Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
Encyclopedia
The Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is a state agency of Louisiana
, headquartered in Baton Rouge
. The agency comprises two major areas: Public Safety Services and Corrections Services. The Secretary, who is appointed by the Governor
, serves as the Department's chief executive officer. The Corrections Services Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, and Assistant Secretaries for the Office of Adult Services and the Office of Youth Development report directly to the Secretary. Headquarters Administration consists of centralized Divisions that support the management and operations of the adult and juvenile institutions, adult and juvenile probation and parole district offices, and all other services provided by the Department.
As part of the Secretary's Office, the Deputy Secretary is responsible for special duties and functions as assigned by the Secretary. Primary among them are oversight of the Children's Initiative, coordination and management of the Department's Critical Incident Stress Management
response, and support and facilitation of the Risk Review Panel process.
Other executive staff carry out long and short-term projects. The Legal Services Division represents and defends the Department in litigation, including Civil Service matters. The Crime Victims Services Bureau coordinates the Department's response to crime victims, including the process of registration and notification and support of a Restorative Justice initiative.
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police
.
Additionally, the Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides probation and parole supervision and coordinates both residential and non-residential treatment services for delinquent youth and for status offenders and their families. DYS has offices located in Alexandria
, Baton Rouge
, Harvey
, Hammond
, Lafayette
, Lake Charles
, Monroe
, Natchitoches
, New Orleans
, Opelousas
, Shreveport
, Tallulah
, and Thibodaux
. As of May 30, 2003, there were 6476 youth under supervision – 5630 as adjudicated delinquents and 846 as FINS (Families in Need of Services).
's Office. They oversee collection of various criminal justice fees, supervision fees, and victim restitution. District offices are located in Alexandria
, Amite, Baton Rouge
, Chalmette
, Clinton
, Covington
, Harvey
, Lafayette
, Lake Charles
, Leesville
, Minden
, Monroe
, Natchitoches
, New Iberia
, New Orleans-West
, New Orleans-East
, Port Allen
, Shreveport
, Tallulah
, Thibodaux
, and Ville Platte
. During FY 2002-03, officers supervised collection of more than $20,752,527. As of July 1, 2003, officers of the division were supervising 63,000 offenders.
are appointed by the Governor. Board members function in three-person panels to grant or deny parole to inmates who are eligible for parole, set behavioral conditions for inmates released to parole by action of the board or by diminution of sentence, and hold hearings for inmates facing revocation for violating conditions of their release from incarceration.
. About 19,000 of Louisiana's 37,000 prisoners are assigned to the state’s thirteen correctional facilities
. The remaining incarcerated prisoners are assigned to parish facilities. The state's facilities do not have the capacity to house all offenders sentenced under state law, so the state reimburses local governments housing prisoners with state sentences.
was built at the corner of 6th and Laurel Streets in Baton Rouge
. In 1844, the penitentiary, including the prisoners, was leased to the private firm of McHatton Pratt and Company. Union
Troops occupied the penitentiary during the Civil War
, and in 1869, the lease was awarded to a former Confederate
Major
by the name of Samuel James. Major James oversaw the Louisiana Corrections system for the next 31 years.
From 1901 until 1916, Corrections was operated by the Board of Control, a three member panel appointed by the Governor of Louisiana. One of the first actions taken by the new board was the purchase of the 8000 acres (32.4 km²) Angola Plantation
. New camps were built and many new security officers were hired.
In 1916, the legislature abolished the Board of Control and appointed a General Manager of the penitentiary. The new General Manager, Henry L. Fuqua, fired almost all of the officers at Angola and in their place put selected inmate "trusty guards
". The manager also purchased an additional 10000 acres (40.5 km²) of land, increasing the size of the State Penitentiary to 18000 acres (72.8 km²).
In 2010, the agency announced that it may sell some prisons in order to generate funds.
