St. James Parish Prison

Parish Jail

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
5800 Louisiana Hwy 44, Convent, LA 70723
Beds
84
County
St. James Parish
Phone
225-562-2504
Fax
225-562-2269
Email
latanya.sterling@stjamessheriff.com

St. James Parish Jail is for Parish Jail offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Parish Jail - medium facility.

The phone carrier is NCIC Inmate Telephone Services, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is CommissaryDeposit There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of St. James Parish Prison

You can support your loved ones at St. James Parish Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 225-562-2504.

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 St. James Parish Jail is a detention center located at 5800 Louisiana Hwy 44 Convent, LA which is operated locally by the St. James 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. St. James Parish Parish accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Convent 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 St. James Parish Jail is under the leadership of Sheriff Claude J. Louis Jr. can house approximately 84 inmates, and serves as the primary detention facility for St. James Parish. It is responsible for housing individuals arrested for local, state, and federal offenses, including pretrial detainees and those serving short-term sentences. The jail operates under the management of the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office, ensuring secure custody and the well-being of inmates through its comprehensive range of services.

The facility is equipped to handle daily operations such as inmate transportation, meal services, medical care, and programs aimed at rehabilitation. Inmates have access to educational and vocational resources designed to help them reintegrate into society upon release. Security is maintained through modern infrastructure and strict adherence to operational protocols, ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors.

Known for its commitment to maintaining a humane environment, the St. James Parish Jail balances its responsibilities of custody and care with a focus on public safety and inmate accountability. For more information about visitation policies, inmate services, or facility rules, contact the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office.

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.

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.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Louisiana. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at St. James Parish Prison.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Visiting hours for St. James Parish Jail are subject to change, so it's crucial to confirm them by contacting the facility directly by phone. Please reach out to 225-562-2504, on visitation procedures, applications, or directions to the facility in Convent. Please note that visitors will undergo a thorough search before entering the premises, and personal belongings, including cell phones, are strictly prohibited. Individuals under probation, parole, or community corrections supervision must obtain approval from their supervising officer and the superintendent before visiting, although such visits are not typically approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. James Parish Prison - FAQs

  1. What is the difference between a parish jail and a county jail?
    Parish jails are the equivalent of county jails but are located in Louisiana, where local governments are divided into parishes instead of counties. Both parish and county jails serve as short-term detention facilities for individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or being held for transfer to state or federal custody. They are both operated under the jurisdiction of the local sheriff’s office.

  2. How are parish jails and county jails similar?
    Parish and county jails both function as local correctional facilities responsible for detaining individuals arrested by municipal police, state troopers, or sheriff’s deputies. They house pre-trial detainees, and individuals serving short sentences, and sometimes hold inmates for state or federal agencies.

  3. Who oversees a parish jail?
    Parish jails are under the jurisdiction of the Parish Sheriff, just as county jails are managed by the County Sheriff in other states. The sheriff is responsible for managing jail operations, inmate custody, and overall security.

  4. How can I find out if someone is in the St. James Parish Prison?
    Most parish jails have online inmate rosters, which can be accessed through the sheriff’s website. If no online search is available, calling the jail directly with the inmate’s full name and date of birth is the best option.

  5. What are the visitation rules at St. James Parish Prison?
    Visitation policies vary by facility, but most parish jails require visitors to schedule visits in advance. Some offer video visitation, while others allow in-person visits on specific days. Visitors must present valid identification and follow strict conduct rules.

  6. Can I send money to an inmate in the St. James Parish Prison?
    Yes, inmates can receive funds for commissary purchases. Money can be deposited online through third-party services, by mail in the form of a money order, or via kiosk at the jail lobby.

  7. What items can I send to an inmate in the St. James Parish Prison?
    Personal letters and photos (within facility guidelines) are generally allowed. Most jails prohibit packages, food, clothing, or cash. Some facilities allow books and magazines to be sent directly from approved vendors like Amazon.

  8. Are parish jails used for immigration detention?
    Some Louisiana parish jails contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold immigration detainees. If you suspect someone is in immigration custody, checking with ICE's Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) may be helpful.

  9. How long do inmates stay in jail?
    The length of stay depends on the inmate’s charges. Some remain for a few days while awaiting bail, while others serve misdemeanor sentences of less than a year. Inmates sentenced to longer terms may be transferred to a Louisiana Department of Corrections facility.

  10. What happens when an inmate is transferred from a parish jail?
    Inmates may be transferred to state prison if sentenced to longer terms or moved to another facility if needed for security reasons. Families can check with the sheriff’s office for transfer details.

  11. Can inmates work while in the St. James Parish Prison?
    Many parish jails offer work release programs where eligible inmates can work in the community and return to the facility at night. Others may have trustee programs, allowing inmates to work within the jail in exchange for privileges.

  12. How do I bond someone out of St. James Parish Prison?
    Bail can be posted in cash, via money order, or through a licensed bail bondsman. The bond amount is set by a judge based on the charges and flight risk.

  13. Are there rehabilitation programs in parish jails?
    Some parish jails provide educational, vocational, and substance abuse programs aimed at reducing recidivism. Larger facilities may offer GED classes, job training, and faith-based services.

  14. Do parish jails provide medical care?
    Yes, parish jails have on-site medical staff for basic healthcare needs. Serious medical conditions may require treatment at an outside hospital. Inmates with ongoing prescriptions should coordinate with the jail medical staff.

  15. Can an inmate make phone calls from a parish jail?
    Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts managed by third-party providers. Calls are monitored and recorded, and three-way calls are prohibited.

  16. What is the commissary system in parish jails?
    The commissary allows inmates to purchase snacks, hygiene products, and stationery. Funds must be added to an inmate’s account through approved deposit methods.

  17. Can inmates receive legal visits in a parish jail?
    Yes, attorneys and legal representatives are permitted to visit inmates during designated hours. Attorney-client meetings are typically conducted in private legal visitation rooms.

  18. What happens to an inmate’s property when they are booked into the St. James Parish Prison?
    Personal belongings are inventoried and stored during incarceration. Items are returned upon release, but unauthorized or contraband items may be discarded.

  19. Can parish jail inmates receive religious services?
    Most facilities provide access to chaplains, religious volunteers, or faith-based programs. Inmates may also request religious texts, such as Bibles or Qurans.

  20. What should I do if I have a concern about an inmate’s treatment in the St. James Parish Prison?
    Concerns about an inmate’s welfare should be reported to jail administration or the Parish Sheriff’s Office. Families can also contact prisoner rights organizations for further assistance.

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