Caddo Public Records / Caddo County Arrest Records

Caddo County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Caddo County

Arrest records in Caddo County are considered public information under Louisiana's Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by stating that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law." Under this legal framework, arrest records maintained by the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Shreveport Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies within the county are subject to public disclosure.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the person was convicted.
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.

According to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, certain exceptions to public disclosure exist for records related to:

Ongoing investigations
Juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age)
Expunged or sealed records
Records containing confidential informant information
Records that would compromise public safety if released

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, specific information within them may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3.

What's in Caddo County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Caddo County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Race and gender
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Charge description
Charge severity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Warrant status

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration
Expected release date (if applicable)
Custody level classification

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known associates
Gang affiliations (if documented)
Probation/parole status
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness statements (often redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those kept by the Shreveport Police Department or other municipal police departments within the county.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Caddo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Caddo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for obtaining arrest records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
505 Travis Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 675-2170
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Shreveport Police Department
1234 Texas Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-7300
Shreveport Police Department

Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- Full name of the person in the record
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (optional)
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees:
- $10-25 for standard arrest record search
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
- Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order
Records are typically provided immediately for simple requests or within 3-5 business days for more complex searches.

Written Requests:

Submit a formal written request to the Records Custodian at the appropriate agency address.
Include all relevant information as listed above for in-person requests.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
Written requests are typically processed within 5-10 business days pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:35.

Electronic Requests:

The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and Shreveport Police Department currently accept public records requests through their respective websites. Requestors must:

Navigate to the agency's official website.
Locate the "Public Records" or "Records Request" section.
Complete the online form with all required information.
Submit payment for applicable fees using a credit card.
Electronic requests are typically processed within 3-7 business days.

For third-party requests (requesting someone else's records), additional documentation may be required to demonstrate legal authorization to access the information.

How To Find Caddo County Arrest Records Online

Caddo County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- Navigate to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Lookup" from the main menu
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- The system displays current inmates and those released within the past 72 hours
- Information provided includes charges, booking date, and bond information
Shreveport City Jail Inmate Information
- Visit the Shreveport City Jail website
- Select "Inmate Booking Report"
- Search by name, booking date, or case number
- Results include basic arrest information and current custody status
- Updated daily with new bookings and releases
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Offender Lookup
- Access the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Information portal
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- This database includes individuals transferred from Caddo Parish to state custody
- Provides conviction information, sentence details, and facility location
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Records
- Navigate to the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court website
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Create a user account (free registration required)
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Results include court proceedings related to arrests
- Some documents may require payment to view
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record
- Visit the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
- Complete the online application for criminal history information
- Pay the required fee ($26 per record)
- Provide fingerprints (for complete records)
- Results include statewide arrest history, including Caddo County arrests

When using online systems, users should note that:

Not all arrest records are available online
Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
Information may be limited compared to complete official records
Some systems may charge access fees
Registration or account creation may be required

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, combining online searches with formal records requests is recommended.

How To Search Caddo County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Caddo County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and inmate status:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup
- This free service is accessible through the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office website
- No registration or payment required
- Provides current inmate roster and recent releases
- Information includes name, booking date, charges, and bond amount
- Updated multiple times daily
Shreveport Police Department Daily Booking Reports
- The Shreveport Police Department publishes daily booking reports
- Reports list individuals arrested within the past 24 hours
- Information includes name, age, charges, and arrest location
- Available without registration or payment
- Accessible through the department's public information portal
Caddo Parish Courthouse Public Access Terminals
- Located at:
Caddo Parish Courthouse
501 Texas Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
- Public terminals provide free access to court records related to arrests
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- No appointment necessary
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Printing fees may apply for document copies
Caddo Parish Public Libraries
- Public computers at all Caddo Parish Library locations
- Free internet access to public records websites
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records resources
- Available during regular library hours
- Library card may be required for computer access
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator
- Free online service through the Louisiana Department of Corrections
- Provides information on individuals transferred from Caddo Parish to state custody
- Searchable by name or DOC number
- Includes current location, conviction information, and sentence details
Local Media Crime Reports
- Local news outlets often publish recent arrest information
- The Shreveport Times and local television stations maintain crime sections
- Information is typically limited to significant arrests
- May include mugshots and basic arrest details
- Accessible through media websites without subscription in many cases