. Male inmates from southern parishes enter the DOC system through the Hunt Reception and Diagnostic Center (HRDC) at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
. Male death row inmates are transferred directly from their parish of sentencing to the Louisiana State Penitentiary
(Angola). Male inmates who have over 30 years to their earliest possible release dates and male inmates sentenced to life in prison typically are assigned to the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Some young inmates with life sentences go to Wade Correctional Center. Male inmates within seven years of their release who have positive behavior and work records and who are not inherently prohibited by the crimes they committed are eligible to be transferred to the minimum security J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center
, which is located on the grounds of Camp Beauregard
.
Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
(LCIW) is the only state prison in Louisiana housing female offenders, and the facility houses females of all security levels, including female death row inmates. Women enter the DOC system through the Female Reception and Diagnostic Center (FRDC).
The state execution chamber is at Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Inmates in need of medical attention who require more than standard health care are taken to the Louisiana State University
Health Sciences Center Health Care Services Division. Inpatient mental health care for men is provided at Louisiana State Penitentiary and Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. Inpatient mental health care for women is provided at LCIW.
Sex offenders may be housed in any Louisiana state prison except for J. Levy Dabadie. J. Levy Dabadie serves as the transportation hub between the prisons of north Louisiana and the prisons of south Louisiana; out of Dabadie, prisoners are transferred to and from the Hunt and Wade reception centers.
Due to 2006 state legislation sponsored by Senator Rob Marionneaux prohibiting tobacco smoking in public places, prisons began to curtail the tobacco smoking on their property. Beginning on May 15, 2009, Avoyelles Correctional Center and Dixon Correctional Institute
started a pilot program where tobacco smoking was limited to certain areas at certain times in their facilities. On August 15, 2009, tobacco smoking at Louisiana state prisons became limited.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections previously handled the care of juvenile prisoners. The juvenile centers that were operated by the department included:
In 2004 the juvenile system separated from the adult system. The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice
now operates juvenile institutions.
As of September 30, 2009, 4,310 offenders were incarcerated with life sentences in state prisons, representing 10.8% of the prison population. Of the people with life sentences, 73.2% were Black, 26.6% were White, and .2% were other. 97.1% were male and 2.9% were female.
As of September 30, 2009, 84 people, including 82 males and 2 females, were on death row for committing violent crimes. The death row population constituted .2% of Louisiana's incarcerated offenders. Of the death row offenders, 64.6% were Black, 34.1% were White, and 1.3% were other. The average age of a death row offender was 38.5 years, and the average age of conviction was 27.6 years.
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, headquartered in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
. The agency comprises two major areas: Public Safety Services and Corrections Services. The Secretary, who is appointed by the Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
, serves as the Department's chief executive officer. The Corrections Services Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, and Assistant Secretaries for the Office of Adult Services and the Office of Youth Development report directly to the Secretary. Headquarters Administration consists of centralized Divisions that support the management and operations of the adult and juvenile institutions, adult and juvenile probation and parole district offices, and all other services provided by the Department.
Office of the Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for the functioning and control of all programs within the Department. He formulates rules and regulations and determines policy regarding management, personnel, and total operations. He leads and supports staff, who are charged with carrying out the work of the agency.As part of the Secretary's Office, the Deputy Secretary is responsible for special duties and functions as assigned by the Secretary. Primary among them are oversight of the Children's Initiative, coordination and management of the Department's Critical Incident Stress Management
Critical Incident Stress Management
Critical incident stress management is an adaptive short term helping process that focuses solely on an immediate and identifiable problem. It spans pre-incident preparedness to acute crisis to post-crisis follow up. Its stated purpose is to enable people to return to their daily routine more...
response, and support and facilitation of the Risk Review Panel process.
Other executive staff carry out long and short-term projects. The Legal Services Division represents and defends the Department in litigation, including Civil Service matters. The Crime Victims Services Bureau coordinates the Department's response to crime victims, including the process of registration and notification and support of a Restorative Justice initiative.
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police
Louisiana State Police
The Louisiana State Police is the state police department of Louisiana, which has jurisdiction anywhere in the state, headquartered in Baton Rouge. It was created to protect the lives, property and constitutional rights of people in Louisiana. It falls under the authority of the Louisiana...
.
