Deridder Public Records Directory

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

  About Deridder City Government
Annual Budget $3.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of DeRidder, Louisiana, is the DeRidder City Council, which consists of five seats. Council members are elected by the residents of DeRidder to serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Misty Clanton, and council members Dwayne R. "D.J." Jones, John D. "Johnny" Hinton, Angela M. "Angie" McCoy, and John D. "J.D." Hinton.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of DeRidder is $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development.

The DeRidder City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the DeRidder City Hall, located at 200 South Jefferson Street, DeRidder, LA 70634. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Deridder, Louisiana

Nestled in the heart of Beauregard Parish, DeRidder stands out as a vibrant community with approximately 10,578 residents, according to recent Census data. This city, founded in the late 19th century, has cultivated a unique identity that reflects its southern charm and rich history. Major neighborhoods, including the historic downtown area and the family-friendly developments like the Oakdale Park subdivision, showcase a blend of cultural heritage and modern living. The local economy is supported by a mix of small businesses, agriculture, and manufacturing, with key employers such as the Fort Polk military installation and the plywood and lumber industry playing significant roles in the job market. What truly distinguishes DeRidder is its warm sense of community and commitment to preserving its history, evidenced by landmarks like the Beauregard Parish Courthouse and the numerous annual festivals that celebrate local culture.

The DeRidder Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city, dedicated to maintaining public safety and addressing crime in the area. Additionally, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement duties throughout the surrounding parish, operating the Beauregard Parish Jail, which facilitates the detention of individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins with the DeRidder Police Department’s records unit, where individuals can request documentation directly. If further assistance is needed, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office can also provide records pertaining to incidents handled by its officers. For more comprehensive criminal history, individuals may contact the Louisiana State Police's Bureau of Investigation, which maintains the state’s criminal records repository. In many instances, these requests can be made online, with the police department and sheriff's office providing access to digital portals for easier navigation through existing records.

The judicial system in DeRidder is served by the 36th Judicial District Court, where various legal matters, including civil and criminal cases, are adjudicated. Individuals seeking court records may do so through the court's online portal or by visiting the clerk's office in person. For vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requests can be made at the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court’s office or through the Louisiana Department of Health's vital records division. Property records are accessible through the parish assessor and recorder's office, both in-person and via their online platforms, allowing residents to stay informed about property ownership and taxation. Additionally, the Louisiana Public Records Law provides a framework for general public records requests, with responses typically issued within 5 to 10 business days. This proactive approach to transparency ensures that residents and interested parties can access a wide range of public documents, supporting civic engagement and accountability within the community.

  Deridder, Louisiana Public Records & Government Resources

About Deridder

The governing body of DeRidder, Louisiana, is the DeRidder City Council, which consists of five seats. Council members are elected by the residents of DeRidder to serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Misty Clanton, and council members Dwayne R. "D.J." Jones, John D. "Johnny" Hinton, Angela M. "Angie" McCoy, and John D. "J.D." Hinton. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of DeRidder is $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development.
The DeRidder City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the DeRidder City Hall, located at 200 South Jefferson Street, DeRidder, LA 70634. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

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.

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.

Court Records

The 36th Judicial District Court serves Beauregard Parish, located in DeRidder. This court handles a range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. 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 court's jurisdiction covers all legal matters within the parish, ensuring justice and legal proceedings are conducted in accordance with state and local laws.

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. Louisiana's public records law, known as the Louisiana Public Records Act, governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to information.

Public Records Access

Public records in Beauregard Parish are accessible under the Louisiana Public Records Act. The Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court is the primary office for accessing court records, land records, and marriage licenses. The office provides both in-person services and online portals for convenient access to records. Typical turnaround times for records requests vary, but the office strives to fulfill requests promptly. The Clerk of Court's office is a vital resource for residents seeking official documents and records.

Economy & Demographics

The economy of Beauregard Parish is heavily influenced by the timber and forestry industries, given its vast pine forests. The parish is home to several sawmills and wood processing facilities, which are major employers in the region. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with cattle farming and crop production contributing to the local economy. The presence of Fort Polk, a nearby military installation, provides additional economic support through employment and business opportunities related to defense and military services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of DeRidder, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Beauregard 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 Beauregard 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 Beauregard 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 school district for Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana is the Beauregard Parish School District. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the district's overall performance score for the 2018-2019 school year was a C.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the crime rate in Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana in 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,109.9 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes reported in Deridder were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The DeRidder Public Library in Beauregard 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 DeRidder Louisiana Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/Pages/default.aspx. Contact the DeRidder Public Library reference desk at (337) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana Library is located at 205 South Pine Street, Deridder, LA 70634.
Fingerprinting services for DeRidder, Louisiana residents are provided at the DeRidder Police Department, which serves Beauregard 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 DeRidder Police Department at (337) 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 Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, you will need to contact the Beauregard 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.

To obtain a copy of a vital record, you will need to submit a written request to the Clerk of Court. The request should include the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, the date of the event, and the type of record you are requesting. You will also need to include a copy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
  Nearby Cities in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Dry Creek Longville Merryville Ragley Singer Sugartown