Tensas-Parish County Jail is a secure detention facility located in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Managed by the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office, it holds individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. The jail provides essential services including medical care, mental health support, commissary access, and rehabilitation programs. Families, legal representatives, and community members rely on accurate, up-to-date information about inmates, visitation rules, bail procedures, and facility operations. This page delivers complete, current details on how to locate inmates, send money, visit, and understand the jail’s role in public safety and reintegration.
How to Search for an Inmate at Tensas-Parish County Jail
Finding an inmate at Tensas-Parish County Jail is fast and simple using the official online roster. The system shows real-time data including name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and expected release. To search, visit the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office website and click the “Inmate Roster” link. Enter the full name or inmate ID number. Results appear instantly. If no match shows, double-check spelling or try a partial name. The roster updates daily to reflect new bookings, releases, and status changes.
Online Inmate Lookup Steps
Go to the official Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office website. Look for the “Inmate Roster” tab. Type the inmate’s first and last name or ID. Click “Search.” View results with full name, photo, charges, bond, and court info. Save or print the details for your records. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers. No login or fee is required.
Offline Search Options
If the website is down or you prefer in-person help, call the jail at (318) 766-3981. Staff can confirm an inmate’s status during business hours. You may also visit the jail at 3345 Hwy 65, St. Joseph, LA 71366. Bring a photo ID and the inmate’s full name. Public kiosks near the entrance may show basic roster data. Always call ahead to verify hours and availability.
Current Inmate Roster and Booking Details
The Tensas-Parish County Jail roster lists all active inmates with key details. Each entry includes full legal name, mugshot, booking date, arresting agency, charges, bond amount, and next court date. Some records show housing location and medical alerts. The list refreshes every 24 hours to ensure accuracy. This transparency helps families track progress and plan visits or legal actions.
What’s Included in the Roster
- Full name and known aliases
- Date and time of booking
- Charges filed (felony or misdemeanor)
- Bond amount and type (cash, surety, or property)
- Scheduled court appearances
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Mugshot (public record unless sealed)
The roster does not include social security numbers, medical history, or attorney contacts. For privacy, some juvenile or protective custody cases may be restricted.
Arrest, Booking, and Mugshot Process
When someone is arrested in Tensas Parish, they are taken to the jail for booking. This process takes 1–3 hours and includes fingerprinting, photo capture, and background checks. Officers collect personal items, issue jail clothing, and conduct a health screening. Inmates receive a wristband with their ID number. All steps follow Louisiana state law and jail policy.
Booking Steps
- Fingerprinting using Live Scan technology
- Mugshot taken front and side view
- Personal information recorded (name, DOB, address)
- Property inventory and secure storage
- Medical and mental health screening
- Classification by risk level (minimum, medium, maximum)
- Assignment to housing unit
Mugshots become public records unless a judge orders them sealed. They may appear in news reports or online databases. Inmates can request expungement after case closure, but fees and court approval apply.
Bail and Release Information
Bail allows an inmate to leave jail before trial by paying a set amount. The judge decides bail during the first court hearing. Amounts vary based on crime severity, criminal history, and flight risk. In Tensas Parish, bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or through a licensed bondsman.
How to Post Bail
Call the jail at (318) 766-3981 to confirm the bail amount. Pay at the jail lobby using cash, debit, or credit card. Online payments are accepted through the sheriff’s payment portal. If using a bondsman, they charge 10–15% of the total bail. Once paid, the inmate is released within 1–4 hours after paperwork clears. Failure to appear in court results in bail forfeiture and a warrant.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Tensas-Parish County Jail offers both in-person and virtual visits. All visits must be scheduled in advance. In-person visits occur Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Virtual visits use a secure video platform and can be done from home. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per session.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
- Schedule online or by phone 24 hours ahead
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Dress modestly: no shorts, tank tops, hats, or revealing clothes
- No cell phones, bags, or food allowed
- Pass through metal detector and bag check
- No physical contact beyond a brief handshake
Children under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. Visitors with felony convictions may be denied. Late arrivals lose their slot.
Virtual Visitation
Virtual visits cost $7.50 per 20-minute session. Pay online before the visit. Use a computer or smartphone with camera and internet. Log in 10 minutes early. The system sends a link via email. Audio and video are monitored. Recording is prohibited. Technical support is available during visits.
Sending Mail to Inmates
Inmates can receive letters, photos, and approved reading materials. All mail is screened for contraband. Send mail to:
Tensas-Parish County Jail
Inmate Full Name & ID Number
3345 Hwy 65, St. Joseph, LA 71366
Use standard envelopes with clear handwriting. Include your return address. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller. No Polaroids, stickers, or glossy paper. Books and magazines must come directly from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the publisher. No hardcover books allowed.
Prohibited Mail Items
- Cash, checks, or money orders (use commissary system)
- Perfume, glitter, or scented paper
- Maps, codes, or hidden messages
- Explicit content or gang symbols
- Homemade drawings or crafts
Mail delivery takes 2–5 business days. Inmates receive notification when mail arrives.
Phone Calls and Email Communication
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and cost $0.25 per minute. Families add funds through the jail’s phone partner, TelMate. Deposits can be made online, by phone, or at kiosks in the jail lobby. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Email Messaging
The jail offers email through the TelMate platform. Families send messages online. Inmates read and reply on kiosks in their units. Messages are screened for safety. Attachments are not allowed. Emails cost $0.50 each. Free messages are given weekly based on behavior.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates use money for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Funds are held in a secure account. Deposits can be made three ways:
- Online at tensasparishla.gov using credit/debit card
- At the jail kiosk with cash, card, or money order
- By phone at (866) 516-2219
Money orders by mail must be payable to “Tensas Parish Sheriff” with the inmate’s name and ID. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Deposits post within 1 hour. There is a $2.95 fee for online and phone transactions.