Office of Management and Finance
Under the authority of the Undersecretary, the Office of Management and Finance provides management support to all units in activities involving fiscal matters and grant management, information services, food services, maintenance and construction, performance audit, training, procurement and contractual review, human resources, and the Prison Enterprises Division. The Undersecretary serves as Chief of Staff for Headquarters operations.Office of Adult Services
Under the direction of an Assistant Secretary, the Office of Adult Services (OAS) provides administrative oversight of and support for the operational programs of the adult institutions and provides technical assistance to local jail facilities. The Assistant Secretary leads and directs the Department's operational audit teams, which conduct audits of all adult and juvenile institutions, non-secure contract facilities, and community work release centers and assist all units with matters relative to the maintenance of American Correctional Association (ACA) accreditation. OAS staff support the Administrative Remedy Procedure and disciplinary appeal processes, screen and recommend inmates for participation in work release, and maintain central office ACA accreditation. There are eleven adult institutions under the broad authority of the Assistant Secretary, including two operated under contractual agreements with private management corporations.Office of Youth Development
Under the direction of an Assistant Secretary, the Office of Youth Development (OYD) has policy oversight and support responsibilities for state programs for youth who are adjudicated delinquent and many youth and their families ruled in need of services by courts of juvenile jurisdiction. OYD staff also support the Administrative Remedy Procedure and disciplinary appeal processes for juveniles and perform quality assurance activities for the juvenile institutions.Additionally, the Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides probation and parole supervision and coordinates both residential and non-residential treatment services for delinquent youth and for status offenders and their families. DYS has offices located in Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Alexandria is a city in and the parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the Alexandria metropolitan area which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant parishes....
, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, Harvey
Harvey, Louisiana
Harvey is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Hammond
Hammond, Louisiana
Hammond is the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 20,049 at the 2009 census. It is home to Southeastern Louisiana University...
, Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is a city in and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the Vermilion River. The population was 120,623 at the 2010 census...
, Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Located in Calcasieu Parish, a major cultural, industrial, and educational center in the southwest region of the state, and one of the most important in...
, Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
, Natchitoches
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches is a city in and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. The City of Natchitoches was first incorporated on February...
, New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, Opelousas
Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas is a city in and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies at the junction of Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190. The population was 22,860 at the 2000 census. Although the 2006 population estimate was 23,222, a 2004 annexation should put the city's...
, Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
, Tallulah
Tallulah, Louisiana
Tallulah is a city in and the parish seat of Madison Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 9,189 at the 2000 census...
, and Thibodaux
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Thibodaux is a small city in and the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, United States, along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in the northwestern part of the parish. The population was 14,431 at the 2000 census. Thibodaux is a principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux...
. As of May 30, 2003, there were 6476 youth under supervision – 5630 as adjudicated delinquents and 846 as FINS (Families in Need of Services).
Division of Probation and Parole-Adult
The Division of Probation and Parole-Adult, comprising twenty-one district offices throughout the state and a Headquarters Office in Baton Rouge, functions as a community services division. Officers of the division supervise adult offenders who are released to the community on probation, parole, diminution of sentence, or medical furlough. They supervise inmates in ten community rehabilitation centers (CRCs) and the intensive parole cases from institutional IMPACT (Intensive Motivational Program of Alternative Correctional Treatment). Officers in the division provide investigative services to decision-makers in the criminal justice system, including judges, the Parole and Pardon Boards, and the GovernorGovernor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
's Office. They oversee collection of various criminal justice fees, supervision fees, and victim restitution. District offices are located in Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Alexandria is a city in and the parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the Alexandria metropolitan area which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant parishes....
, Amite, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, Chalmette
Chalmette, Louisiana
Chalmette is a census-designated place in and the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 32,069 at the 2000 census. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Clinton
Clinton, Louisiana
Clinton is a town in and the parish seat of East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, United States. The town was named for New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. The population was 1,998 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Covington
Covington, Louisiana
Covington is a city in and the parish seat of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,483 at the 2000 census. It is located at a fork of the Bogue Falaya and the Tchefuncte River....
