Louisiana State Prisons

Louisiana State Prison System Overview

Number of State Prisons and Management Structure

Louisiana operates several state prisons managed by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C). As of the latest data, the state oversees nine adult correctional facilities. The system is headed by the Secretary of the DPS&C, who reports directly to the Governor of Louisiana.

Incarceration Rate

Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States. As of recent statistics, the state incarcerates approximately 680 individuals per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate a prisoner within the Louisiana state prison system, individuals can use the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) or the Offender Locator tool available on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website.

Family Visitation Rules

Visitation policies in Louisiana state prisons are designed to maintain family connections

• Visiting Hours: Typically weekends and holidays, with specific hours varying by facility.
• Visitor Approval: Visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitation list.
• Dress Code: Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code to enter the facility.
• Behavior: Visitors must follow all facility rules and regulations during their visit.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Louisiana state prisons are classified into various security levels:

• Minimum Security: For inmates considered low-risk.
• Medium Security: Houses inmates who pose a moderate risk.
• Maximum Security: For high-risk inmates requiring stringent control.
• Specialized Facilities: For specific populations, such as juveniles or those with mental health needs.

Parole and Factors Considered in Making Parole Decisions

Parole in Louisiana is granted by the Board of Pardons and Parole, which considers several factors, including:

• Nature of the Offense: Severity and circumstances.
• Behavior in Prison: Disciplinary records and participation in rehabilitative programs.
• Risk Assessment: Likelihood of reoffending.
• Victim Impact Statements: Input from victims or their families.
• Support System: Availability of housing, employment, and family support post-release.

Educational and Vocational Training & Rehabilitative Programs

Educational Programs:

GED preparation, adult basic education, and post-secondary education opportunities in collaboration with local colleges.

Vocational Training:

• Carpentry
• Welding
• Automotive Repair
• Culinary Arts
• Computer Skills

Rehabilitative Programs

• Substance Abuse Programs: Includes both in-prison treatment and support groups.
• Mental Health Services: Counseling and psychiatric services.
• Life Skills Programs: Focus on anger management, parenting, and financial literacy.
• Reentry Programs: Services that assist inmates in transitioning back into the community, including job placement and housing assistance.

Louisiana State Prison News (Secrets Uncovered)

A First-Hand Look at Life in Louisiana State Prisons

Louisiana State Penitentiary (AKA Angola, “the Alcatraz of the South”) is home to many hardened criminals, and now a Dateline journalist who’s going face to face with some of the most heavily guarded prisoners the facility has to offer, including a convicted murderer who hasn’t seen the sun in over 4 years:

Pros and Cons of the Louisiana State Prison System

PROS

• Comprehensive Programs: Wide range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs.
• Family Visitation: Policies that facilitate family connections.
• Reentry Support: Assistance with job placement and housing post-release.

CONS

• High Incarceration Rate: Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains one of the highest in the nation.
• Overcrowding: Some facilities face issues with overcrowding, affecting living conditions.
• Resource Allocation: Limited resources can impact the quality and availability of programs.

Sources & References

Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS)
Bureau of Justice Statistics
The Sentencing Project

LOUISIANA STATE PRISONS:

Allen Correctional Center

Allen Correctional Center
3751 Lauderdale Woodyard Road
Kinder, LA 70648

Telephone: (337)-639-2943

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Allen Correctional Center
3751 Lauderdale Woodyard Road
Kinder, LA 70648

Avoyelles Correctional Center

Avoyelles Correctional Center
1630 Prison Road
Cottonport, LA 71327

Telephone: (318)-876-2891

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Avoyelles Correctional Center
1630 Prison Road
Cottonport, LA 71327

David Wade Correctional Center

David Wade Correctional Center
670 Bell Hill Road
Homer, LA 71040

Telephone: (318)-927-0400

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
David Wade Correctional Center
670 Bell Hill Road
Homer, LA 71040

Dixon Correctional Institute

Dixon Correctional Institute
5568 Highway 68
Jackson, LA 70748

Telephone: (225)-634-1200

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Dixon Correctional Institute
Post Office Box 788
Jackson, LA 70748

Elayn Hunt Correctional Center

Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
6925 Highway 74
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Telephone: (225)-642-3306

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
P.O. Box 174
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women

Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
7205 Highway 74
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Telephone: (225)-642-5529

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Post Office Box 26
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Louisiana State Penitentiary

Louisiana State Penitentiary
17544 Tunica Trace
Angola, 70712

Telephone: (225)-655-4411

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Louisiana State Penitentiary
General Delivery
Angola, LA 70712

B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center

B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center
27268 Hwy. 21 North
Angie, LA 70426

Telephone: (985)-661-6300

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center
27268 Hwy. 21 North
Angie, LA 70426

Winn Correctional Center

Winn Correctional Center
180 CCA Blvd.
Atlanta, LA 71483

Telephone: (318)-628-3971

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Winn Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1260
Winnfield, LA 71483-1260

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