New Orleans Public Arrest Records provide transparent, real-time access to criminal justice data managed by the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. These records include arrest dates, charges, booking photos, bond amounts, and release information for individuals detained in city facilities. Residents, employers, and legal professionals use this data for background checks, employment screening, tenant verification, and personal safety. All records are public under Louisiana law and updated frequently—some systems refresh every 15 minutes. Access is free online or available in person for a small fee. This page covers every official source, step-by-step search methods, fees, processing times, and legal rights related to viewing or requesting these records.
Where to Find New Orleans Public Arrest Records
Official arrest records come from two primary agencies: the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. The NOPD maintains records of arrests made within city limits, while the Sheriff’s Office manages inmate data for those held in parish jails. Both offer online portals, phone lines, and walk-in services. Records go back to 1998 and include misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic violations. You can search by name, date of birth, booking number, or case number. Most data appears within hours of booking.
Online Search Tools
The fastest way to check arrest status is through the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s inmate query portal. It updates every 15 minutes and shows current inmates, charges, mugshots, bond amounts, and expected release dates. The NOPD offers a separate system for incident reports and criminal history requests. Both sites are free and do not require registration. For statewide searches, Louisiana’s unified arrest database includes all parishes and allows filtering by charge type or location.
In-Person Requests
Visit the NOPD Records Division at 715 South Broad Street, first floor, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Staff provide printed arrest records for $5 per copy. Electronic copies are downloadable from the state portal. The Sheriff’s Office accepts walk-ins at 4000 Canal Street during business hours. Bring a valid ID and the full name of the person you’re searching for. Processing takes 10–15 minutes for standard requests.
Phone and Mail Options
Call the Sheriff’s information line at (504) 827-6777 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Operators can confirm inmate status but cannot email or fax records. For mailed requests, send a written letter with the subject’s name, date of birth, and your contact info to 4000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Include a $5 money order for each record. Allow 7–10 business days for delivery.
How to Search for Inmate and Arrest Information
Searching for an inmate or arrest record takes less than two minutes if you know where to look. Start with the Sheriff’s online portal. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. Results show current custody status, charges, court dates, and mugshots. If the person was recently arrested, check again in 30 minutes—data syncs every 15 minutes. For older arrests, use the NOPD’s criminal history request form. This requires more detail but returns full case files.
Step-by-Step Online Search
- Go to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s inmate search page.
- Type the person’s first and last name.
- Click “Search.”
- Review results: photo, charges, bond, and jail location.
- Click “View Details” for court dates and release estimates.
If no results appear, the person may not be in custody or could be held under a different name. Try variations like nicknames or middle names. For arrests older than 30 days, contact the NOPD Records Division.
What Information Is Included?
Each record contains key details: arrest date and time, arresting officer’s badge number, cited statutes (e.g., LA R.S. 14:67 for theft), charge severity (misdemeanor or felony), bond amount, court jurisdiction, and projected release date. Mugshots are available unless sealed by court order. Incident reports from NOPD include witness statements, location, and narrative summaries. These are used for insurance claims, legal defense, or employment verification.
Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Services
Most online searches are free. Printed copies cost $5 at the NOPD office. Electronic downloads from the state portal are also $5 per file. Expedited service is available for urgent requests—such as court deadlines or job offers—for an extra $25. This guarantees completion within 24 hours. Standard processing takes 2–5 business days. Mail requests take 7–10 days. Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order. No checks accepted.
Fee Breakdown
| Service | Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Online inmate search | Free | Instant |
| Printed arrest record (NOPD) | $5 | 10–15 minutes |
| Electronic download | $5 | Instant |
| Expedited request | $25 extra | 24 hours |
| Background check (employment) | $15 | 3–5 days |
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in person only)
- Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Money order (mail or in person)
Refunds are not issued for completed requests. All fees support record maintenance and system updates.
