Arrest records are public documents in Jennings, Louisiana, accessible to all members of the public under the provisions of the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Louisiana citizens to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office and the Jennings Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:
• Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations • Ensuring accountability of public officials • Facilitating informed civic participation • Enabling background checks for employment and housing • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:31, any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record, except in cases where access is specifically prohibited by law. Certain sensitive information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in La. R.S. 44:3, particularly in cases involving juvenile offenders or ongoing investigations.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Jennings, Louisiana may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Jefferson Davis Parish maintains multiple access points for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
The primary agencies maintaining arrest records in Jennings accept in-person requests during regular business hours:
Jennings Police Department 1525 South Main Street Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 821-5513 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office 321 East Plaquemine Street Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-3850 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court 300 North State Street, Room 111 Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-1160 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the above addresses. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, agencies must respond to public records requests within three business days. Written requests should include:
• Full name of the subject • Date of birth (if known) • Approximate date of arrest (if known) • Case number (if available) • Requestor's contact information • Specific records being requested
Electronic Access:
The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides limited information about current detainees and recent arrests.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs. Current fee schedules are available upon request from each agency.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Jennings, Louisiana typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical Information: • Full legal name and known aliases • Date of birth • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address at time of arrest • Social security number (partially redacted in public copies) • Driver's license number (partially redacted in public copies)
Arrest Details: • Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification • Probable cause statement • Miranda warning documentation • Booking number and processing information • Detention facility information
Criminal Charges: • Statute citations for alleged violations • Classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony) • Charge descriptions • Weapon involvement (if applicable) • Domestic violence designation (if applicable)
Case Processing Information: • Court docket numbers • Arraignment details • Bail or bond information • Court appearance schedules • Case disposition (if resolved)
Supplemental Documentation: • Fingerprint records • Booking photographs ("mugshots") • Property inventory from booking process • Medical screening information (limited disclosure)
Law enforcement agencies in Jefferson Davis Parish maintain these records in accordance with Louisiana's record retention schedules as established by the Secretary of State's Records Management program under La. R.S. 44:411.
The State of Louisiana provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995 and apply uniformly throughout the state, including Jennings and Jefferson Davis Parish.
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
• Arrests that did not result in conviction • Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of 5 years with no intervening convictions • Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of 10 years with no intervening felony convictions • First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams) after a 2-year waiting period • Successfully completed pretrial diversion programs • Arrests and convictions for which a pardon has been granted
Statutory Exclusions:
Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978, certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:
• Sex offenses requiring registration • Domestic abuse battery • Crimes against minors • Driving while intoxicated (in most circumstances) • Violent crimes as defined in La. R.S. 14:2(B)
Application Process:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction. In Jennings, this is typically the 31st Judicial District Court located at:
31st Judicial District Court 300 North State Street Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-1160
The petition must be accompanied by:
• Background check from Louisiana State Police • All required filing fees (approximately $550) • Certified copies of court minutes or disposition • Affidavit of no opposition from the District Attorney (if applicable)
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge the record from public access. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards.
• Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster • Jennings Police Department Records • Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court Records Search • Louisiana State Police Criminal History Records • Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator