St. Tammany Parish Arrest Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to help you find St. Tammany Parish Arrest Records. We will give you the best facts we can. This guide points you to the right places. It helps you know how to ask for records.

If you need to start your search now, you can visit Louisiana Official Records. Go to https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/st-tammany-parish-arrest-records/ to begin looking for St. Tammany Parish Arrest Records right away. This site offers a way to check for records if you prefer not to wait or need quick access. They aim to make the search process simple for users seeking this specific information within the parish. Use their tools if you want a fast start.

Understanding St. Tammany Parish Arrest Records

What Are Arrest Records?

An arrest record is made when police take a person into custody. It is part of the booking process. The record lists key facts. This includes the person's full name, if known. It shows their photo and finger prints. The record notes the charges made. It tells the date and time of the arrest. The location of the arrest is listed. The name of the police agency is on it. These facts help track the person's path in the justice system. This record is just about the arrest itself. It does not mean the person is guilty.

Public Access Rights

Yes, St. Tammany Parish arrest records are public. The Louisiana Public Records Law says so. You can find this law in La. R.S. 44:1 and the following parts. This law makes sure public papers are kept safe. It lets people see them. You have the right to look at these records. You can also ask for copies. Government groups must allow this access. But some parts may be kept private by law.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records differ. An arrest record shows that police held someone. It gives details about the arrest event. A criminal record is broader. It includes court case details. It shows if charges led to a conviction. It lists court dates, pleas, and sentences. The Clerk of Court keeps these court related records. The Sheriff's Office mainly handles the first arrest information and jail logs. Knowing the difference helps you ask the right office for the data you need.

How Long Arrests Stay on Your Record

In Louisiana, arrest records last forever. They stay on your public record for life. This is true even if charges were dropped. It is true if a court found you not guilty. It does not matter if the case was dismissed. Once an arrest record is made, it is there to stay. The only way to limit access is through expungement. This does not erase the record fully. It just makes it not public in most cases. Some agencies can still see it.

Accessing Records: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office (STPSO)

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office (STPSO) is the main place for arrest records. They create and keep these records. They also manage records for people in the parish jail. If you need arrest details, start with the STPSO. They have systems set up for public requests.

STPSO Contact Information and Locations

You can reach the STPSO in several ways. Choose the office that fits your needs.

• Mailing Address:

  • P.O. Box 1120

  • Covington, LA 70434

• Slidell Administrative Building:

  • 300 Brownswitch Rd.

  • Slidell, LA 70458

  • Phone: (985) 726-7800

• Covington Office:

  • 701 N. Columbia St.

  • Covington, LA 70433

  • Phone: (985) 809-8200

• St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center (Jail):

  • 1200 Champagne St.

  • Covington, LA 70433

  • Phone: (985) 276-1000

• Non-Emergency Dispatch:

  • Phone: (985) 898-2338

• Business Hours: Most office functions run during normal work hours. Expect them to be open Monday to Friday, roughly 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call first to be sure. The jail operates 24/7.

Online Inmate Roster Search

The STPSO offers an online tool. It lets you search for inmates in the parish jail. This is often called the Inmate Roster. You can find it on the STPSO website. It is usually free to view this list. The roster shows current inmates. It may show recently released people too. You can see the inmate's photo and name. It lists their booking number and status. Details about their charges are often there. Bond amount might be shown. Release or transfer dates could be listed. This is a fast way to check if someone is in jail now. The data is updated often, maybe daily. But it may not show court changes right away.

Requesting Physical Record Copies

To get paper copies of an arrest report, you must ask. Use the STPSO Public Records Center. They handle these official requests. The best way is often their online portal. Find the link on the STPSO website under Criminal Records. Look for the "Public Records Request Center" link. You can also ask by mail or maybe in person. Be clear about the record you need. Give names, dates, or case numbers if you know them. You must pay for copies. Check the STPSO public records fee schedule for costs. As of late 2022, you must pay before they give you the records. Any old unpaid bills must be cleared too. You might be able to view records in person for free. Ask the records unit about this option.

Searching for Warrants

The STPSO keeps track of arrest warrants. These are warrants issued by the 22nd Judicial District Court. If you need to check for a warrant, call the STPSO. Ask for the Criminal Records department. Their direct line for warrant questions is (985) 809-8242. They can tell you how to check warrant status. Be ready to give the person's name and date of birth.

Accessing Related Court Records: St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

While the Sheriff handles initial arrests, the Clerk of Court holds court case files. These files show what happened after an arrest. This includes court dates, pleas, and final outcomes. If you need details on the court case tied to an arrest, contact the Clerk's office.

Clerk of Court Contact and Location

The main office is in the parish courthouse.

• Physical Address:

  • St. Tammany Parish Justice Center

  • 701 North Columbia Street

  • Covington, LA 70433

• Mailing Address (Criminal Records):

  • St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

  • Attn: Criminal Customer Service Department

  • P.O. Box 1090

  • Covington, LA 70434

• Phone Numbers:

  • General Clerk Info: (985) 809-8700

  • Criminal Records Fax: (985) 809-8779

  • Archives Dept (Pre-1986 records): (985) 809-8745

• Email (Archives): Archives@sttammanyclerk.org 

• Operating Hours: Standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Call to confirm exact times.

Types of Records Held by the Clerk

The Clerk's Criminal Department manages many case types.

• Felony case files

• Misdemeanor case files

• Court minutes related to criminal cases

• Traffic violation cases

• Criminal appeals documentation

• Non-support case records

• Criminal history / background check sheets ($20 fee per name)

Note: Records for status offenders are generally not public. Juvenile records also have strict access limits.

How to Request Court Records

You have several ways to ask for court records.

1. In-Person Visit: Go to the Justice Center in Covington. The Criminal Customer Service Department is in the Basement Level. Use Elevator C to reach it. Staff can help you find records.

2. Mail or Fax: Download the "Request for Copies of Criminal Records Form" from the Clerk's website. Fill it out fully. Include case numbers or names. Fax it to (985) 809-8779. Or mail it to the P.O. Box listed above. Include payment with mailed requests.

3. Online Portal: The Clerk offers online access. You might need to register an account. This lets you search cases, hearings, and filings. Check the Clerk's official website for portal links and instructions. Some services might use the statewide re:SearchLA platform.

Fees for Court Records

Getting copies from the Clerk costs money. Fees are set by the office.

• Copies: $1 per page (standard rate)

• Certified Documents: $5 per document

• Certified Minute Entry: $10 per entry

• Postage: You must cover return postage fees if mailed.

• Background Check: $20 per name searched.

Payment is usually needed upfront. Checks or money orders are common for mail requests.

Louisiana Public Records Law Essentials

Access to St. Tammany Parish Arrest Records is based on state law. The Louisiana Public Records Law (found at Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44, Section 1 and following, La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) provides the rules. This law supports the state constitution's guarantee of open government.

Foundation of Access (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.)

This law states that records made or used by public bodies are public. This includes papers, electronic files, and databases. The goal is transparency. It lets citizens see how government works. Unless a specific law or the constitution blocks access, records are open. Arrest records fall under this law. You have a right to see them. Find the full text here: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx%3Fd%3D100278.

Requestor Eligibility and Requirements

Any person can ask for public records. You must be at least 18 years old. You do not need to be a resident of Louisiana. Current inmates cannot request public records. When you ask, you do not need to say why you want the records. The agency can only ask for your name and age. They need this to confirm you are old enough. They also need contact info to respond.

The Request Process

To get records, follow these steps:

• Identify the Custodian: Find the agency that holds the record. For arrests, it's usually the Sheriff's Office. For court files, it's the Clerk of Court. The head of the agency or their chosen helper is the custodian.

• Submit Your Request: You can ask in person, by mail, by fax, or online if available. Be specific. List the record type, names, dates, or case numbers.

• Provide Details: Give enough detail so they can find the right record. Vague requests take longer or may be denied.

Custodian Responsibilities

The agency holding the records must respond. They must let you view the records during work hours. Or they must provide copies if you ask. They have a "reasonable" time to do this. How long depends on the request size. They can charge fees for copies. These fees must be reasonable. They cover the cost of making the copy. Viewing records in person is often free. They must tell you if a record does not exist or cannot be released.

Exemptions and Confidentiality

Not every record is fully public. The law lists specific exemptions. Records tied to ongoing police probes might be withheld. Juvenile records are usually confidential. Some personal data might be blacked out (redacted). This protects privacy rights under the state constitution. Examples include home addresses or phone numbers of public workers. If a record contains both public and private info, they should release the public parts.

Finding Specific Arrest-Related Information

Need specific details? Here is where to look.

Recent Arrests Information

For the latest arrest info, check these sources:

• STPSO Online Inmate Roster: This is often the quickest way. It lists current inmates booked into the parish jail. It is updated regularly.

• Contact STPSO: Call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line (985-898-2338) or the jail (985-276-1000). Ask if they can confirm a recent arrest.

Active Warrants Search

To check if someone has an active warrant in St. Tammany:

• Contact STPSO Criminal Records: Call (985) 809-8242. This department handles warrant information issued by the local district court. They can guide you on how to inquire.

Locating Inmates

If someone is incarcerated, here’s how to find them:

• St. Tammany Parish Jail: Use the STPSO Inmate Roster online. Or call the Correctional Center at (985) 276-1000.

• State Prisons (Louisiana Dept. of Corrections): Use the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS). This online tool searches state facilities. You can also call the DOC inmate locator line at (225) 383-4580. You will need the person's name and birth date or DOC number.

Criminal Background Checks

A background check provides a history of arrests and convictions.

• St. Tammany Clerk of Court: Offers criminal background checks for $20 per name. This pulls court record information for the parish. Visit the Criminal Department at the Justice Center or inquire about mail requests.

• St. Tammany Sheriff's Office: May also offer background check services. Contact their Criminal Records division for details and fees.