For those who live and work in Louisiana, criminal records are one of the ways the government's law enforcement and courts keep track of individuals. The state's laws do dictate that individuals can access their criminal records, but they cannot have copies of this information. More so, there are restrictions in whole about who can gather and use this information based on the use of it. For those who need access to the information contained on these records, it is best to know where to look to get that information.
 

The state of Louisiana does maintain criminal records. This is done through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, which is a part of the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Corrections. In addition, local law enforcement agencies at the town, county and state level, as well as the courts in these areas, maintain access to the criminal records for those in the state. While this information is there, not everyone has access to it.
 

The state notes that only government agencies in the state can gather this information in full, as authorized under Louisiana law. Individuals can request to review their data to ensure it is accurate, but they cannot produce a copy of it. In addition, health care agencies, gaming industries, regulatory agencies and medical service providers also have access to criminal records. Employers may request information if an individual will sign a waiver providing this right to the agency prior to the request. Employers are restricted from copying this information as well, but will learn if there is a record and what type of charges are included in that record if it does exist.
 

For those individuals and other agencies, getting access to these files is done through the Louisiana Department of Corrections. It is possible to contact this agency at the following address for requests:
 

Louisiana Department of Corrections

504 Mayflower Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
 

For those who have questions or need to gather additional information, call the agency at 225 342-9711. Louisiana maintains a closed record for all information related to criminal activities as a whole. However, it does have a computerized system for tracking and providing access to these records when approved by law to do so.
 

There are even further limitations. Individuals cannot access the records of other individuals. Private businesses cannot access the records of individuals unless there is a signed waiver. No juvenile records are available for searching. These are kept by the state but are restricted by the juvenile courts. The only way to gain access is through a court allowed approval. The state does not maintain any records for individuals from other states. It also does not have federal records with state records.
 

Obtaining Louisiana criminal records for anyone can be a challenge, but it can be wise to do so in situations where an individual has been charged with a crime or otherwise may have negative information on his or her record. If there are errors, the agency listed above can offer a method to removing those errors.

• Louisiana Crime Reports & Statistics

• Louisiana Sex Offender Registry Search