West Monroe Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in West Monroe, Louisiana?
Arrest records in West Monroe, Louisiana are considered public information pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that documents generated by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The West Monroe Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes:
• Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations • Enables community oversight of police activities • Facilitates background checks for employment and housing • Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters • Allows individuals to verify the accuracy of their own records
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, which protects confidential informants, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records. Additionally, records pertaining to victims of sexual offenses or domestic abuse may have restricted access pursuant to La. R.S. 46:1844.
How to Look Up West Monroe Arrest Records in 2025
The West Monroe Police Department maintains multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following official methods to obtain arrest documentation:
In-Person Requests Members of the public may visit the West Monroe Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a records request. Requesters must complete a standardized form and provide proper identification. Processing times vary based on departmental workload and record complexity.
West Monroe Police Department Records Division 2301 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-6789 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Portal Access The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that includes booking information for individuals processed through the parish detention facilities, including those arrested by West Monroe Police Department. This resource provides basic arrest information and current custody status.
Written Correspondence Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail. Correspondence must include:
• Full name of the subject • Date of birth (if known) • Approximate date of arrest • Case number (if available) • Requester's contact information • Notarized authorization (if requesting records of another person)
Third-Party Record Services Commercial vendors contract with local agencies to provide public records search capabilities. These services may charge additional processing fees beyond statutory costs established by La. R.S. 44:32.
All requests, regardless of submission method, are subject to processing fees as authorized under Louisiana law. Standard fees include $1.00 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C).
Contents of a West Monroe Arrest Record
West Monroe arrest records contain standardized documentation of law enforcement encounters resulting in custodial detention. These official documents typically include the following categories of information as mandated by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 228:
Biographical Information • Legal name and known aliases • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color) • Residential address (may be partially redacted in public copies) • Identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID)
Arrest Details • Date, time, and location of apprehension • Arresting agency and officer identification • Statutory charges with Louisiana Revised Statute citations • Probable cause statement or arrest narrative • Booking facility information • Bond amount and conditions (if applicable)
Biometric Data • Fingerprint classification information • Booking photograph ("mugshot") • Documentation of identifying marks, scars, or tattoos
Case Processing Information • Court of jurisdiction • Case/docket number • Initial appearance date • Disposition information (if available)
Requesters should be aware that certain elements may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions under La. R.S. 44:11, which protects personal information of public employees, and La. R.S. 44:3, which shields confidential investigative techniques and information that would compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in West Monroe
The expungement process in West Monroe operates under the provisions of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which establish procedures for the removal of arrest records from public access. Individuals meeting statutory eligibility requirements may petition for expungement through the judicial district court where the arrest occurred.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Ouachita Parish include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges • Arrests where prosecution was declined • Successful completion of pretrial diversion programs • Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of 5 years • Specified felony convictions after waiting periods of 10 years • First-offense marijuana possession (less than 14 grams) after 2 years
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
- Filing a Motion for Expungement with the 4th Judicial District Court
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $550) unless waived by the court
- Service of the motion upon the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
- Attendance at a contradictory hearing if objections are filed
- Issuance of an Order of Expungement if granted by the court
Upon successful expungement, the West Monroe Police Department and other agencies must remove the records from public access databases and seal physical records pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards as specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the 4th Judicial District Court Self-Help Resource Center:
4th Judicial District Court 300 St. John Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-2250 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Search Arrest Records in West Monroe
• West Monroe Police Department Records • Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup • 4th Judicial District Court Records • Louisiana State Police Criminal History Records