Commissary Items and Purchasing
The commissary sells snacks, hygiene products, and stationery. Orders are placed weekly on kiosks in each unit. Delivery happens every Thursday. Popular items include:
- Chips, candy, and soft drinks
- Toothpaste, soap, and deodorant
- Pens, paper, and envelopes
- Thermal underwear and socks
Prices are regulated by the state. Inmates can spend up to $100 per week. Funds must be in the account before ordering. Refunds are not given for unused balances.
Medical and Mental Health Services
Tensas-Parish County Jail provides 24/7 medical care. Nurses are on duty daily. Doctors visit weekly. Inmates receive medication, treatment for chronic conditions, and emergency care. Mental health staff offer counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse programs. All services follow Louisiana Department of Health standards.
Available Health Programs
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations
- Prescription management
- Dental cleanings and extractions
- Vision exams and glasses
- Individual and group therapy
- Anger management and relapse prevention
Inmates request care through kiosk forms. Urgent needs are seen within 24 hours. Medical records are confidential.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
The jail offers programs to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for life after release. These include GED classes, vocational training, and life skills workshops. Classes run Monday to Friday. Participants earn certificates recognized by employers.
Current Programs
- GED preparation and testing
- Carpentry and construction basics
- Plumbing and electrical safety
- Computer literacy and job search skills
- Parenting and financial literacy
Programs are free and voluntary. Completion may reduce sentence time in some cases. Outside instructors partner with the sheriff’s office to teach classes.
Security and Facility Operations
Tensas-Parish County Jail uses modern security to protect staff, inmates, and visitors. The building has 24/7 video monitoring, electronic door controls, and motion sensors. Staff wear body cameras during interactions. Inmates are classified by behavior and risk. High-risk individuals are housed separately.
Safety Features
- HD cameras in all common areas
- Emergency alarms in cells and hallways
- Fire suppression systems
- Regular drills for lockdowns and evacuations
- Trained response team for medical or security events
Visitors and staff pass through metal detectors. Random searches occur to prevent contraband. The jail follows Louisiana Corrections Standards.
Community Partnerships and Public Safety
The Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office works with local police, courts, and nonprofits to support public safety. Programs include victim assistance, school tours, and reentry planning. The jail shares data with state agencies to track crime trends and improve policies.
Community Initiatives
- Monthly safety workshops for residents
- School presentations on law enforcement
- Job fairs for former inmates
- Partnerships with mental health clinics
- Volunteer chaplain services
These efforts build trust and reduce repeat offenses. The jail reports annual statistics to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
Contact Information and Hours
For questions about inmates, visits, or services, contact the jail directly.
- Address: 3345 Hwy 65, St. Joseph, LA 71366
- Phone: (318) 766-3981
- Website: http://www.tensasparishla.gov/jail
- Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM
- Email: sheriff@tensasparishla.gov
Calls are answered 24/7 for emergencies. Office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM weekdays. The website has forms, policies, and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate status, visitation, and jail policies. Below are clear answers based on current rules and procedures.
How do I find out if someone is in Tensas-Parish County Jail?
Use the online inmate roster on the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or ID. If no result appears, call (318) 766-3981. Provide the name and date of birth. Staff will confirm if they are in custody and share basic details like charges and bond. The roster updates daily, so information is current. Avoid third-party sites that may show outdated or incorrect data.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
No, in-person visits are only available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Weekend visits are not offered. Virtual visits can be scheduled any day, including weekends, but must be booked 24 hours in advance. Each visit is 30 minutes long. Late arrivals lose their slot. Plan ahead and confirm availability by calling the jail or checking the website calendar.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Online and phone deposits cost $2.95 per transaction. Kiosk deposits at the jail are free for cash and $1.50 for cards. Money orders by mail have no fee but take longer to process. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within one hour for online and kiosk deposits. There is no limit on deposit amounts, but weekly commissary spending is capped at $100. Always include the inmate’s full name and ID number.
Are mugshots public record in Tensas Parish?
Yes, mugshots taken during booking are public records unless a judge orders them sealed. They appear on the inmate roster and may be shared with media or online databases. Inmates can request expungement after charges are dropped or they are acquitted. This requires filing a motion in court and paying a fee. The process takes 4–8 weeks. Contact the Clerk of Court for forms and deadlines.
What happens if an inmate misses a court date?
If an inmate on bail fails to appear in court, the bond is forfeited. A warrant is issued for their arrest. The jail cannot release them until the warrant is cleared. Family members should remind inmates of court dates and help arrange transportation if needed. Failure to appear can lead to additional charges and longer sentences. Always confirm court schedules with the inmate’s attorney or the courthouse.
Can inmates get books from outside?
Yes, but only if sent directly from a publisher or retailer like Amazon. Books must be new and paperback. Hardcover books are not allowed. Magazines are accepted if mailed from the publisher. No used books, homemade materials, or books with metal parts. Address mail to the inmate’s full name and ID at 3345 Hwy 65, St. Joseph, LA 71366. Delivery takes 3–7 days after screening.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, visitors must wear modest clothing. No shorts, tank tops, hats, sunglasses, or revealing outfits. Shoes are required. Clothing with offensive words, gang symbols, or drug references is banned. Visitors dressed improperly will be denied entry. Children must follow the same rules. Bring a light jacket in case the lobby is cold. Avoid bringing bags, phones, or food.