesters must provide the names of married couples, the marriage location, and marriage date to facilitate the retrieval of the marriage record sought. Furthermore, all requesters must submit a valid picture ID and pay the applicable service fee before the record custodian will process the request. Visit or send a written request letter to:
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Email: clerk@opclerkofcourt.com
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Ouachita Parish
Generally, there is no provision for 'confidential' marriage records in Ouachita Parish according to the Louisiana Public Records Law. As a result, requesters can access all marriage records created by the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court.
Where and How to Find Ouachita Parish Birth Records
Ouachita Parish birth records are only available to the persons whose names appear on the document, close relatives, and legal representatives. These eligible requesters must present a valid form of identification to obtain copies of Ouachita Parish birth records at the Clerk of Court’s Office.
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 South Grand Street
Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Email: clerk@opclerkofcourt.com
Meanwhile, requesters can obtain Ouachita Parish birth records by completing a birth record application form and mailing it to the Louisiana Vital Records Registry.
Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
Requests sent via mail should be accompanied by correct identification and payments by check or money order only. Record seekers should write the checks or money orders to "Louisiana Vital Records". Keep in mind that postal requests might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to process. In addition to this, a copy of the requested birth certificate is billed for $10 at the state health department.
Where and How to Find Ouachita Parish Death Records
Ouachita Parish death records are only available to the close relatives of the deceased person and legal representatives. These individuals must present a valid form of identification before the Clerk of Courts will process requests for the death record.
Meanwhile, another way to obtain Ouachita Parish death records is to complete a death record application form. Requests sent via mail should be accompanied by a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee, as stated on the application form. Keep in mind that postal requests might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to process.
Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