When using free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may not be as comprehensive as official records
Historical arrest records may not be available
Record accuracy should be verified through official sources
Some free resources may not be updated as frequently as paid services
Privacy protections may limit some information in publicly accessible databases

For more detailed information or certified copies of arrest records, users may need to submit formal requests that may involve fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Caddo County

In Caddo Parish, individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access have two primary legal remedies: expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement involves the legal removal of arrest and conviction records from public access. When a record is expunged, it is removed from public databases and cannot be accessed without a court order. Law enforcement agencies and courts may retain access for limited purposes.
Record sealing restricts public access to records without completely removing them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not visible in public background checks.

Eligibility for Expungement in Caddo Parish:

Records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

Arrests without prosecution:
- No charges were filed within the time limitations
- The case was dismissed or refused by the district attorney
- The time limitation for prosecution has expired
Misdemeanor convictions:
- Five years have passed since completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the five-year period
- No pending criminal charges
Felony convictions (limited circumstances):
- Ten years have passed since completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the ten-year period
- No pending criminal charges
- Offense is not excluded by statute
First-offense convictions for certain offenses:
- Completed pretrial diversion program
- Received a deferred sentence
- Received a first-offender pardon

Ineligible Offenses:

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under Louisiana law, including:

Violent crimes
Sex offenses
Domestic violence offenses
DWI/DUI offenses (with some exceptions)
Crimes against minors

Expungement Process in Caddo Parish:

Obtain criminal records:
- Request certified copies of arrest records from the arresting agency
- Obtain certified court minutes from the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
- Request background check from Louisiana State Police
File expungement petition:
- Complete appropriate expungement forms based on case circumstances
- File petition with the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $550, though fee waivers may be available)
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Service of process:
- Serve copies of the petition on:
  - District Attorney's Office
  - Arresting agency
  - Louisiana State Police
  - Bureau of Criminal Identification
Court hearing:
- If any agency objects, a contradictory hearing will be scheduled
- If no objections are filed, the judge may grant the expungement without a hearing
Implementation of expungement order:
- If granted, the court issues an order of expungement
- Order is sent to all agencies holding records
- Agencies must comply within 60 days

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance, as the process is complex and technical. The Caddo Parish Public Defender's Office or local legal aid organizations may provide guidance for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Caddo County?

Following an arrest in Caddo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages. Understanding this process helps contextualize how arrest records are created and maintained.

1. Booking and Initial Detention

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to either:

Caddo Correctional Center
1101 Forum Drive
Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 677-5254
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Shreveport City Jail
1234 Texas Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-7300
Shreveport City Jail

During booking, the following occurs:

Personal information collection
Fingerprinting and photographing
Property inventory
Medical screening
Criminal history check
Initial charge documentation

2. Initial Appearance and Bail Determination

Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or commissioner for:

Formal notification of charges
Rights advisement
Bail determination
Appointment of counsel if indigent

Bail may be set according to a schedule or determined individually based on:

Severity of charges
Criminal history
Flight risk
Community ties
Public safety considerations

3. Charging Decision

The Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office reviews arrest information and determines formal charges:

Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office
501 Texas Street, 5th Floor
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6955
Caddo Parish District Attorney

Possible outcomes include:

Filing formal charges (bill of information or indictment)
Reducing charges
Declining prosecution
Referring for diversion program
Requesting additional investigation

For felonies, cases may proceed to grand jury for indictment consideration.

4. Arraignment

At arraignment, defendants:

Hear formal charges
Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Receive trial date if pleading not guilty
May negotiate plea agreements

5. Pre-trial Proceedings

This phase includes:

Discovery (evidence exchange)
Motion hearings
Status conferences
Plea negotiations
Pretrial diversion (if eligible)

6. Trial

If no plea agreement is reached:

Misdemeanors receive bench trials before judges
Felonies receive jury trials (12 jurors for serious felonies, 6 for others)
Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Verdict must be unanimous for conviction

7. Sentencing

Upon conviction:

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Victim impact statements may be presented
Judge imposes sentence according to statutory guidelines
Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or community service

8. Post-Conviction

Following conviction, options include:

Appeal to appropriate appellate court
Post-conviction relief petitions
Expungement (if eligible)
Pardon application

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections departments. These records collectively form the arrest and criminal history documentation available through public records requests.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Caddo County?