, Harvey
Harvey, Louisiana
Harvey is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is a city in and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the Vermilion River. The population was 120,623 at the 2010 census...
, Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Located in Calcasieu Parish, a major cultural, industrial, and educational center in the southwest region of the state, and one of the most important in...
, Leesville
Leesville, Louisiana
Leesville is a city in and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 6,753 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation...
, Minden
Minden, Louisiana
Minden is a city in the American state of Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of Webster Parish and is located twenty-eight miles east of Shreveport, the seat of Caddo Parish. The population, which has been stable since 1960, was 13,027 at the 2000 census...
, Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
, Natchitoches
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches is a city in and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. The City of Natchitoches was first incorporated on February...
, New Iberia
New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia is a city in and the parish seat of Iberia Parish, Louisiana, United States, 30 miles southeast of Lafayette. In 1900, 6,815 people lived in New Iberia; in 1910, 7,499; and in 1940, 13,747...
, New Orleans-West
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, New Orleans-East
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, Port Allen
Port Allen, Louisiana
Port Allen is a city in and the parish seat of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States. Port Allen is located between Interstate 10 and US Highway 190 on the West bank of the Mississippi River. The population was 5,180 at the 2010 census...
, Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
, Tallulah
Tallulah, Louisiana
Tallulah is a city in and the parish seat of Madison Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 9,189 at the 2000 census...
, Thibodaux
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Thibodaux is a small city in and the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, United States, along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in the northwestern part of the parish. The population was 14,431 at the 2000 census. Thibodaux is a principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux...
, and Ville Platte
Ville Platte, Louisiana
Ville Platte is a city in and the parish seat of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,145 at the 2000 census. Its name is derived from the French ville plate, or "flat town."-History:...
. During FY 2002-03, officers supervised collection of more than $20,752,527. As of July 1, 2003, officers of the division were supervising 63,000 offenders.
Prison Enterprises Division
The Prison Enterprises Division (PE) helps to reduce the overall cost of prison operations and the operating costs of other state agencies, local government entities, and other tax-supported institutions primarily by operating self-supported industrial and agricultural businesses that employ inmates in meaningful jobs, teach them marketable skills and good work habits, and provide quality, cost-effective products and services. PE pays incentive wages for all inmates who are eligible. Farming operations include row crops and garden vegetables, range herds, a swinery, food processing, a feed mill, land leveling, hay production, and forestry. Industrial operations include the manufacture of license plates, mattresses, mops, brooms, chemicals, garments, and office chairs; a print shop; silkscreen operations; a plastic sign shop; metal fabrication; embroidery and furniture refurbishing; and janitorial services for other agencies.Board of Pardons
The five members of the Board of Pardons are appointed by the Governor. The board meets on regularly scheduled, publicly announced dates to consider applications for pardon, sentence commutation, and restoration of rights and privileges of citizenship. All of the board's recommendations for clemency are forwarded to the Governor for final action.Board of Parole
The seven members of the Board of ParoleParole Board
A parole board is a panel of people who decide whether an offender should be released from prison on parole after serving at least a minimum portion of their sentence as prescribed by the sentencing judge. Parole boards are used in many jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom and the United...
are appointed by the Governor. Board members function in three-person panels to grant or deny parole to inmates who are eligible for parole, set behavioral conditions for inmates released to parole by action of the board or by diminution of sentence, and hold hearings for inmates facing revocation for violating conditions of their release from incarceration.
Public Safety Services
Louisiana Department of Public Safety (LADPS) Public Safety Services has several divisions, including the Office of Management and Finance, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office.Corrections Services
Corrections Services (referred to as the Department of Corrections) is responsible for the custody of adult inmates across LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. About 19,000 of Louisiana's 37,000 prisoners are assigned to the state’s thirteen correctional facilities
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
. The remaining incarcerated prisoners are assigned to parish facilities. The state's facilities do not have the capacity to house all offenders sentenced under state law, so the state reimburses local governments housing prisoners with state sentences.
