New Orleans public arrest records are official documents that show when someone has been taken into custody by law enforcement. These records include booking details, charges, mugshots, court dates, and jail location. Anyone can request them under Louisiana’s Public Records Law. The city uses multiple agencies to manage and share this information. You can get records online, by phone, by email, or in person. Fees, processing times, and required details vary by agency. This page explains exactly how to find, request, and use these records—clearly, simply, and with real links to official sources.
Where to Get New Orleans Public Arrest Records
Three main agencies handle arrest records in New Orleans: the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Louisiana State Police. Each keeps different parts of the record. The Sheriff’s Office manages jail bookings and inmate status. NOPD holds incident reports, use-of-force files, and criminal history summaries. The State Police run the statewide criminal database. All follow La. Rev. Stat. § 44:1, which guarantees public access unless privacy laws block release. Most records are free to view online. Copies cost money. Certified copies cost more. Requests take 1–10 days depending on the method.
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office – Inmate and Booking Records
The Sheriff’s Office runs the city jail and keeps all booking records. To check if someone is in jail, call (504) 827-6777 between 7 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. Staff will give the person’s full name, booking number, arrest date, bond amount, and court date. For faster results, use the online inmate search tool. You need the person’s last name and birthdate. The system shows jail location, pending warrants, and next court appearance. Physical files are at 2000 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70125. Certified copies cost $5 per page. Pay with cash or card. Out-of-state users can email a request and get a reply within three business days.
New Orleans Police Department – Incident and Criminal Reports
NOPD’s Records and Identification Division handles incident reports, background checks, and Letters of Good Conduct. Visit 715 South Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119, from 9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. Or submit online through the city portal. Online requests get a tracking number and a PDF within 48 hours. Standard fees are $0.25 per black-and-white page and $0.50 per color page. Bulk orders of 100+ pages get a 15% discount. Background checks cost $35 plus $5 per extra document. They include state criminal history, motor vehicle records, and civil judgments. All reports are signed by the Records Manager. Expedited service adds $20.
Louisiana State Police – Statewide Criminal History
For a full criminal record, request a background check from the Louisiana State Police. This includes arrests, convictions, and dispositions from all parishes. You can apply online or by mail. The fee is $26 for a name-based check or $30 for a fingerprint-based check. Results come in 7–10 days. Fingerprint checks are more accurate and required for jobs, licenses, or housing. The State Police also run the statewide arrest database, updated every two hours. It shows charges, booking times, bond conditions, and custody status. Always verify local records with NOPD or the Sheriff’s Office.
How to Search New Orleans Arrest Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to get arrest info. Most agencies offer free tools. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office portal lets you search by name or booking number. NOPD’s system gives incident reports and court links. Third-party sites like StateRecords.org and CountyOffice.org collect data from multiple sources. These sites are not official but often have the same info. They may charge for full reports. Always cross-check with government sites for accuracy. Never rely on third-party data for legal decisions. Use official sources to confirm guilt, sentencing, or release status.
Free Official Online Tools
Start with these free government portals:
- Orleans Parish Inmate Search – Search by last name and birthdate. Shows jail location, charges, and court dates. Updated every four hours.
- NOPD Records Portal – Request incident reports, use-of-force files, and accident reports. Get a tracking number and PDF in 48 hours.
- Louisiana Arrests Database – Statewide search by name, charge, or date. Includes mugshots and statute codes. Updated every two hours.
All three are free, public, and comply with Louisiana law. No registration needed for basic searches. Advanced features like bulk downloads may require payment.
Third-Party Sites: What to Know
Sites like StateRecords.org and Arrests.org compile data from public sources. They are convenient but not always up to date. Some charge fees for full reports. Others show ads or require sign-ups. Always check the “last updated” date. If a record is old or missing details, contact the Sheriff’s Office or NOPD directly. Third-party sites cannot certify records. Only government agencies can provide legally valid copies.
Fees, Processing Times, and Required Information
Costs and wait times depend on the record type and request method. Most agencies charge per page or per report. Certified copies cost extra. Expedited service adds a fee. Processing takes 1–10 business days. Online requests are fastest. In-person pickup is same-day if the record is ready. Email requests take 3–5 days. Always include your name, contact info, and the subject’s full name, birthdate, and case number if known. Without these, your request may be delayed.
Fee Schedule for Common Requests
| Record Type | Agency | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inmate Status | Sheriff’s Office | Free (phone/online) | Instant |
| Certified Booking Record | Sheriff’s Office | $5 per page | 1–3 days |
| Incident Report | NOPD | $0.25–$0.50 per page | 48 hours |
| Background Check | NOPD | $35 + $5 per item | 5 days |
| State Criminal History | State Police | $26–$30 | 7–10 days |
Expedited and Bulk Options
NOPD offers rush service for $20 extra. This cuts wait time to 24 hours. Bulk orders of 100+ pages get a 15% discount. The Sheriff’s Office does not offer expedited service but processes email requests in three days. For large research projects, call ahead to confirm availability and fees.
What Information Is Included in an Arrest Record?
