>Tensas Parish Arrest Records Online

Tensas Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tensas Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in Tensas Parish, Louisiana are classified as public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records created, used, or maintained by public bodies during the course of official business are accessible to the public. Law enforcement agencies operating within Tensas Parish, including the Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office, are required to maintain arrest records that document the detention and charging of individuals suspected of criminal activity.

The public status of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:

Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides information relevant to public safety concerns
Supports the constitutional right to access government information

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, particularly for records that might compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or contain juvenile information protected under La. Ch.C. Art. 412.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Tensas Parish?

Digital access to Tensas Parish arrest records is available through several official online platforms. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains a searchable database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the parish criminal justice system. Members of the public may access basic arrest information through these digital resources without the necessity of visiting physical offices.

Online accessibility is subject to the following conditions:

Records may not be immediately available following an arrest due to processing time
Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3
Digital records may not contain all information available in complete physical records
User fees may apply for certain detailed searches or document retrieval

The Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website, though comprehensive historical records may require additional search methods.

How to Look Up Tensas Parish Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Tensas Parish arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing these records include:

In-person requests at the Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office located at:

Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 138
St. Joseph, LA 71366
Phone: (318) 766-3499
Official Website
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests submitted to the Tensas Parish Clerk of Court:

Tensas Parish Clerk of Court
201 Hancock Street
St. Joseph, LA 71366
Phone: (318) 766-3921
Parish Government Resources
Electronic requests through the Louisiana Department of Corrections offender information portal

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, public bodies must provide reasonable accommodations for individuals to examine public records during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, approximate date of arrest, and, if possible, date of birth to facilitate accurate record retrieval.

Contents of a Tensas Parish Arrest Record

Tensas Parish arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Louisiana law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of processing
Arrest-specific information:
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
Processing documentation:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Property inventory taken at time of booking
- Medical screening information as permitted by privacy laws
Case disposition information:
- Bond or bail amount and conditions
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Detention facility assignment

The comprehensiveness of these records is governed by La. R.S. 15:578, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information maintained by law enforcement agencies throughout Louisiana.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Tensas Parish

The expungement process in Tensas Parish provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Louisiana law. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, individuals may petition for expungement when their case meets statutory eligibility requirements.

Qualifying circumstances for expungement consideration include:

Arrests that did not lead to formal charges within the statutory time period
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after prescribed waiting periods
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (under specific conditions)

The procedural requirements for expungement in Tensas Parish include:

Filing a petition with the Tensas Parish District Court where the case was adjudicated
Payment of filing fees (approximately $550) unless waived by the court
Service of the petition on 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 seeking expungement may benefit from consulting with the Louisiana Office of the State Public Defender for guidance on eligibility and procedural requirements.