Allen Parish Detention Jail (ICE)

You can support your loved ones at APDJ on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 337-639-4353.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The APDJ is a detention center located at 7340 LA-26 W Oberlin, LA which is operated locally by the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Allen Parish Parish accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Oberlin Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Louisiana here.

The Allen Parish Public Safety Complex was established as more than just a detention facility. Located just beyond the town limits of Oberlin, the 165-bed complex was constructed in 2015 and became operational in September of that year. This modern facility integrates multiple functions essential to the operations of the Sheriff's Office, ensuring efficiency and comprehensive service to the parish. The Parish has also been contracted by the Department of Homeland Security for holding ICE detainees.

If you are looking for a resident, check here - ICE Detainee Locator. If you need information about a detainee who is housed at this facility, you may call (337) 639-4353 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. When you call, please have the individual's biographical information ready, including first, last, and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth, and country of birth.

Non-citizens cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (337) 639-4353 and leave the non-citizen's full name, alien registration number and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. The non-citizen will be given your message.

The administrative wing on the first-floor houses Allen Parish Dispatch & 911, along with key operational units such as the bonding office, the sex offender registration and compliance unit, the D.A.R.E. program, and the patrol division. On the second floor, the Sheriff's administrative offices are located, accommodating the Sheriff, the Office Manager, Investigations, Homeland Security, Warden and staff, the Warrants office, and medical personnel. This floor also includes a large training room, which serves as a secondary Emergency Operations Center during crises such as hurricanes, major flooding, or other significant events affecting the parish.

At the rear of the facility on the first floor lies the Correctional Complex, where inmates are housed. This area features several dormitories overseen by correctional staff and includes a spacious Sally Port for receiving arrestees from patrol officers and other agencies. A dedicated wing houses a fully equipped kitchen staffed by trustees under the supervision of a deputy trained in kitchen management. This kitchen prepares meals for all inmates, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

The corrections operations are managed by the Allen Parish Sheriff's Department and are led by Warden Mike Manuel. Warden Manuel oversees a team of 17 corrections officers who handle inmate booking, supervision, meal preparation, and transportation to court. Additionally, three transport officers manage inmate transfers to various facilities statewide, as well as medical and dental appointments. As the parish's primary detention facility, the Sheriff's Office ensures that all inmates' nutritional and medical needs are met, reflecting a commitment to humane and efficient care.

Individuals unable to post bail within the first 24 hours must appear before a judge, where charges are formally presented, and bond is set. Upon arrival, detainees undergo intake procedures, including property inventory, medical screening, and booking. They are then assigned housing based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, ensuring effective management and security. Good behavior may lead to lower classifications and additional privileges, while infractions result in stricter classifications and fewer liberties. Inmates serving as trustees assist with facility tasks such as food preparation, laundry, and commissary, earning minimal compensation or sentence reductions for their efforts.

The facility is designed with "pods," which include individual cells, a common area with sturdy tables and seats, and access to an enclosed outdoor recreation space. Inmates spend designated times in their cells and communal areas, engaging in activities such as reading, playing games, or watching television. Movement beyond the pod, including visits to the commissary, library, or recreation area, is conducted under constant supervision by unarmed correctional officers. The jail environment is generally less stressful than that of a state prison, as sentences are typically shorter.

The Parish Jail offers a phone program for outgoing calls only. While collect calls can be costly, families may set up prepaid accounts through third-party services, which often include additional fees. You might qualify for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. All calls are recorded, so discussing sensitive legal matters is discouraged. Inmates may also receive books and magazines directly from publishers to prevent contraband, and personal letters or selfies can be sent through an app starting at $8.00.

Weekly commissary services allow inmates to order essentials, with increased spending limits on holidays. Indigent inmates are provided with basic hygiene items, stamps, and writing materials at no cost.

Select inmates may participate in community service programs, contributing valuable labor while developing job skills and accountability. These opportunities are reserved for individuals demonstrating good behavior and cooperation with facility staff. Participation in such programs not only benefits the community but can also lead to sentence reductions, encouraging inmates to maintain positive conduct during their incarceration.