To find inmate records in Tensas County, Louisiana, you can use both online and offline methods. Online, start by visiting the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office official website, as local law enforcement agencies sometimes provide inmate rosters, booking information, or search tools. If such a resource is unavailable or incomplete online, you can also check Louisiana’s Department of Public Safety & Corrections website, which offers statewide offender searches that may include inmates housed in Tensas Parish facilities. For offline requests, you can contact or visit the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office in person at 8606 US-65, St. Joseph, LA 71366, or call their office at (318) 766-3961 to ask about procedures for accessing inmate records, visitation, or jail information. Additionally, the Tensas Parish Clerk of Court, located in the Tensas Parish Courthouse in St. Joseph, may hold court records related to criminal cases and incarcerations. Always have relevant details (such as full name and date of birth) ready to assist in the search process.

How to Find an Inmate in Tensas County, LA

Inmate records in Tensas County, LA can be accessed online through different search tools, depending on whether the individual is held at the local jail, a state prison, or is in federal custody. Use the table below to determine the correct resource for your search.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Tensas Parish Jail / Sheriff's OfficeCurrent local jail inmatesCall (318) 766-3961 or visit 203 Hancock St, St Joseph, LA 71366Local detainee info by phone or in person; no dedicated online roster.
Louisiana DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmates (all parishes)doc.louisiana.gov/offender-locatorSearch by name or DOC number for those sentenced to Louisiana state prisons.
VINE Inmate SearchCounty & state custody statusvine.linkVictim notification, custody status, and location; requires registration for alerts.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmates (nationwide)bop.gov/inmateloc/Louisiana has no federal prison; federal offenders often sent to federal facilities in neighboring states.
In-Person Records RequestJail or sheriff recordsVisit Tensas Parish Sheriff at 203 Hancock St or call (318) 766-3961Bring valid ID; fees may apply. Useful for records not found online.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Tensas County

Upon arrest in Tensas County, individuals are transported to the county jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are then assigned to housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4–8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving Under Influence, License ViolationsCommon1–3 days or until bond is posted
Drug OffensesPossession of Marijuana, Controlled SubstancesCommon2–7 days or until bond is posted
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Battery, Domestic AbuseOccasional3–10 days or until court hearing/bond
Property CrimesTheft, Burglary, VandalismCommon2–14 days or until bond/court appearance
Failure to AppearMissed Court DatesOccasionalUntil court date or bond is satisfied
Outstanding WarrantsBench Warrants, Probation ViolationsCommonUntil warrant is cleared or transferred to requesting agency
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated Assault, Serious Drug ChargesOccasionalHeld until trial/bond; sentenced offenders sent to state facility

Visitation Rules at Tensas County Jail

Before visiting Tensas County Jail, always verify the latest visitation rules directly with the facility and confirm you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
TuesdayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
WednesdayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
ThursdayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
FridayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
SaturdayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule
SundayConfirm with facilityIn-personCall ahead for schedule

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid, government-issued photo identification required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest and non-revealing attire mandated; clothing that resembles jail uniforms is prohibited.
Prohibited ItemsNo weapons, electronics, bags, or personal belongings allowed inside the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessProspective visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitation list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsSpecial arrangements permitted; must coordinate directly with jail staff.

How to Contact an Inmate at Tensas County Jail

Inmates at Tensas County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring for safety and security purposes.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Tensas County Jail
8602 US-65, St Joseph, LA 71366

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outbound calls via [Provider] phones.Friends and family set up prepaid accounts.Calls may be monitored/recorded; no inbound calls.
Physical MailLetters are delivered to inmates at the facility.Address mail using the format above.All mail is inspected; no contraband or prohibited items.
Digital MessagingSend/receive messages through [Provider] platform.Create an account on [Provider]'s website.Messages are screened; restricted content prohibited.
Video CallsSchedule remote video visits via [Provider].Register and schedule on [Provider]'s system.Visits are monitored; must follow facility guidelines.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Tensas County

The Louisiana Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, determining eligibility and conditions for release. Individuals returning to Tensas County can access reentry support through state and community-based programs aimed at housing, employment, supervision, and victim notification.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Louisiana Board of ParoleReviews and grants parole for eligible offenders under state jurisdiction.State-sentenced offendershttps://doc.louisiana.gov/parole-board/
(225) 342-6600
Good Time / Sentence ReductionOpportunity for eligible inmates to earn diminished sentences through program participation.Eligible incarcerated personshttps://doc.louisiana.gov/offender-programs/
Parole SupervisionParole officer supervision for released individuals; nearest office serves Tensas County.Parolees in Tensas CountyMonroe District Office (serving Tensas):
(318) 362-3228
Reentry HousingTransitional housing programs for returning citizens, including state and local partners.Recently released offenders211 Louisiana
https://www.louisiana211.org
Employment AssistanceJob placement and training through LA Workforce Commission and local offices.Returning citizenshttps://www.laworks.net
(225) 342-3111
Benefits RestorationHelp with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release.Formerly incarcerated personsLA Reentry Initiative: https://lareentry.org
VINE Victim NotificationAutomated system notifying victims of inmate status changes.Crime victimshttps://www.vinelink.com
(866) 277-7477

Tensas Incarceration Statistics

Tensas Parish, a rural area in northeast Louisiana, has a low population and correspondingly low overall crime rates compared to more urbanized counties in the state. The parish does not have a dedicated jail facility; inmates from Tensas are housed at regional or neighboring parish facilities.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)11 (statewide)541 (statewide)17% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Assault7 (statewide)345 (statewide)11% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Robbery2 (statewide)82 (statewide)3% (statewide)→ Stable
— Homicide2 (statewide)13 (statewide)3% (statewide)↑ Increasing
Property Crime (total)53 (statewide)2,394 (statewide)80% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny38 (statewide)1,504 (statewide)57% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary11 (statewide)700 (statewide)17% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft4 (statewide)190 (statewide)6% (statewide)→ Stable
Drug Offenses8 (statewide)336 (statewide)12% (statewide)↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic3 (statewide)112 (statewide)5% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence2 (statewide)54 (statewide)2% (statewide)↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender94% Male, 6% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24: 11%, 25-34: 27%, 35-44: 29%, 45+: 33%Statewide average used
Race / Ethnicity62% Black, 36% White, 2% OtherStatewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug offenses, property crimes, assaultStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length7.4 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate42%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Tensas County?

As of the latest estimates, Tensas County holds approximately 42 individuals in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms are typically transferred to a state facility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)2559%$5583%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)717%$5570%
Transferred to State Facility614%N/AN/A
Federal Holds410%$5850%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total42100%

Tensas County Facility Directory

Tensas County has no standalone correctional facilities; local detainees are typically housed at a nearby regional state facility. The primary regional facility serving Tensas County is listed below.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Riverbend Detention CenterRegional FacilityLake Providence, Louisiana602~500Medium

Tensas County Prisons and Jails

2 Jails Found
J.b. Evans Correctional Center
500 Routh Street, Newellton, LA, 71357
318-467-3355
318-467-5572
Tensas Parish Detention Center
8606 Highway 65, Waterproof, LA, 71375
318-749-5810
318-749-5811