Ouachita Parish Correctional Center (OCC)

You can support your loved ones at Ouachita Parish Correctional on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 318-327-1369.

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 Ouachita Parish Correctional is a detention center located at 4801 Hwy 165 Byp Monroe, LA which is operated locally by the Ouachita 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. Ouachita Parish Parish accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Monroe 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 OCC has been a cornerstone of the parish’s correctional efforts since its establishment in 1963. Originally designed to house 180 inmates, the facility has expanded significantly over the decades and now boasts a maximum capacity of 1,152 beds. OCC serves a diverse inmate population, including individuals sentenced in parish courts, Department of Corrections offenders, and pretrial detainees awaiting trial. The center is operated by a dedicated team of 150 deputies under the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, ensuring smooth and secure operations. The facility is managed by Captain Chris Jerkins, who began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Deputy for the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He became a full-time deputy in 2004 assigned to the Ouachita Correctional Center.

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. Click here 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.

Administrative Oversight and Security

An Administrative Lieutenant oversees several critical areas, including the kitchen, inmate accounts, trustee labor management, sentence processing, and clerical functions. Efficiency remains a primary focus for the administration, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and operations are streamlined. The Security Division is the backbone of OCC, with 17 Booking personnel responsible for processing 40–70 individuals daily, ensuring accurate and efficient intake and release procedures. Additionally, 76 Security personnel manage the daily operations of the jail, including offender movement, housing assignments, feeding, discipline, and personnel training.

Inmate Services and Rehabilitation

OCC is committed to reducing recidivism through its comprehensive rehabilitation programs. As a true “correctional” facility, OCC offers Hi-Set (GED) classes, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, Freedmen, Anger Management, and Celebrate Recovery programs. These efforts are bolstered by a dedicated group of volunteers from local churches, who provide additional support and guidance to inmates.

For those seeking to assist inmates, funds can be added to their accounts through InmateDeposit.com or by calling 866-345-1884, using the inmate's name and Louisiana state ID number.

Women’s Temporary Work Program (WTWP)

In alignment with Sheriff Russell’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on taxpayers, the Women’s Temporary Work Program (WTWP) has become a hallmark of OCC’s self-sustaining initiatives. This program allows approved female inmates to work off-compound at local businesses while remaining housed at the facility. Participants earn income, contribute to the costs of their incarceration, and gain valuable work experience that decreases the likelihood of reoffending. This innovative approach to corrections not only fosters rehabilitation but also alleviates financial strain on the community.

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.

The Ouachita Correctional Center’s robust combination of security, administrative efficiency, rehabilitation, and community engagement underscores its mission to serve as a model correctional institution in Louisiana.