An arrest record shows basic facts about a custody event. It does not prove guilt. Common details include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and physical description
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer name
- Charges and statute numbers
- Booking number and mugshot
- Bond amount and conditions
- Scheduled court dates
- Current jail location
Some records also include witness statements, evidence logs, and use-of-force reports. These are released only if they don’t violate privacy or ongoing investigations. Court dispositions (guilty, not guilty, dismissed) appear later in court records, not arrest files.
Mugshots and Photos
Mugshots are taken at booking and stored digitally. They are public unless sealed by a judge. Most agencies show them online. NOPD includes photos in incident reports for $2 extra. The Sheriff’s Office displays high-resolution images in the inmate search. Third-party sites often republish mugshots. Removing them can be difficult and may require legal action.
How to Request Records by Mail, Email, or In Person
Not all records are online. For older files or certified copies, you may need to submit a written request. Here’s how:
By Mail
Send a letter to the agency with the subject’s name, birthdate, case number (if known), and your contact info. Include a check or money order for fees. Mail to:
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
2000 Carondelet St.
New Orleans, LA 70125
Or:
NOPD Records Division
715 South Broad St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
Allow 7–10 days for delivery and processing.
By Email
The Sheriff’s Office accepts email requests through a secure form. Response time is three business days. NOPD prefers online portal submissions but will reply to emails sent to records@nola.gov. Include your phone number for follow-up.
In Person
Visit during business hours. Bring a photo ID and cash or card for fees. The Sheriff’s Office is open 8 AM–4 PM. NOPD Records is open 9 AM–3 PM. No appointment needed for basic requests.
Legal Rights and Privacy Limits
Louisiana law says most arrest records are public. But some details are hidden to protect privacy. Juvenile records are sealed. Ongoing investigations may be withheld. Victim names are often redacted. If a record is wrong, you can request a correction. If an agency denies your request, you can appeal to the City Attorney or file a lawsuit. Always cite La. Rev. Stat. § 44:1 in your request. This strengthens your case.
When Records Are Not Released
Agencies can deny requests if:
- The record involves a minor
- Release would harm an investigation
- The information is part of a sealed case
- The request is too broad or vague
If denied, ask for a written explanation. You have the right to challenge it.
Common Uses for Arrest Records
People request arrest records for many reasons:
- Employment background checks
- Landlord tenant screenings
- Personal safety checks
- Legal research or appeals
- Journalism or academic studies
- Family or relationship concerns
Employers and landlords must follow federal and state laws. They cannot discriminate based on arrest alone. Only convictions can be used in most hiring decisions. Always check the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules.
How to Correct Errors in an Arrest Record
If a record has wrong info—like a misspelled name, wrong charge, or incorrect date—contact the agency that created it. NOPD and the Sheriff’s Office have forms for corrections. You may need to provide proof, like a court dismissal or ID. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Keep copies of all letters and receipts.
Contact Information for Record Requests
For fast help, use these official contacts:
- Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (504) 827-6777
Address: 2000 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70125
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM, Monday–Friday - NOPD Records Division
Phone: (504) 658-5455
Address: 715 South Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119
Hours: 9 AM–3 PM, Monday–Friday - City Attorney Public Records
Phone: (504) 658-5455
Online Portal: https://www.nola.gov/city-attorney/public-records-requests/
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask the same things about New Orleans public arrest records. Below are clear, direct answers based on current laws and procedures.
Can I get someone’s full criminal history from an arrest record?
No. An arrest record only shows one custody event. It does not list past arrests, convictions, or dismissed cases. For a full history, request a background check from the Louisiana State Police or NOPD. These include state and federal data. Arrest records are snapshots, not complete profiles. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.
Are mugshots public record in New Orleans?
Yes. Mugshots taken at booking are public unless a judge seals them. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office posts them online. NOPD includes them in incident reports for a small fee. Third-party sites often copy them. Once published, removal is hard. Some states have “mugshot removal” laws, but Louisiana does not. If your photo is online, contact the agency first. If they refuse, consult a lawyer.
How long does it take to get a certified arrest record?
Certified copies take 1–3 business days from the Sheriff’s Office and 2–5 days from NOPD. Online requests are fastest. In-person pickup is same-day if ready. Mail requests take 7–10 days total. Certified means signed and stamped by the Records Manager. Only these copies are valid for court or official use. Regular prints are for personal reference.
Can I search arrest records for free?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office, NOPD, and State Police offer free online searches. You can view names, charges, and jail status at no cost. Third-party sites may charge for full reports or faster access. Always start with government portals. They are free, legal, and up to date. Avoid sites that demand payment for basic info.
What if my arrest record is wrong?
Contact the agency that created the record. NOPD and the Sheriff’s Office have correction forms. Provide proof like a court order or ID. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General. Keep all documents. Errors can affect jobs, housing, and loans. Fix them quickly.
Do I need a reason to request an arrest record?
No. Louisiana law lets anyone request public records without stating a reason. Agencies cannot ask why you want it. They can only deny requests that violate privacy or law. Always be polite and clear in your request. Include names, dates, and case numbers to speed up the process.
Are juvenile arrest records public in New Orleans?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by law. Only courts, law enforcement, and parents can access them. If a minor is tried as an adult, the record may become public. Otherwise, it stays private. Never assume a young person’s arrest is visible. Check with the court clerk if unsure.