Hammond Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hammond, Louisiana?
Arrest records in Hammond, Louisiana are public documents accessible to all citizens. This accessibility is governed by the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), which establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection. The Louisiana legislature has determined that providing access to these records serves the public interest by ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. Citizens of Hammond may request and review arrest records maintained by local law enforcement agencies, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as outlined in La. R.S. 44:3.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and Hammond Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Records may be withheld only under specific circumstances prescribed by law, such as when disclosure would compromise an active investigation pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3(A)(1) or when records pertain to juveniles as specified in the Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412.
How to Look Up Hammond Arrest Records in 2025
Hammond residents seeking arrest records in 2025 may utilize several established channels to access this information. The digitization of public records has significantly enhanced accessibility while maintaining compliance with Louisiana public records statutes.
Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following methods:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the Hammond Police Department located at 120 S. Oak Street, Hammond, LA 70403 (Phone: 985-277-5700) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) to submit a formal request for arrest records.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office: Located at 15475 Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, LA 70403 (Phone: 985-345-6150), the Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the parish. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Hammond City Court: Records related to arrests within city jurisdiction may be accessed at 303 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401 (Phone: 985-542-3214) during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Online Portal Access: The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a digital records portal accessible through their official website. Users must register and may be subject to nominal processing fees as authorized by La. R.S. 44:32.
Public Access Terminals: Designated computer terminals at the Hammond Public Library (314 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401) provide access to certain public records databases during library operating hours.
Requestors should note that pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C)(1)(a), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Contents of a Hammond Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Hammond law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Louisiana law. These documents serve as official accounts of interactions between individuals and law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard arrest records in Hammond typically contain:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos of the arrested individual.
Arrest Circumstances: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including address or GPS coordinates when applicable.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Louisiana Revised Statute citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).
Arresting Agency Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), department identification, and case/incident number.
Booking Details: Processing information including fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), property inventory, and temporary detention location.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, bail determination, and assigned court for adjudication.
Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system (pending, dismissed, convicted, etc.).
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including confidential informant identities, juvenile co-defendant information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hammond
The expungement process in Hammond provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by Louisiana law. Expungement does not result in the destruction of records but rather restricts their accessibility to authorized criminal justice agencies.
Eligibility for expungement in Hammond is governed by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995 and typically includes:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Arrests without prosecution (after time limitations have expired)
- Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after prescribed waiting periods
- First-offense marijuana possession (under certain conditions)
The expungement procedure requires:
- Filing a petition for expungement with the 21st Judicial District Court (Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse, 110 North Bay Street, Amite, LA 70422)
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $550 for most expungements)
- Service of the petition to the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
- Attendance at a contradictory hearing if objections are filed
Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though certain governmental agencies retain limited access pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973. Individuals granted expungement may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with exceptions for specific professional licensing applications and certain employment sectors as outlined in La. R.S. 44:9.
The Hammond City Court Clerk's Office (303 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401, Phone: 985-542-3214) provides standardized expungement forms and procedural guidance to petitioners.
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