Mathews Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Mathews, Louisiana government websites.
About Mathews City Government
Annual Budget
$1.5 million
The governing body of Mathews, Louisiana, is the Mathews Parish Council, which consists of 7 elected members. Each council member serves a term of 4 years, with elections held in even-numbered years. The council members are elected from single-member districts, ensuring representation from various areas within the community.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Mathews government is $1.5 million. This budget supports 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 Mathews Community Center, located at 1001 LA-311, Mathews, LA 70375. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to stay informed about local governance and participate in community discussions.
About Mathews, Louisiana
Mathews, Louisiana, is an unincorporated community located in Lafourche Parish. As of the 2020 Census, the population of Mathews is approximately 2,500 residents. This small community is situated along the banks of the Lafourche River, contributing to its rich cultural and historical significance in the region.
Key landmarks in Mathews include the St. Joseph Catholic Church, a notable site for local worship and community gatherings, and the nearby Bayou Lafourche, which plays a vital role in the area's fishing and recreational activities. The community is also home to the Mathews Elementary School, which serves as an educational hub for local children.
Historically, Mathews has been influenced by the sugarcane industry, which has shaped its economy and community structure. The area was once a thriving center for sugar production, reflecting the agricultural roots that continue to define the region today. The local economy remains tied to agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related activities.
About Mathews
The governing body of Mathews, Louisiana, is the Mathews Parish Council, which consists of 7 elected members. Each council member serves a term of 4 years, with elections held in even-numbered years. The council members are elected from single-member districts, ensuring representation from various areas within the community. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Mathews government is $1.5 million. This budget supports 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 Mathews Community Center, located at 1001 LA-311, Mathews, LA 70375. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to stay informed about local governance and participate in community discussions.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Mathews, Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the parish. These include the Thibodaux Police Department, Lockport Police Department, and Golden Meadow Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its city limits, while the sheriff's office handles unincorporated areas. Coordination between these agencies ensures comprehensive coverage and effective response to major crimes.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, located in Thibodaux, is the main detention facility for the parish. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office website, which provides an online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to dress codes. Bail can be posted through cash, bond, or property, following Louisiana's bail procedures.
Court Records
The 17th Judicial District Court serves Lafourche Parish, located in Thibodaux. This court handles a wide 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 both in-person and online services for public convenience.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lafourche Parish includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the sheriff's office or the state's online portal, which offers comprehensive access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lafourche Parish are maintained by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these 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 booking information. The Louisiana Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access.
Public Records Access
Public records in Lafourche Parish are accessible under the Louisiana Public Records Act. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court's office is the primary custodian of these records, offering access to property records, marriage licenses, and court documents. The office provides an online portal for quick access to certain records, while more detailed requests may require in-person visits or written applications.
Economy & Demographics
Lafourche Parish's economy is heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry, with many residents employed in offshore drilling and related services. The parish also benefits from agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming, and a growing tourism sector that capitalizes on its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The presence of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux contributes to the local economy by providing educational opportunities and supporting local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Mathews, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Lafourche 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 Lafourche County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Lafourche County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana?
The Mathews area is served by public school districts in Lafourche 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.
3 What are the crime statistics for Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana?
Crime statistics for Mathews, 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 Mathews Police Department on their official website. The Louisiana Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana Library?
The Mathews 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.
5 Where is the Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana Public Library located?
The Mathews Public Library main branch is located in Mathews, Louisiana. Check the Mathews city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana?
Fingerprinting services in Mathews, Louisiana are available through the Mathews 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 Lafourche County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Mathews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Mathews, 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 Lafourche 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.
8 About Police Reports
Police reports from Mathews, Louisiana can be obtained from the Mathews Police Department or the Lafourche 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.
9 About background check
A background check in Mathews, Lafourche 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.