Arrest records are public in Walker, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. The Act affirms that all records used in the conduct of public business are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the means to monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Walker Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records become public documents once they are filed with the appropriate governmental agencies. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in La. R.S. 44:3.
The process for accessing arrest records in Walker has been modernized to accommodate technological advancements while maintaining compliance with Louisiana public records laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize several methods to obtain these records:
Visit the Walker Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the department headquarters.
Walker Police Department
10136 Florida Boulevard
Walker, LA 70785
(225) 664-3125
Walker Police Department
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Walker Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the municipal court.
Walker Municipal Court
10136 Florida Boulevard
Walker, LA 70785
(225) 664-3884
Walker Municipal Court
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Submit a Public Records Request: Formal requests may be submitted to the Municipal Clerk in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32, which requires custodians of public records to present requested records to any person of the age of majority who makes a request during regular business hours.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:35, the Municipal Clerk must respond to public records requests within 72 hours. How to Obtain a Public Record
Electronic Access: The Walker Police Department has implemented digital systems that allow for electronic submission of records requests through their official website.
Arrest records maintained by the Walker Police Department and associated agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:
These records are maintained in accordance with Louisiana law enforcement record retention schedules as established under the authority of La. R.S. 44:36, which governs the preservation and disposal of public records.
Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access, though they may remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction. In Walker, this petition would typically be filed with either:
21st Judicial District Court
20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2216
Walker City Court
10136 Florida Boulevard
Walker, LA 70785
(225) 664-3884
Petitioners must pay applicable filing fees and may be required to obtain certification from the District Attorney's Office confirming eligibility. Upon court approval, an order of expungement directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains a confidential database of expunged records accessible only to authorized criminal justice agencies as permitted by La. R.S. 44:9.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and strict procedural compliance. The expungement statutes undergo periodic legislative revision, and current law should be consulted when initiating the process.