About Beauregard Parish
Beauregard Parish, Louisiana (not 'Parish' - Louisiana uses the parish system) is located in the southwestern region of the state, bordering Texas to the west. The parish was established in 1912 and named after Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard. DeRidder serves as the parish seat and largest parish. Beauregard Parish encompasses approximately 1,166 square miles and has a population of roughly 36,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The parish is characterized by rolling pine forests, part of the Kisatchie National Forest, and is home to Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), a major U.S. Army installation that significantly shapes the local economy and demographics. The parish government operates from the Beauregard Parish Courthouse at 201 West First Street in DeRidder.
Key agencies include the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court, the Beauregard Parish Assessor's Office located at 201 W. First Street, Suite 100, and the Beauregard Parish Police Jury (Louisiana's equivalent to parish commission). The parish features the Bundick Lake and Corney Lake areas popular for recreation, and major highways include US Highway 171 and Louisiana Highway 27.
The timber industry has historically been vital to the region, along with military-related economic activity. Beauregard Parish represents a unique blend of rural Southern culture, military presence, and natural resource-based economy typical of western Louisiana's piney woods region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the parish. The office manages the parish jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and offers various programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notably, the office has divisions that focus on narcotics enforcement and school resource officer programs, enhancing safety in local schools and communities.
Police Departments
In addition to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the parish is supported by municipal police departments, including the DeRidder Police Department and the Merryville Police Department. The DeRidder Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of DeRidder, focusing on urban crime and community policing. The Merryville Police Department serves the town of Merryville, addressing local law enforcement needs.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office, located at 104 West Port Street, DeRidder, LA 70634, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the parish. Sheriff Mark Herford leads the department, which can be reached at (337) 463-3281. The Sheriff's Office website (www.bpso.org) provides information on services, including jail inmate searches.
- 44:1 et seq.), which mandates government agencies provide access to public documents upon request unless specifically exempted.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office, though processing fees may apply.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online inmate search system and may also be requested in person at the detention center.
- For arrest warrants and criminal history background checks, requesters must follow procedures outlined by the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
The Beauregard Parish Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, with an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's Office website where citizens can search by name to find current custody status, booking date, charges, and bond information. Municipal law enforcement includes the DeRidder Police Department serving the parish seat. Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under Louisiana Public Records Law (La.
R.S. The Louisiana State Police Troop D also maintains jurisdiction for state highway patrol and criminal investigations throughout Beauregard Parish. Sex offender registry information for Beauregard Parish residents is available through the Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry website.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Beauregard Parish includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for maintaining these records, while the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the state bureau, which offers a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Beauregard Parish are maintained by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Beauregard Parish Jail, also known as the Beauregard Parish Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in the parish are held. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
- The bond and bail process follows Louisiana state law, allowing for the release of inmates upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Beauregard Parish are taken and retained by the Beauregard 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 request. While some third-party websites may also host these images, the official source remains the Sheriff's Office. Louisiana does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, although individuals can petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Beauregard Parish judicial proceedings are handled primarily by the 36th Judicial District Court, located at the Beauregard Parish Courthouse, 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634. The District Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $10,000, criminal felony cases, family law matters including divorce and custody, successions (probate), and juvenile cases. Contact the court at (337) 463-8595. The Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court maintains all court records and serves as the official recorder of judgments, mortgages, conveyances, and vital statistics for the parish.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- The Clerk's office has limited online access compared to some Louisiana parishes, with most records requiring in-person or mail requests.
Court records are public under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253 and Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1), though certain records involving juveniles and sealed cases are restricted.
Case searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk of Court's office during business hours, with staff assistance available. For minor traffic violations and city ordinance violations in DeRidder, the DeRidder City Court (Mayor's Court) handles misdemeanor criminal cases and municipal violations. Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13 governs court operations and public access to judicial records throughout the state, establishing that court proceedings are generally open to the public except where confidentiality is statutorily mandated.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Beauregard Parish are maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court, which serves as the official Recorder of Conveyances and Mortgages. The office is located at 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634, phone (337) 463-8595. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, acts of sale, mortgages, mortgage cancellations, liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way documents, mineral rights transfers, and subdivision plats.
- Currently, Beauregard Parish does not offer comprehensive free online access to digitized land records, requiring most researchers to visit the courthouse in person or submit written requests by mail.
- A basic property search may be available on the Assessor's website (www.beauregardassessor.com), allowing taxpayers to look up assessments by owner name or property address.
- Certified copies of recorded documents from the Clerk of Court cost $2.00 per page plus applicable certification fees.
Louisiana operates under a civil law system derived from the Napoleonic Code, making conveyance indexing and recording procedures somewhat different from common law states. The Clerk of Court's conveyance records date back to the parish's 1912 establishment. Property tax assessment information is handled separately by the Beauregard Parish Assessor's Office at 201 W.
First Street, Suite 100, DeRidder, LA 70634, phone (337) 463-8496. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership data, homestead exemption records, and millage information. Tax sale information and delinquent property listings are published annually according to Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 47.
The parish does not currently offer an advanced GIS parcel viewer, though basic mapping functions may be available through the Assessor's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Beauregard Parish are maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court at 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634, phone (337) 463-8595. The Clerk serves as the local registrar for births and deaths occurring within the parish. Birth certificates are available for births recorded in Beauregard Parish; certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as required by Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:32.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal representatives, and immediate family members.
- Death certificates follow similar pricing ($15.00 for first copy, $7.00 for additional copies) and eligibility requirements.
