Bossier Parish Public Records / Bossier Parish Arrest Records

Bossier County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bossier County

Arrest records in Bossier County are considered public information under Louisiana's Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Louisiana Constitution also reinforces this right of access in Article XII, Section 3, which states that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."

It is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the crime in a court of law. Under Louisiana law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as outlined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available through their online inmate lookup system, while more detailed records may require formal requests. Some information within arrest records may be redacted pursuant to privacy exemptions in the Public Records Law, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

What's in Bossier County Arrest Records

Bossier County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances of arrest (traffic stop, warrant service, etc.)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge description
Multiple charges if applicable

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number/case number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration if in custody
Release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical screening information (though often restricted from public disclosure)
Emergency contact information (typically restricted from public disclosure)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted by Louisiana law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bossier County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bossier County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the parish. Requestors may access these records through the following procedures:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit a request for arrest records.

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2203
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Requestors should:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies
Written Requests: The public may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email.

For mail requests, send a detailed letter including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record sought
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
Address written requests to:

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
P.O. Box 850
Benton, LA 71006
Online Requests: Limited arrest information is available through the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system on their official website. This system provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests.
Clerk of Court Records: For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains court records that may include arrest information.

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

Pursuant to Louisiana Public Records Law, agencies must respond to requests within three business days. Fees for copies of records are established by state law and local ordinance, typically ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 per page for standard documents, with additional fees for certified copies or extensive searches.

How To Find Bossier County Arrest Records Online

Bossier County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer varying levels of detail and are maintained by different agencies within the parish government structure.

The primary online resource is the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup system, accessible through the Sheriff's official website. This database provides:

Current inmate information
Recent booking data
Basic charge information
Custody status
Bond amounts

To utilize this system, users should:

Navigate to the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office website
Locate the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Roster" section
Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
Review the results displayed

For more comprehensive arrest record information, the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains an online records portal that includes court cases stemming from arrests. This system, known as the Bossier Parish Clerk Connect, allows users to search for:

Criminal case records
Court proceedings
Case dispositions
Scheduled hearings

To access these records:

Visit the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court website
Select the "Records Search" option
Create a user account if required
Enter search parameters
Pay any applicable fees for document access

Additionally, the Louisiana State Police maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes Bossier County arrests. Limited information is available to the general public, while more detailed reports require fingerprint submission and statutory authorization under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:587.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for older cases or those with special privacy protections. Some records may only be available through formal requests to the appropriate agency.

How To Search Bossier County Arrest Records for Free?

Bossier County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided as a public service, though they may offer more limited information than paid searches.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests. This resource is accessible to the public at no charge and includes:

Names of arrestees
Booking dates
Charges
Bond information
Next court dates

To access this free resource:

Visit the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
Use the search function to locate specific individuals
View the publicly available information

The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court offers limited free access to their online records system. While downloading documents typically incurs fees, users can search case indexes and view basic case information at no cost. This includes:

Case numbers
Parties involved
Filing dates
Case types
Scheduled hearings

Public access terminals are available at several government facilities where individuals can search records for free:

Bossier Parish Courthouse
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006

Bossier Parish Central Library
2206 Beckett Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 746-1693
Bossier Parish Libraries

Public counter hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Additionally, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular office hours at no charge. While copying fees may apply, examination of records is free of charge under state law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Bossier County

Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which establish eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement and sealing are distinct legal concepts:

Expungement: The physical destruction or removal of records from public access, though certain agencies may retain confidential copies.
Sealing: Records remain intact but are removed from public view and can only be accessed by authorized agencies.

In Bossier County, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following situations:

The arrest did not lead to formal charges
Charges were dismissed or refused
The defendant was acquitted at trial
The case was dismissed after a diversion program
The conviction was set aside or pardoned
Specific waiting periods have elapsed after completion of sentence for certain offenses

The expungement process involves several steps:

Determine Eligibility: Review the criteria in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 976-978 to determine if the record qualifies for expungement.
Obtain Required Documents: Gather necessary documentation, including:
- Certified court minutes
- Bill of information or indictment
- Disposition documentation
- Background check from Louisiana State Police
File Petition for Expungement: Submit the appropriate forms to the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court where the case was prosecuted.

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
Pay Filing Fees: Expungement filing fees in Louisiana typically range from $550 to $650, depending on the case type. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Service of Process: The petition must be served on the District Attorney, the arresting agency, and Louisiana State Police.
Hearing (if required): If any agency objects to the expungement, a contradictory hearing will be scheduled.
Implementation of Expungement Order: If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge their records.

Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence convictions, are generally ineligible for expungement under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Bossier Parish Public Defender's Office or local legal aid organizations may provide guidance to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Bossier County?

Following an arrest in Bossier County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Louisiana law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility
2985 Old Plain Dealing Road
Plain Dealing, LA 71064
(318) 965-3433
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
Bail Determination: Within 72 hours of arrest, a bail hearing is conducted where a judge determines whether the arrestee may be released pending trial and under what conditions. Factors considered include:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Initial Appearance: Arrestees appear before a judge for their first court appearance, where they are:
- Informed of the charges against them
- Advised of their constitutional rights
- Provided information about obtaining counsel
- Given preliminary hearing dates
Formal Charging: The Bossier Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This occurs through:
- Filing a bill of information for misdemeanors and some felonies
- Presenting evidence to a grand jury for serious felonies
Bossier Parish District Attorney's Office
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2332
26th Judicial District Attorney
Arraignment: If formally charged, defendants appear for arraignment where they:
- Hear the formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Have counsel appointed if they cannot afford an attorney
Pre-trial Proceedings: Before trial, several legal proceedings may occur:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, defendants have the right to:
- A jury trial for offenses punishable by imprisonment
- Present evidence and witnesses
- Cross-examine prosecution witnesses
- Testify on their own behalf (or decline to do so)
Sentencing: Upon conviction (either by guilty plea or trial verdict), sentencing follows:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence according to Louisiana sentencing guidelines
Post-Conviction: After conviction, defendants may pursue:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Post-conviction relief
- Expungement (if eligible)

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through diversion programs, plea agreements, or dismissal of charges. The timeline varies significantly depending on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bail.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bossier County?

Arrest records in Bossier County are maintained according to Louisiana's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which establishes the general framework for public records preservation. Additionally, specific retention schedules for law enforcement records are developed by the State Archives within the Secretary of State's office.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Active Criminal Records: Records pertaining to felony arrests are typically maintained permanently by the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana State Police. Misdemeanor arrest records are generally retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of arrest.
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code Article 917-922, juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention rules. These records may be sealed when the individual reaches the age of 17 for misdemeanors or 18 for felonies, provided there are no subsequent adult arrests.
Court Records: The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests according to the Judicial Records Management Schedule established by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Felony case records are preserved permanently, while misdemeanor case records are typically retained for 10 years after final disposition.
Digital Records: Electronic arrest records maintained in law enforcement databases may be retained indefinitely, even when physical records have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules.
Expunged Records: When an expungement is granted under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995, public access to the records is removed. However, certain agencies, including law enforcement and prosecutors, maintain confidential access to these records for specific purposes.

Different agencies within Bossier County may have varying retention requirements:

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office follows the retention schedule for law enforcement agencies
The Bossier Parish District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records according to the District Attorneys' Records Retention Schedule
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court follows the Judicial Records Retention Schedule

The comprehensive records retention schedules for Louisiana public agencies, including those in Bossier County, are available through the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program.

Records retention serves several important purposes, including preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings, maintaining historical documentation of law enforcement activities, and ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system.

How to Find Mugshots in Bossier County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee. In Bossier County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Bossier County are primarily maintained by the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office as part of their arrest records. These photographs are stored in both physical and digital formats within the agency's records management system. As official public records, mugshots fall under the governance of Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41, which establishes the framework for public records access.

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Bossier County have several options:

Direct Request to Sheriff's Office: Submit a formal public records request to:

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2203
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office

Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Clerk of Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, mugshots may be included in court files accessible through:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

Can They Be Found Online

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that includes limited booking information, but this system does not consistently display mugshots for all arrestees. Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites may:

Contain outdated or inaccurate information
Charge fees for removal of images
Not reflect expunged or sealed records
Violate individual privacy rights

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots, requestors should:

Submit a written request specifying the exact records sought
Provide identification
Pay applicable fees (typically $5-25 per photograph)
Allow processing time (usually 3-10 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrestee records are generally confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412
Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order
Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
Cases involving certain protected categories of victims
Arrests that did not result in formal charges or conviction (in some circumstances)

Louisiana law does not specifically prohibit the publication of mugshots by media outlets or websites, though recent legislation has addressed the practice of commercial websites charging fees for mugshot removal.