How to Find Someone in Custody in Louisiana

Three separate systems hold people in custody in Louisiana, and they don't share one search. State prison inmates are in Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections custody. People awaiting trial or serving short sentences sit in parish jails. Federal defendants are a third system entirely. Here's how to check each, free.

  • State custody: Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections posts custody status through VINELink, the national victim-notification network — search by name, and register for release alerts while you're there.
  • Parish jails: 13 Louisiana parishes post their own jail rosters, linked below — that's where you'll find anyone arrested recently or serving under a year.
  • Federal custody: the Bureau of Prisons locator (bop.gov) covers federal defendants and anyone sentenced in US District Court — a separate population people forget to check.
  • Stay notified: VINELink sends automatic alerts when someone's custody status changes — transfer, release, or escape — in nearly every state.

Louisiana houses thousands of state inmates in parish jails, so a person 'in DOC custody' may physically sit in a parish facility — check both layers. Content reviewed July 29, 2026 by the SearchSystems editorial team.

Official Louisiana Custody Lookups

VINELink — Louisiana Custody Alerts
Official Free
Search custody status and register for automatic notification when someone is moved or released. Free, run for victims but open to anyone. This is the primary online custody check for Louisiana.
🌐 vinelink.com
Federal Bureau of Prisons — Inmate Locator
Official Free
Everyone in federal custody since 1982, searchable by name or register number. Covers federal sentences, which no state system lists.
🌐 bop.gov

Louisiana Parishes With Online Jail Rosters

These parishes publish their own booking or in-custody lists — click through for each parish records page.

Allen Ascension Assumption Beauregard Bossier Caddo Calcasieu Lafayette Sabine St. Charles Union Vermilion Winn

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Louisiana inmate locator free?
Yes. Every official source on this page is free to search. Sites that charge for 'inmate reports' are reselling public data.
Why can't I find someone arrested yesterday?
Fresh arrests appear in the parish jail's booking system first, sometimes hours later. State locators only list people after sentencing and transfer to state custody.
Does a locator listing mean the person was convicted?
No. Jail rosters include people awaiting trial who are presumed innocent. Check the court docket for the case outcome.
How do I send money or arrange a visit?
Each facility sets its own rules — the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections site covers state facilities, and each parish sheriff posts local jail policies.

Related Louisiana Records

Custody is one piece: the Louisiana criminal records page covers official background checks, wants & warrants lists who's being looked for, and Louisiana court records hold the cases behind every custody entry.