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Baton Rouge Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

Arrest records are public documents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection and copying. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system, facilitating public oversight of law enforcement activities, and providing citizens with access to information regarding public safety in their communities.

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by stating: "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law." This constitutional provision underscores the state's commitment to governmental transparency, which extends to arrest records maintained by the Baton Rouge Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

How to Look Up Baton Rouge Arrest Records in 2025

The Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) and associated agencies maintain several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records. These methods have been enhanced with technological advancements to improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with applicable laws.

Online Database Access: The Baton Rouge Police Department maintains a digital database where arrest records can be searched. The system allows searches by name, date of arrest, or case number. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal fees for certain detailed reports.
Criminal Records Division: Citizens may obtain arrest records in person at the BRPD Criminal Records Division, located at:

Baton Rouge Police Department - Criminal Records Division
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
(225) 389-3800
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
19th Judicial District Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the 19th Judicial District Court clerk's office:

19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-3900
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Requests should be addressed to the Records Custodian at the BRPD Criminal Records Division.
Open Data Portal: The Baton Rouge Police Crime Incidents portal provides access to crime data, including some arrest information, through the city's open data initiative.

Contents of a Baton Rouge Arrest Record

Arrest records in Baton Rouge typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, these records generally include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (such as driver's license number)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer; booking number; and detention facility information
Criminal Charges: All charges filed, including statute citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony)
Case Processing Information: Court docket numbers, arraignment dates, bail or bond amounts, and custody status
Disposition Information: Court outcomes, including dismissals, convictions, sentences, or other resolutions
Photographic and Biometric Data: Mugshot photographs and, in some cases, fingerprint information

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3(A), which provides exemptions for records that may compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or contain certain personal identifying information.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Baton Rouge is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The primary statutes governing this access include:

Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1-41): Establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and copy public records, including arrest records, with certain exceptions.
Louisiana Criminal Code Article 228: Requires law enforcement agencies to maintain records of all arrests, including the name, address, and other identifying information of the person arrested.
Louisiana Children's Code Article 412: Provides special protections for juvenile arrest records, which are generally confidential except under specific circumstances.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a): While primarily applicable to federal agencies, its principles influence state and local policies regarding the protection of personal information in public records.

The Baton Rouge City Court, established under La. R.S. 13:2071, plays a significant role in the management and accessibility of arrest records for cases within its jurisdiction. The court's Rules of Court provide additional guidance on accessing judicial records related to arrests.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Baton Rouge, several important limitations and exceptions exist:

Sealed or Expunged Records: Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
Juvenile Records: Under La. Ch.C. Art. 412, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except in limited circumstances.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that may compromise active investigations may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure under La. R.S. 44:3(A)(1).
Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifying information, such as social security numbers, may be redacted from public arrest records to protect privacy.
Victim Information: Details that could identify victims of certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses, may be redacted pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3(A)(4)(b).
Time Limitations: Agencies may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the inspection of records to prevent unreasonable disruption of governmental operations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Baton Rouge

Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995 and allows for the removal of arrest records from public access when certain conditions are met.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Baton Rouge include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution
Successful completion of pretrial diversion programs
First-time offenses after prescribed waiting periods
Arrests without prosecution after time limitations have expired
Misdemeanor convictions after a 5-year clean record period
Certain felony convictions after a 10-year clean record period

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court where the case was handled. Filing fees and costs for expungement typically range from $550 to $650, depending on the nature of the case. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge the record from their databases.

The 19th Judicial District Court handles most expungement petitions for arrests in Baton Rouge. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules.