Inmate Guide: New Orleans Jail (Orleans Justice Center)
Overview of the Facility
The New Orleans Jail, officially known as the Orleans Justice Center (OJC), is the main correctional facility for Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It is operated by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) and houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
Contact Information
Address: 2800 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Website: https://www.opso.us/
Email: [email protected]
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center, you can use the online inmate lookup tool on the OPSO website or call the facility directly. You will need the inmate's full name and date of birth or booking number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit. Visitors must register in advance through the facility's website or in person. Video visitation is available, and on-site visits are typically conducted through video terminals.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through several methods:
- Online: Access Corrections
- By phone: 1-866-345-1884
- At the facility: Kiosk in the lobby
- By mail: Money orders only, sent to the facility address
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates have access to telephones during designated hours. Friends and family can set up accounts through Securus Technologies to receive calls. Video visitation is also available through the same provider.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Orleans Justice Center offers various programs and services, including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
- Re-entry programs
History of the Facility
The Orleans Justice Center opened in 2015, replacing the old Orleans Parish Prison. The new facility was built to address overcrowding and poor conditions in the previous jail and to comply with federal mandates for improved inmate care and safety.
Security and Management Information
The facility is managed by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office and employs various security measures, including surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and regular inmate counts. The jail is subject to oversight by federal monitors as part of a consent decree.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from family and friends, subject to facility rules and schedules. The jail provides law library access for inmates to research legal matters.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrest, individuals are brought to the Orleans Justice Center for booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Release occurs after posting bail, completing a sentence, or by court order. The jail provides a property release process for personal belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are not allowed to bring personal items into the visitation area. Lockers are provided for storing belongings. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Inmates are typically allowed two 20-minute video visits per week. The frequency may vary based on the inmate's classification and behavior.
Can I send packages to inmates?
Personal packages are not accepted. Inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved publishers or bookstores.
Is medical care provided to inmates?
Yes, the Orleans Justice Center provides medical, dental, and mental health care to inmates. Emergency medical services are available 24/7.
How can I report concerns about an inmate's well-being?
Concerns can be reported by calling the facility's main number or by contacting the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office through their website.
Notable Inmates
While specific information about famous prisoners at the Orleans Justice Center is limited, the facility has housed various high-profile individuals over the years, including local politicians, musicians, and individuals involved in notable criminal cases in the New Orleans area.