- Processing time for in-person requests at the Clerk's office is typically immediate if records are readily available; mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $27.50, and there is no waiting period in Louisiana.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $5.00.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records (final judgments of divorce) are also maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of court records. For vital records older than 100 years or when local access is unavailable, the Louisiana State Registrar of Vital Records in New Orleans (Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry, P.O.
Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160) serves as the central repository. Online ordering of Louisiana vital records is available through VitalChek at an additional service fee. All vital records requests must comply with Louisiana R.S.
40:31-40:39 governing confidentiality and authorized access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Beauregard Parish are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type. For fictitious name registrations (trade names/DBAs), businesses operating in Beauregard Parish file with the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court at 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634. The filing fee for a trade name certificate is approximately $25.00, and these records are public and searchable at the Clerk's office.
- For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), businesses must register with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Corporations Division, in Baton Rouge.
- This database includes entity status, registered agent information, formation date, and annual report compliance status.
- Sales tax permits and registration are handled by the Louisiana Department of Revenue, requiring businesses to register for state sales tax collection.
The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sos.la.gov where anyone can look up registered corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other entities doing business in Louisiana. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various state boards (Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, etc.) depending on the profession. Local business licenses and occupational licenses for operating within municipal limits are issued by individual municipalities - the City of DeRidder requires business licenses for operations within city limits, administered by DeRidder City Hall.
Building permits, construction permits, electrical permits, and plumbing permits are issued by the Beauregard Parish Building and Planning Department for unincorporated areas and by municipal building departments within city limits. Zoning information and land use permits are available through the Beauregard Parish Planning Commission. The Beauregard Parish Chamber of Commerce, located in DeRidder (www.beauregardchamber.org), provides business assistance and maintains directories of local businesses, though this is not an official government record source.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Beauregard Parish are administered by the Beauregard Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 202 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634, phone (337) 463-8583. The Registrar's office handles voter registration, maintains voter rolls, provides polling place information, and processes absentee ballot applications for all parish residents.
- To register to vote in Louisiana, applicants must be U.S.
- citizens, at least 17 years old (16 to pre-register, 17 to vote in primary if 18 by general election), Louisiana residents, and not currently under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction.
- In the November 2024 general election, Beauregard Parish voter turnout was approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with rural Louisiana parish participation in presidential elections.
- Citizens may request to observe election proceedings and review public election documents through the Registrar's office.
Louisiana offers online voter registration through the Louisiana Secretary of State's GeauxVote system at www.GeauxVote.com, where eligible citizens can register, update their registration, check registration status, and find polling locations. The voter registration deadline is 30 days prior to any election (20 days for online registration). Beauregard Parish voters can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the GeauxVote website and entering their address, or by contacting the Registrar's office directly.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under La. R.S. 18:154), official election results by precinct, candidate qualifying information, and campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Ethics Administration Program.
Precinct-level election results for Beauregard Parish are published by the Louisiana Secretary of State following certification. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Louisiana's 4th Congressional District includes Beauregard Parish), potential U.S.
Senate races depending on the cycle, and various Louisiana state offices. Absentee voting by mail in Louisiana requires specific qualifying reasons including being away from the parish on Election Day, having a disability, being age 65 or older, or being hospitalized. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Beauregard Parish Registrar of Voters, with deadlines typically falling 4-5 days before the election.
Early voting in Louisiana is available at designated locations during the 14-7 day period before elections (two weeks ending the week before Election Day). Louisiana election records are governed by Louisiana Election Code (Title 18 of Louisiana Revised Statutes), which mandates transparency in election administration while protecting individual ballot secrecy.
Economy & Demographics
Beauregard Parish's economy is substantially influenced by Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), which serves as one of the largest employers in western Louisiana with thousands of military personnel, civilian contractors, and support staff. The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Johnson generates significant economic activity through military family spending, contracts, and related services.
- The timber and forest products industry remains historically important, with commercial forestry operations, sawmills, and wood processing facilities operating throughout the parish's extensive pine forests.
- The parish's proximity to Texas provides additional employment opportunities for residents willing to commute.
- Tourism related to Kisatchie National Forest recreation and hunting provides seasonal economic activity.
Median household income in Beauregard Parish is estimated at approximately $48,000 to $52,000, somewhat below Louisiana's state median, reflecting the mix of military, service sector, and resource extraction employment. Major economic sectors include military and defense, forestry and timber, healthcare services, retail trade, and education. Healthcare providers including Beauregard Health System (part of Allegiance Health Management) employ significant numbers of parish residents.
Retail and service sectors concentrated in DeRidder serve both local residents and the Fort Johnson military community. Agricultural operations include cattle ranching and some row crop production, though farming is less dominant than forestry. Recent economic development efforts have focused on diversifying beyond military dependency, particularly given periodic concerns about base realignment.
The Beauregard Parish Economic Development Authority works to attract new industries and support business expansion. Unemployment rates in Beauregard Parish typically track close to Louisiana state averages, with periodic fluctuations based on military deployment cycles and timber market conditions. Small business development, particularly service businesses catering to military families, represents an ongoing economic component.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Assessor Only | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Search | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Business: ✅ State Online (Local In-Person) | Elections: ✅ State Portal Available | Overall Score: 5/10 — Beauregard Parish maintains traditional in-person access for most records with limited digital services; jail and state-level systems offer best online access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Beauregard Parish
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Beauregard Parish.