Arrest records in Caddo County are subject to retention requirements established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which governs the preservation of public records. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program provides specific retention schedules for law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- Non-prosecution arrests: Minimum of 5 years
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 17, then sealed
Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony incidents: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor incidents: Minimum of 5 years
- Non-criminal incidents: Minimum of 3 years
Court Records of Arrests:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 10 years
- Traffic cases: Minimum of 3 years
Jail Records:
- Booking logs: Permanent retention
- Inmate files: Minimum of 10 years after release
- Visitor logs: Minimum of 3 years

Agency-Specific Retention Practices:

Different agencies within Caddo Parish may maintain records for varying periods:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records permanently for internal use, though access may be restricted for expunged records.
Shreveport Police Department follows the Criminal/Traffic Division retention schedule, keeping felony arrest records permanently and misdemeanor records for a minimum of 10 years.
Louisiana State Police maintains a central repository of all arrest fingerprint records permanently, as required by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:578.
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court preserves court records related to arrests permanently, with older records archived but still accessible through formal requests.

Factors Affecting Retention:

Several factors may impact how long records are maintained:

Record type and severity - More serious offenses have longer retention periods.
Court orders - Expungement orders may alter standard retention by restricting access.
Technological considerations - Digital records may be maintained longer than paper records due to storage efficiency.
Ongoing legal significance - Records related to unsolved crimes or ongoing investigations may be kept indefinitely.
Historical value - Records deemed historically significant may be preserved permanently regardless of standard schedules.

It is important to note that even when records are no longer actively maintained by the originating agency, they may still exist in secondary systems, databases, or archives. Additionally, private companies that collect and republish criminal record information may maintain copies indefinitely, even after official records have been expunged or sealed.

The retention of arrest records serves several public interests, including:

Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintaining accurate criminal history information for law enforcement
Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
Providing statistical data for crime analysis and policy development

How to Find Mugshots in Caddo County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Caddo Parish, these photographs typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile (profile) view in some cases
Identification information (name, date, booking number)
Height measurement markers in the background

These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Caddo Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
505 Travis Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 675-2170
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Shreveport Police Department
1234 Texas Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-7300
Shreveport Police Department

These agencies maintain mugshots as part of their booking records in both digital and physical formats. The Louisiana State Police also maintains a central repository of booking photographs from all parish and municipal law enforcement agencies.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:

Public Records Requests:
- Submit a formal request to the arresting agency
- Provide the arrestee's name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow 3-10 business days for processing
Court Records:
- Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
- Request case files that may contain booking photographs
- Provide case number or defendant information
- Pay applicable copying fees
Law Enforcement Websites:
- Some agencies post recent booking photos online
- The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office inmate roster may include photographs
- These are typically limited to current inmates or recent arrests

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Currently, several online resources may contain Caddo Parish mugshots:

Official Law Enforcement Websites:
- The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office inmate lookup feature may include booking photos
- The Shreveport City Jail booking reports sometimes include photographs
- These official sources typically only display current inmates
Third-Party Websites:
- Commercial mugshot websites collect and republish booking photos
- Local news media websites may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests
- These sources may maintain photographs indefinitely, even after cases are resolved

It should be noted that Louisiana has enacted legislation (Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1) that regulates commercial mugshot websites, requiring them to remove photographs upon request if the person was not convicted or the record was expunged.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For the most accurate and current mugshot information, individuals should:

Contact the arresting agency directly
Provide specific identifying information about the arrest
Submit proper identification and any required forms
Pay applicable fees
Specify the intended use of the photograph

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile Records: Photographs of arrestees under 17 years of age are confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412.
Expunged Records: If an arrest record has been expunged, the associated mugshot is no longer publicly accessible.
Ongoing Investigations: Photographs related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Privacy Protections: Certain arrestees (e.g., victims of sex crimes, undercover officers) may have their photographs protected from disclosure.
First-Time Offenders: In some cases, photographs of first-time offenders in diversion programs may have restricted access.

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware of the potential impact on privacy and reputation, as these photographs may remain accessible online even after cases are dismissed or resolved favorably.

Lookup Arrest Records in Caddo County

City Jail information and booking reports

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Caddo Parish official government resources

Louisiana Department of Corrections offender information lookup

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