History
In 1835, the first Louisiana State PenitentiaryLouisiana State Penitentiary
The Louisiana State Penitentiary is a prison farm in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. It is the largest maximum security prison in the United States with 5,000 offenders and 1,800 staff...
was built at the corner of 6th and Laurel Streets in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
. In 1844, the penitentiary, including the prisoners, was leased to the private firm of McHatton Pratt and Company. Union
Union (American Civil War)
During the American Civil War, the Union was a name used to refer to the federal government of the United States, which was supported by the twenty free states and five border slave states. It was opposed by 11 southern slave states that had declared a secession to join together to form the...
Troops occupied the penitentiary during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, and in 1869, the lease was awarded to a former Confederate
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
Major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
by the name of Samuel James. Major James oversaw the Louisiana Corrections system for the next 31 years.
From 1901 until 1916, Corrections was operated by the Board of Control, a three member panel appointed by the Governor of Louisiana. One of the first actions taken by the new board was the purchase of the 8000 acres (32.4 km²) Angola Plantation
Louisiana State Penitentiary
The Louisiana State Penitentiary is a prison farm in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. It is the largest maximum security prison in the United States with 5,000 offenders and 1,800 staff...
. New camps were built and many new security officers were hired.
In 1916, the legislature abolished the Board of Control and appointed a General Manager of the penitentiary. The new General Manager, Henry L. Fuqua, fired almost all of the officers at Angola and in their place put selected inmate "trusty guards
Trusty system
The "trusty system" was a strict system of discipline and security in the US made compulsory under Mississippi state law as the method of controlling and working inmates at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, Mississippi's...
". The manager also purchased an additional 10000 acres (40.5 km²) of land, increasing the size of the State Penitentiary to 18000 acres (72.8 km²).
In 2010, the agency announced that it may sell some prisons in order to generate funds.
Operations
Male inmates from northern parishes enter the DOC system through the Wade Reception and Diagnostic Center (WRDC) at Martin L. Forcht, Jr., Clinical Treatment Unit, which is a satellite of David Wade Correctional CenterDavid Wade Correctional Center
David Wade Correctional Center is a Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections prison in unincorporated Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, near Homer and Haynesville. The prison is located near the Louisiana-Arkansas border....
. Male inmates from southern parishes enter the DOC system through the Hunt Reception and Diagnostic Center (HRDC) at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is located in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, is a multi-security- level Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections institution for adult men. It is the second largest prison in Louisiana. Elayn Hunt Correctional Center was featured on an episode of MSNBC's Lockup...
. Male death row inmates are transferred directly from their parish of sentencing to the Louisiana State Penitentiary
Louisiana State Penitentiary
The Louisiana State Penitentiary is a prison farm in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. It is the largest maximum security prison in the United States with 5,000 offenders and 1,800 staff...
(Angola). Male inmates who have over 30 years to their earliest possible release dates and male inmates sentenced to life in prison typically are assigned to the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Some young inmates with life sentences go to Wade Correctional Center. Male inmates within seven years of their release who have positive behavior and work records and who are not inherently prohibited by the crimes they committed are eligible to be transferred to the minimum security J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center
J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center
J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center is a men's prison adjacent to the Louisiana National Guard base on the grounds of Camp Beauregard and in Pineville, Louisiana. A facility of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, JLDCC is about east of the intersection of U.S. Route 165 and...
, which is located on the grounds of Camp Beauregard
Camp Beauregard
For the American Civil War site, see Camp Beauregard Memorial in Water Valley.Camp Beauregard is a U.S. Army installation located northeast of Pineville, Louisiana, primarily in Rapides Parish, but also extending northward into Grant Parish. It is currently operated by the Louisiana National Guard...
.
Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women is a prison for women located in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. It is the only female correctional facility of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is immediately west of LCIW...
(LCIW) is the only state prison in Louisiana housing female offenders, and the facility houses females of all security levels, including female death row inmates. Women enter the DOC system through the Female Reception and Diagnostic Center (FRDC).
The state execution chamber is at Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Inmates in need of medical attention who require more than standard health care are taken to the Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
Health Sciences Center Health Care Services Division. Inpatient mental health care for men is provided at Louisiana State Penitentiary and Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. Inpatient mental health care for women is provided at LCIW.
