Starks Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Starks, Louisiana government websites.
About Starks City Government
Annual Budget
$1.2 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Starks, Louisiana, is the Starks Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large to serve a term of four years. The council is responsible for enacting local ordinances, approving budgets, and overseeing municipal operations.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Starks is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development projects.
The Starks Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Starks Town Hall, located at 100 E. Main Street, Starks, LA 70661. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Starks, Louisiana
Starks, Louisiana, located in Calcasieu Parish, has a current population of approximately 1,500 residents, according to the 2020 United States Census. This small town is known for its tight-knit community and rural charm. Key landmarks in Starks include the Starks High School, which serves as a central hub for local education and community events, and the nearby Sabine River, which offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating.
Historically, Starks has been influenced by its location along the Louisiana-Texas border, contributing to its development as a transportation and trade route since the early 20th century. The town is also part of the larger Lake Charles metropolitan area, which has seen economic growth due to the petrochemical industry. The annual Starks Watermelon Festival, held in July, celebrates the local agriculture and draws visitors from surrounding areas, further highlighting the town's community spirit and agricultural roots.
About Starks
The governing body of Starks, Louisiana, is the Starks Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large to serve a term of four years. The council is responsible for enacting local ordinances, approving budgets, and overseeing municipal operations. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Starks is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development projects.
The Starks Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Starks Town Hall, located at 100 E. Main Street, Starks, LA 70661. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Law enforcement in Starks, Calcasieu Parish is provided by both the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Lake Charles Police Department serves the city of Lake Charles, while other cities like Sulphur and Westlake have their own police departments. These agencies work collaboratively on major crimes and emergencies, often coordinating through joint task forces and mutual aid agreements. Each department is responsible for enforcing laws within its jurisdiction, conducting investigations, and ensuring public safety.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Calcasieu Correctional Center, located in Lake Charles, is the primary detention facility for the parish. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested in the area, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office website, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
Court Records
The 14th Judicial District Court serves Calcasieu Parish and is located in Lake Charles. This court handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters. Access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets is available through the clerk of court's office, which provides both in-person and online services. The court plays a crucial role in the local justice system, ensuring fair and timely adjudication of cases within the parish.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Calcasieu Parish encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under the Louisiana Public Records Law. Background checks can be conducted through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for residents. The bureau's services include fingerprint-based checks and online access to certain public records, facilitating the process for employers and individuals seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Calcasieu Parish are maintained by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the individual's name, charges, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, either in person or through written requests. The Louisiana Public Records Law, known as the Louisiana Sunshine Law, governs access to these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Public Records Access
Public records in Calcasieu Parish can be accessed under the Louisiana Public Records Law, which promotes transparency and accountability. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court is a key office for obtaining records such as marriage licenses, property deeds, and court documents. The clerk's office offers both in-person services and an online portal for convenient access to records. Typical turnaround times for records requests vary, but the office strives to fulfill requests promptly while adhering to legal guidelines.
Economy & Demographics
Calcasieu Parish's economy is heavily influenced by the petrochemical industry, with several major refineries and chemical plants located in the area. The parish is also a hub for shipping and logistics, thanks to its strategic location along the Calcasieu Ship Channel and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Other significant sectors include healthcare, education, and retail, with Lake Charles serving as a commercial center.
The parish's economic landscape is distinct due to its industrial base and the presence of large employers such as Sasol and Phillips 66, which contribute to the region's economic stability and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Starks, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Calcasieu 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 Calcasieu County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Calcasieu County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?
The Starks area is served by public school districts in Calcasieu 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 Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?
Crime statistics for Starks, 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 Starks 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 Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Library?
The Starks 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 Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Public Library located?
The Starks Public Library main branch is located in Starks, Louisiana. Check the Starks city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?
Fingerprinting services in Starks, Louisiana are available through the Starks 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 Calcasieu County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Starks, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Starks, 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 Calcasieu 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 Starks, Louisiana can be obtained from the Starks Police Department or the Calcasieu 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 Starks, Calcasieu 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.