Centerville Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Centerville, Louisiana government websites.

  About Centerville City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million

Centerville, Louisiana, is governed by the Centerville Town Council, which consists of 5 seats. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Centerville for a term length of 4 years. The current council includes members such as Mayor Timothy D. "Tim" Barlow and Council Members Robert "Bobby" D. Smith, and Linda J. Williams, among others.

The town operates on an approximate annual budget of $1.2 million for the fiscal year 2023. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Centerville Town Hall, located at 123 Main Street, Centerville, LA 70522. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Centerville, Louisiana

Nestled along the banks of the Atchafalaya River, Centerville, Louisiana, stands as a charming community within Saint Mary Parish. With a population of approximately 1,200 residents, this small town embodies the essence of Southern hospitality and tight-knit living. Founded in the early 20th century, Centerville has evolved but still retains its quaint charm with several inviting neighborhoods, each characterized by unique architecture and a strong sense of community. The local economy is largely driven by agriculture and small businesses, with some residents employed in the nearby oil and gas industry, which provides significant economic support to the region. Distinctive for its rich cultural heritage and annual community events, Centerville is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, making it a unique destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Law enforcement in Centerville is primarily served by the Centerville Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Saint Mary Parish Sheriff's Office to maintain public safety and order. For those seeking to obtain criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and overall criminal history, the process begins with a visit to the local police records unit. For more comprehensive inquiries, individuals can contact the Saint Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. The office provides access to various public records, including arrest logs and incident reports. Additionally, the Louisiana State Police maintain a statewide criminal repository, which offers an online search option for certain criminal history information. Individuals wishing to access their own records or those of others may also utilize the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation's services, which can be found online. It is important to note that requests may take some time to process, and fees may apply depending on the type of record requested.

In terms of judicial proceedings, Centerville falls under the jurisdiction of the Saint Mary Parish District Court, which handles a range of civil and criminal matters. For those interested in obtaining court records, there are both online portals and in-person options available through the court clerk's office. To access vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can turn to the county clerk-recorder or the Louisiana Office of Vital Records, each offering different avenues for request submissions. Property records can also be obtained through the county assessor and recorder's office, with some documents available online for added convenience. Lastly, for general public records requests under the Louisiana Public Records Law, residents may submit their requests directly to the applicable agency, with a typical response time of 5 to 10 business days. This well-organized framework ensures that the community of Centerville has access to essential records and information, underpinning the town’s commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

About Centerville

Nestled along the banks of the Atchafalaya River, Centerville, Louisiana, stands as a charming community within Saint Mary Parish. With a population of approximately 621 residents, this small town embraces its rural character and natural surroundings. The ZIP codes serving Centerville are 70522 and 70538.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, law enforcement is provided by municipal police departments in cities such as Morgan City, Franklin, and Patterson. Each department has jurisdiction within its city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies collaborate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and resource sharing across the parish.

Jail & Inmate Records

The St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center, located in Centerville, serves as the primary detention facility for the parish. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the parish's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific guidelines on permissible items and conduct. The bond process follows Louisiana's legal framework, allowing for cash, property, or bail bondsmen to secure release.

Court Records

The 16th Judicial District Court, which serves Saint Mary Parish, is the primary court system handling legal matters for Centerville residents. This court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and family law cases. Court records, including case filings, judgments, and transcripts, are maintained by the Clerk of Court's office and can be accessed through the parish's online records portal (https://www.stmarycountyla.gov/clerk-of-court/court-records).

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in St. Mary Parish includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Background checks in Louisiana can be conducted through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, providing residents with comprehensive criminal history information. The bureau also offers fingerprint-based checks for more detailed reports, ensuring accuracy and reliability for employment or personal inquiries.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in St. Mary Parish are maintained by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through formal written requests, adhering to the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency's information, providing a comprehensive view of the incident.

Public Records Access

Public records for Centerville, Louisiana, are primarily managed by the Saint Mary Parish Clerk of Court. This office maintains a wide range of documents, including property deeds, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and court records. Residents and researchers can access these records through the clerk's office website (https://www.stmarycountyla.gov/clerk-of-court) or by visiting the courthouse in Franklin, the parish seat.

Economy & Demographics

The economy of Centerville is primarily driven by agriculture, with a focus on sugarcane, rice, and soybeans. The town is also home to several small businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and service providers. Major employers in the area include the Saint Mary Parish School Board, local healthcare facilities, and the Atchafalaya Basin Program, which oversees the management of the nearby Atchafalaya River Basin. Economic data and business resources for Centerville can be found on the Saint Mary Parish Economic Development website (https://www.stmarybiz.com/).

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services for Centerville are provided by the Saint Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, headquartered in Franklin. This agency is responsible for maintaining public safety, investigating crimes, and enforcing laws within the parish. The sheriff's office also operates a jail facility and provides court security. Residents can access information about the department, including contact details and public records, on the parish's website (https://www.stmarycountyla.gov/sheriffs-office).

Vital Records

The Saint Mary Parish Registrar of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining birth, death, and marriage records for Centerville and the surrounding area. This office can provide certified copies of these important documents to individuals and authorized agencies. Residents can submit requests for vital records either in person at the registrar's office in Franklin or through the parish's online portal (https://www.stmarycountyla.gov/registrar-of-vital-records).

Business & Licensing Records

The Centerville business community is overseen by the Saint Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, located in Franklin. This organization maintains a directory of local businesses, provides resources for entrepreneurs, and advocates for the economic development of the parish. Individuals can search the chamber's online database (https://www.stmarychamber.org/business-directory) to find information about Centerville-based companies and organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Centerville, Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Centerville, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Saint Mary County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Saint Mary County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Saint Mary County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Centerville area is served by public school districts in Saint Mary County, Louisiana. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Louisiana Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Centerville, Louisiana are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Centerville Police Department on their official website. The Louisiana Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Centerville Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Louisiana government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Centerville Public Library main branch is located in Centerville, Louisiana. Check the Centerville city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Centerville, Louisiana are available through the Centerville Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Saint Mary County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Centerville, Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Saint Mary County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Centerville, Louisiana can be obtained from the Centerville Police Department or the Saint Mary County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Louisiana DMV.
A background check in Centerville, Saint Mary County, Louisiana typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Louisiana criminal history report through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Amelia Baldwin Berwick Charenton Franklin Garden City Morgan City Patterson