About Acadia Parish

Established 1886
Population 57,218 residents
Parish Seat Crowley
Area 657 square miles

Acadia Parish, Louisiana (often referred to as Acadia Parish by those unfamiliar with Louisiana's parish system) is located in the southwestern region of the state, part of the Acadiana cultural region. Established in 1886 from portions of St. Landry Parish, Acadia Parish includes approximately 657 square miles and is home to roughly 62,000 residents as of recent census estimates. The parish seat is Crowley, known as the 'Rice Capital of America,' reflecting Acadia Parish's deep agricultural heritage. Other major municipalities include Rayne, Church Point, Iota, and Mermentau. The Acadia Parish Courthouse, located at 500 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley, houses the Clerk of Court's office, which maintains official parish records. The Acadia Parish Assessor's Office, situated at 1006 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley, handles property assessments and tax rolls. Acadia Parish is characterized by flat, fertile prairie land ideal for rice cultivation, crawfish farming, and cattle ranching. The parish celebrates its Cajun heritage through numerous festivals, including the International Rice Festival in Crowley and the Frog Festival in Rayne. Interstate 10 crosses the southern portion of the parish, providing vital transportation infrastructure. Acadia Parish's culture reflects a unique blend of French Acadian (Cajun), Anglo-American, and African American influences, with French still spoken in some communities. The parish economy remains closely tied to agriculture, particularly rice and crawfish production, alongside oil and gas exploration activities.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within the parish. This office patrols unincorporated areas, manages the Acadia Parish Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to transparency and community engagement, often hosting events to foster better relationships with residents.

Police Departments

In addition to the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the parish, including the Crowley Police Department, Rayne Police Department, and Church Point Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1111 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley, Louisiana, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides parish-wide services including operating the Acadia Parish Jail. Inmates housed at the Acadia Parish Jail can be located through the Sheriff's Office detention center, which maintains current booking and housing information.

  • Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.

Citizens may call the jail directly or visit in person during business hours to obtain inmate information including booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Crowley Police Department (serving the parish seat), Rayne Police Department, Church Point Police Department, and Iota Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits. Arrest records in Acadia Parish are considered public records under Louisiana Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:1 et seq, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records with limited exceptions.

Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though policies on release may vary and some records may be restricted for ongoing investigations or juvenile matters. The parish does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Acadia Parish boundaries.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Acadia Parish includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks in Louisiana can be conducted through the Louisiana State Police, providing residents with full criminal history information. The system ensures that residents have access to necessary information for safety and employment purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Acadia Parish are maintained by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set by the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details. The process ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities within the parish.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Acadia Parish Detention Center, located in Crowley, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within the parish. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family and friends to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols.

  • The bond process in Louisiana allows for the release of detainees through cash, property, or bail bonds, and information on recent arrests can be obtained directly from the detention center.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Acadia Parish are taken and retained by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by direct request. While Louisiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record. The availability of mugshots online provides a tool for public awareness and safety, although privacy concerns are addressed through legal channels.

Courts & Case Records

Acadia Parish court operations are centered in Crowley at the Acadia Parish Courthouse, 500 North Parkerson Avenue. The 15th Judicial District Court serves Acadia Parish and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding small claims limits, family law including divorces and child custody, successions (probate), and appeals from lower courts.

  • The Clerk of Court's office provides in-person access to court records during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • While some Louisiana parishes offer online case lookup systems, Acadia Parish primarily requires in-person or written requests for court record searches.
  • Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $2.00 to $5.00 per page for certified copies, with search fees potentially applicable.
  • Requesters should provide case numbers, party names, and specific date ranges to help with efficient searches.

Acadia Parish Court can be reached through the Clerk of Court's office for Acadia Parish Clerk of Court maintains all court records, including civil suits, criminal proceedings, marriage licenses, mortgage records, conveyances, and official parish documents. Court records are accessible under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253 and Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S.

44:1 et seq.), which generally provide public access to court filings with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and specific confidential proceedings. City Courts operate in Crowley (Crowley City Court) and Rayne (Rayne City Court), handling misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters up to their jurisdictional limits. These courts maintain separate dockets and records.

Property & Public Records

Property and land records for Acadia Parish are maintained by the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court, which is the ex-officio Recorder of Conveyances and Mortgages. Located at 500 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, Louisiana 70526, the Clerk of Court's office can be contacted for The Conveyance Records Division maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, acts of sale, mortgages, mortgage cancellations, liens (tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens), easements, rights of way, mineral leases, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.

  • 44:1 et seq.) provides public access to these records.
  • Certified copies of recorded documents typically cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.

These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with some records dating back to the parish's 1886 establishment. Louisiana public records law (La. R.S.

The Clerk's office maintains land records in both physical ledgers and digital format, with ongoing digitization efforts. Property tax information is managed separately by the Acadia Parish Assessor's Office at 1006 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, Louisiana 70526, phone extension for assessor. The Assessor maintains property assessment rolls, ownership information, property descriptions, and assessed values.

Acadia Parish Tax Collector handles tax payments and delinquent tax records. While some Louisiana parishes offer strong online GIS mapping and property search systems, Acadia Parish's online access is limited, and most full property searches require in-person visits or written requests to the Clerk of Court or Assessor's office.

Vital Records

Vital records for Acadia Parish, Louisiana, including birth and death certificates, are primarily managed through the Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry, as Louisiana operates a centralized state vital records system. Birth certificates for births occurring in Crowley can be requested from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160, or in person at regional offices.

  • The state vital records office charges $15.00 for a certified birth certificate and $7.00 for a certified death certificate (verified copy), with additional fees for expedited processing.
  • Processing times typically range from 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at regional offices may be processed more quickly.
  • Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification and Social Security numbers, and pay the marriage license fee (typically $27.50, with a reduction available for those who complete premarital counseling).
  • Online ordering of Louisiana vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.

Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access under Louisiana Vital Records Law (La. R.S. 40:31-40:79), available only to qualified applicants including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.

Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo identification. Marriage licenses are issued by the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court at the courthouse in Crowley, 500 North Parkerson Avenue There is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony, and the license is valid for 30 days.

Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of court records.

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Acadia Parish are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Acadia Parish Clerk of Court records certain local business documents including Declarations of Business Names (DBAs) and fictitious name registrations at the courthouse, 500 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley. DBA filings typically cost approximately $25-50 and must be published in the official parish journal.

  • The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.la.gov where users can search for business entities by name, charter number, or registered agent.
  • This free online search provides information on business status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
  • The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce, located in Crowley, promotes local economic development and provides resources for businesses; contact information is available through local directories.
  • Permit fees vary based on project scope and type.

For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other registered entities, businesses must file with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division. Sales tax permits and collection accounts are managed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contractors, cosmetology, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than parish offices.

Local business operations licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities; the City of Crowley and other incorporated towns issue occupational licenses for businesses operating within city limits. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Acadia Parish Building and Planning Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Acadia Parish, Louisiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, you can contact the Acadia Parish Jail located at 1037 Capitol Avenue, Crowley, LA. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about current detainees. You may also call the jail directly at (337) 788-8740 for more information on recent arrests and inmate status.
Mugshots or booking photos in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, can be obtained from the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 1037 Capitol Avenue, Crowley, LA, and they may provide access to booking photos upon request. Some booking photos may be available through online portals associated with the Sheriff's Office website.
To obtain a criminal background check in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, you should contact the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. Locally, you can visit the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. Typically, you will need to submit fingerprints and pay a fee to receive the background check results.
You can look up sex offenders in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, by accessing the Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry. This online registry provides detailed information about registered sex offenders in the area. You can search by name, address, or proximity to specific locations within Acadia Parish.
Voter registration in Acadia Parish is handled by Acadia Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 1006 North Parkerson Avenue, Suite B, Crowley, phone (337) 788-8882. Louisiana residents can register online through the Louisiana Secretary of State's GeauxVote system at www.sos.la.gov/geauxvote, with online registration closing 20 days before an election (30 days for mail registration). You must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 17 years old, a resident of Louisiana and the parish where you register, and not under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction. Early voting locations and mail-in absentee ballot information for eligible voters are available through the Registrar's office.
Property records in Acadia Parish are maintained by Acadia Parish Clerk of Court (Recorder of Conveyances) at 500 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, phone (337) 788-8881, where you can access deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded land documents. Property tax assessment information is available through the Acadia Parish Assessor at 1006 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, which maintains ownership data, property descriptions, and assessed values. Online access to Acadia Parish property records is limited, and most searches require in-person visits to the Clerk of Court or Assessor's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Certified copies are available for fees typically starting at $2.00 per page.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Acadia Parish are obtained through the Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry, as Louisiana operates a centralized state vital records system. Certified copies cost $15.00 for birth certificates and $7.00 for death certificates, and can be requested by mail to P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160, in person at regional vital records offices, or online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com (with additional convenience fees). Processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks for mail requests, and applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative) for records less than 100 years old (birth) or 50 years old (death). Marriage licenses are issued by the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court in Crowley at (337) 788-8881.
Business records in Acadia Parish can be found through multiple sources depending on the type of registration. For formal business entities (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), search the Louisiana Secretary of State's free online database at www.sos.la.gov, which provides formation dates, registered agents, and business status. Local DBA (Doing Business As) filings and fictitious name registrations are recorded with the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court at 500 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, (337) 788-8881. Municipal business licenses for operations within city limits are issued by individual municipalities such as the City of Crowley, and occupational licenses may be required depending on the business type and location.

Cities & Towns in Acadia Parish

Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

Nearby Parishes