Public Records Requests

Under the Louisiana Public Records Law, the public has the right to request certain public records from the Sheriff’s Office. While most records are available, there are certain restrictions and exemptions that might preclude an immediate or any release of the information.

All public records request must be submitted in writing.  Requests are accepted by U.S. mail, email or personal delivery.

Request shall be made to:

Colonel Sidney Berthelot

P.O. Box 83

Convent, LA 70723

sid.berthelot@stjamessheriff.com

 

 

Costs

Copies of documents ………………………………………………… $ 1.00 per page

CDs/USBs …………………………………………………………… $10.00 per CD/USB

Copies of photographs ………………………………………………. $ 1.00 per page

 

If the custodian authorizes examination of records outside of regular office or working hours, the persons designated to represent the custodian during such examination shall be entitled to reasonable compensation to be paid to them by the public body having custody of such record, out of funds provided in advance by the person examining such record outside of regular office or working hours.

 

No fee will be charged for examination; fees are charged for copying and reproducing the public record.

 

Accident Reports

Motor Vehicle Crash Investigative Reports are not a public record (La R.S. 32:398) but can be released to the parties involved, owners of property affected, and/or their representatives (insurers, attorney representing a party, etc.).

 

Criminal Records

All criminal offense records are generally considered privileged and do not become public record until adjudicated.  In certain instances, records falling into the following categories, specified by La. R.S. 44.1 and R.S. 44.3, continue to be privileged because of the very nature of the information contained therein after adjudication and shall not be released except in response to a lawful court order:

  • Investigative Reports
  • Supplemental reports (aside from property information)
  • Statements
  • Reports revealing the identity of undercover officers or any reports that would tend to identify undercover officers
  • Reports identifying juvenile criminal or status offenders
  • Reports identifying in any way victims of sexual offenses
  • Reports detailing investigative techniques
  • Reports detailing security procedures
  • Reports containing training information
  • Reports detailing investigative technical equipment or instructions on the use thereof
  • Reports identifying confidential sources

 

Record Keeping

In order to document the release of public information, the custodian may ask for and examine proof of identification, such as the requestor’s driver’s license. The custodian may request contact information, besides an email address, in order to contact the requestor if the requested documents are not currently available, an extension may be needed, or clarification may be needed to fulfill the records request.

 

Any identification information obtained will be attached to the records request.