Legal Rights and Privacy Considerations
Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1, arrest records are public unless sealed by a judge. This means anyone can view them—no justification needed. However, mugshots and booking photos may not be used for commercial purposes without consent. Employers can use records for hiring decisions but must follow federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules. Individuals have the right to request corrections if information is inaccurate. Disputes go through the NOPD Internal Affairs Division.
Sealed or Expunged Records
If a record is expunged, it is removed from public view. You won’t find it in online searches or walk-in requests. To confirm expungement, contact the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court at (504) 657-2200. They maintain the official court docket. Note: Expungement does not erase the arrest from law enforcement databases—only from public access.
Misuse of Arrest Data
Posting mugshots online with intent to shame or harass may violate Louisiana’s “revenge porn” laws. Landlords cannot deny housing solely based on an arrest without conviction. Employers must consider job relevance and time passed since the offense. Always consult a lawyer before making decisions based on arrest records.
Common Uses for Arrest Records
People search these records for many reasons. Employers run background checks before hiring. Landlords screen tenants. Individuals check partners, roommates, or neighbors. Lawyers use them for case prep. Journalists verify facts. Nonprofits assist formerly incarcerated people with reentry. Schools conduct safety checks on staff. All uses are legal as long as data isn’t misused.
Employment Screening
Companies request full criminal history reports through the NOPD Criminal Records Section. These include arrests, convictions, and dispositions. Reports cost $15 and take 3–5 days. Some jobs—like teaching or healthcare—require FBI fingerprint checks too. Always get written consent from the applicant before requesting records.
Tenant Verification
Landlords can review arrest records but should focus on convictions related to property damage or violence. An arrest alone isn’t proof of guilt. Best practice: require a signed release form and explain how the info will be used. Discrimination based on arrest history may violate fair housing laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have similar questions about accessing, interpreting, or correcting arrest records. Below are clear, direct answers based on current Louisiana law and agency policies. These address privacy, accuracy, fees, and legal use.
Can I view someone’s arrest record without their permission?
Yes. Arrest records are public under Louisiana law. You do not need the person’s consent to view them. Simply use the online portal or visit the records office. However, you cannot publish or sell the information commercially without permission. Personal use—like checking a date or verifying charges—is allowed.
How often are inmate records updated?
The Sheriff’s inmate portal updates every 15 minutes. Mugshot databases refresh every six hours. This ensures recent arrests from the French Quarter, downtown, or surrounding neighborhoods appear quickly. If you don’t see a new arrest, wait 30 minutes and search again.
What if the record has wrong information?
Contact the NOPD Records Division at (504) 658-5455 or email criminalrecords@nola.gov. Provide the person’s name, arrest date, and details of the error. The department will investigate and correct mistakes within 10 business days. For court-related errors, contact the Clerk of Court.
Are juvenile arrest records public?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by law and not available to the public. Only law enforcement, courts, and authorized agencies can access them. If a juvenile is tried as an adult, the record becomes public upon indictment.
Can I get a Letter of Good Conduct?
Yes. This document confirms you have no criminal history in New Orleans. Request it from the NOPD Public Records Section. It requires a background check and police chief signature. Cost: $15. Processing: 3–5 days. Expedited: $40 total.
Do arrest records show if someone was convicted?
Arrest records only show the arrest—not the outcome. To see if someone was convicted, search the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court docket online or visit the Clerk’s office. Convictions appear separately and include sentencing details.
Is there a mobile app for searching records?
No official app exists. Use your phone’s browser to visit the Sheriff’s inmate portal or NOPD records site. Both are mobile-friendly. Avoid third-party apps—they may charge fees or show outdated data.
Official Contact Information
For help with requests, corrections, or questions, use these verified contacts:
- Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
4000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 827-6777
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday - NOPD Records Division
715 South Broad Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 658-5455
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday–Friday - City Attorney’s Public Records Portal
Phone: (504) 658-5500
Email: publicrecords@nola.gov
All information on this page comes directly from official city and parish sources. Records are accurate as of the last system update. For the most current data, always check the live portals listed above.