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Opelousas, Louisiana Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Opelousas, Louisiana.

Official Government Sources

Opelousas Public Records Directory

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

About Opelousas

The governing body of Opelousas, Louisiana, is the Opelousas City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Each council member is elected from one of the city's districts and serves a term of 4 years. The council is responsible for enacting local ordinances, approving the budget, and overseeing city operations.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Opelousas is $6.5 million. This budget covers various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Opelousas City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Opelousas City Hall, located at 105 East Landry Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Residents are e

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in St. Landry Parish is provided by both the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the parish. The Opelousas Police Department, Eunice Police Department, and other city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a unified response across the parish. Each department operates independently but collaborates with the Sheriff's Office for broader initiatives and investigations.

Jail & Inmate Records

The St. Landry Parish Detention Center is the primary facility for incarcerating individuals arrested within the parish. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal details of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond process follows Louisiana's legal framework, where bail can be posted through the court system or a bail bondsman.

Court Records

The 27th Judicial District Court serves St. Landry Parish, located in Opelousas. This court handles a variety of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be obtained through the Clerk of Court's office, which provides both in-person and online services for public convenience. The court plays a crucial role in the administration of justice within the parish, offering resources for legal proceedings and public inquiries.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in St. Landry Parish encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The state's background check system allows for access to public records, ensuring transparency and accountability in the criminal justice process.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in St. Landry Parish are maintained by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency's details.

Public Records Access

Public records in St. Landry Parish are accessible under the Louisiana Public Records Act. The Clerk of Court's office, located in Opelousas, is the primary custodian of court records, including civil and criminal case files. The office provides access to these records through both physical and digital means, with typical turnaround times varying based on the nature of the request. The parish also offers an online portal for certain records, streamlining the process for residents seeking information.

Economy & Demographics

St. Landry Parish's economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The parish is known for its agricultural production, particularly in crops such as rice and soybeans. Additionally, the presence of manufacturing facilities and small businesses contributes to the local economy. The parish's economic landscape is distinct from neighboring areas due to its emphasis on traditional industries and cultural tourism, drawing visitors to its historical sites and cultural events.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Opelousas, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Saint Landry 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 Saint Landry 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 Saint Landry 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.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
The school district for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana is the St. Landry Parish School District. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the district's performance score for the 2019-2020 school year was a 74.3, which is considered "Good" on the state's rating system.
3
What are the crime statistics for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Library?
The Opelousas Public Library in Saint Landry 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 Opelousas Louisiana Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/Pages/default.aspx. Contact the Opelousas Public Library reference desk at (337) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Public Library located?
The Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Library is located at 212 East Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
Fingerprinting services for Opelousas, Louisiana residents are provided at the Opelousas Police Department, which serves Saint Landry 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 Opelousas 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.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, you must contact the St. Landry 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. The records included in vital records vary depending on the type of record being requested. Birth records typically include the name of the child, date and place of birth, parents' names, and other information. Death records typically include the name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, and other information. Marriage records typically include the names of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, and other information. Divorce records typically include the names of the parties, date and place of divorce, and other information.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Opelousas, Louisiana can be obtained from the Opelousas Police Department, located in Saint Landry County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1), most police reports are public records in Louisiana, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Opelousas Police Department Records Division at (337) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://lcle.la.gov/programs/uploads.asp?div=5.
9
About background check
A background check in Opelousas, Saint Landry County, Louisiana typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Louisiana. Criminal background checks are processed through the Louisiana State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Louisiana residents. The Louisiana State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://lcle.la.gov/programs/uploads.asp?div=5. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026