Sex offenders may be housed in any Louisiana state prison except for J. Levy Dabadie. J. Levy Dabadie serves as the transportation hub between the prisons of north Louisiana and the prisons of south Louisiana; out of Dabadie, prisoners are transferred to and from the Hunt and Wade reception centers.
Due to 2006 state legislation sponsored by Senator Rob Marionneaux prohibiting tobacco smoking in public places, prisons began to curtail the tobacco smoking on their property. Beginning on May 15, 2009, Avoyelles Correctional Center and Dixon Correctional Institute
Dixon Correctional Institute
Dixon Correctional Institute is a prison facility in Jackson, Louisiana. DCI, a facility of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, is approximately from Baton Rouge...
started a pilot program where tobacco smoking was limited to certain areas at certain times in their facilities. On August 15, 2009, tobacco smoking at Louisiana state prisons became limited.
Facilities
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections previously handled the care of juvenile prisoners. The juvenile centers that were operated by the department included:
- Bridge City Center for Youth (BCCY) - Bridge CityBridge City, LouisianaBridge City is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It was established in the 1930s during the construction of the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River. The town is located on the West Bank of the river. It is part of the New...
, unincorporatedUnincorporated areaIn law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
Jefferson ParishJefferson Parish, LouisianaJefferson Parish is a parish in Louisiana, United States that includes most of the suburbs of New Orleans. The seat of parish government is Gretna.... - Louis Jetson Center for Youth (JCCY) - unincorporated East Baton Rouge ParishEast Baton Rouge Parish, LouisianaEast Baton Rouge Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Baton Rouge, Louisiana's state capital. As of the 2010 census, the population was 440,171. The parish has a total area of , of which is land and is water. It is the most populous parish in the state...
, near Baton RougeBaton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
and BakerBaker, LouisianaBaker is a city in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States, and a part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 13,793 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Baker is located at... - A. L. "Red" Swanson, Sr. Center for Youth (SCCY, later SCCY-MON) - MonroeMonroe, LouisianaMonroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
- Swanson Madison Parish Unit (SCCY-M, later SCCY-MAD) - TallulahTallulah, LouisianaTallulah is a city in and the parish seat of Madison Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 9,189 at the 2000 census...
In 2004 the juvenile system separated from the adult system. The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice
Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice
The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice a cabinet-level Louisiana state agency that provides youth corrections services in the state.The full official title of the agency is Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Youth Services, Office of Juvenile Justice...
now operates juvenile institutions.
Population
As of September 30, 2009, 39,726 adults were under the custody of the DOC. Of them, 19,013 adult inmates (51%) were in state prisons, 19,634 (49%) were in local jails, and 1,079 adults (less than 1%, rounding to zero) were in contract work release. Of the people in DOC custody, 93.4% were male and 6.6% were female. Of the population, 69.8% were Black, 29.9% were White, and .3% were other.As of September 30, 2009, 4,310 offenders were incarcerated with life sentences in state prisons, representing 10.8% of the prison population. Of the people with life sentences, 73.2% were Black, 26.6% were White, and .2% were other. 97.1% were male and 2.9% were female.
As of September 30, 2009, 84 people, including 82 males and 2 females, were on death row for committing violent crimes. The death row population constituted .2% of Louisiana's incarcerated offenders. Of the death row offenders, 64.6% were Black, 34.1% were White, and 1.3% were other. The average age of a death row offender was 38.5 years, and the average age of conviction was 27.6 years.
Employees
As of 2010, the department has about 6,200 employees. 82% of them work inside state prisons.Fallen officers
Since its inception, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections has lost seven officers in line-of-duty deaths.See also
- List of law enforcement agencies in Louisiana
- List of United States state correction agencies
- Louisiana State PenitentiaryLouisiana State PenitentiaryThe Louisiana State Penitentiary is a prison farm in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. It is the largest maximum security prison in the United States with 5,000 offenders and 1,800 staff...
- PrisonPrisonA prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...