Bossier City Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Bossier City, Louisiana government websites.

About Bossier City

Bossier City, Louisiana, is governed by the Bossier City Council, which consists of 8 elected members. Each council member serves a term of 4 years and is elected from one of the city's designated districts. The council is responsible for enacting local laws, approving budgets, and overseeing city operations. For the fiscal year 2023, Bossier City's approximate annual operating budget is $45 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Bossier City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Bossier City Council Chambers, located at 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the parish. The Bossier City Police Department serves the largest city in the parish, handling law enforcement within city limits and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. Other city departments include the Haughton Police Department and the Plain Dealing Police Department, each responsible for maintaining peace and safety in their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on investigations and share resources to effectively address crime across the parish.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility is the primary detention center for the parish. The booking process at this facility involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, followed by an initial court appearance to determine bail. Inmate information can be accessed through the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office website, which provides an inmate lookup tool for the public. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling, with guidelines available on the Sheriff's Office website.

Court Records

Bossier Parish is served by the 26th Judicial District Court, located in Benton. This court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and family law cases within the parish. The court handles a wide range of legal matters, from felony trials to divorce proceedings. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Clerk of Court's office, which provides public access to these documents. The office may offer online portals for easier access to court records, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the judicial process.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Bossier Parish encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, which provides statewide criminal history reports.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Bossier Parish are maintained by the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office. These records contain 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 their official website. The records are subject to the Louisiana Public Records Act, which governs the accessibility of public documents. An arrest record in Bossier Parish typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Public Records Access

Public records in Bossier Parish are accessible under the Louisiana Public Records Act, which promotes transparency in government. The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court is the primary office for accessing public records, including marriage licenses, property deeds, and court documents. The Clerk's office may provide online access to certain records, facilitating easier retrieval for residents. Typical turnaround times for records requests can vary, but the office strives to process requests efficiently to maintain public trust and accountability.

Economy & Demographics

Bossier Parish's economy is diverse, with key industries including defense, technology, and gaming. Barksdale Air Force Base, located in Bossier City, is a major employer and contributes significantly to the local economy through defense-related activities. The parish also benefits from the presence of the Cyber Innovation Center, which fosters technological development and innovation. Additionally, the gaming industry, with several casinos in Bossier City, attracts tourism and provides numerous jobs, distinguishing Bossier Parish's economic landscape from neighboring regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Bossier Parish Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Bossier Parish Parish Court. Under Louisiana law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Louisiana State Police. The Bossier County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.la.gov/pages/offender-search/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Bossier Parish School District serves the city of Bossier City, Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the district had an overall performance score of 86.7 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and college and career readiness.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana in 2019 was 4,845. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 3,000 property crimes.
The Bossier City Public Library in Bossier County, Louisiana provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Louisiana government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1), which governs access to government documents in Louisiana. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Bossier City Louisiana Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/Pages/default.aspx. Contact the Bossier City Public Library reference desk at (318) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana Library is located at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City, LA 71111.
Fingerprinting services for Bossier City, Louisiana residents are provided at the Bossier City Police Department, which serves Bossier County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Bossier City Police Department at (318) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Louisiana State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Louisiana State Police at https://lcle.la.gov/programs/uploads.asp?div=5.
In order to obtain vital records from Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, you must contact the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court is responsible for maintaining all vital records for the parish, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. In order to obtain a copy of a vital record, you must submit a written request to the Clerk of Court. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the type of record being requested. You must also include a copy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee.