Opelousas Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Opelousas, Louisiana government websites.
About Opelousas City Government
Annual Budget
$6.5 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Opelousas, Louisiana, is the Opelousas City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Each council member is elected from one of the city's districts and serves a term of 4 years. The council is responsible for enacting local ordinances, approving the budget, and overseeing city operations.
For the fiscal year 2022-2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Opelousas is $6.5 million. This budget covers various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Opelousas City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Opelousas City Hall, located at 105 East Landry Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Opelousas, Louisiana
The Opelousas Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city, tasked with maintaining public safety and order. In addition, the Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in law enforcement throughout the parish, providing additional resources and support to the local police. For those seeking arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history in Opelousas, the process begins at the Opelousas Police Department, where individuals can request public records related to local arrests. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to the Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the parish jail and maintains a repository of arrest records and incident reports. For access to statewide criminal history, individuals can also contact the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation or the Louisiana State Police, which maintain a comprehensive database of criminal records. Online lookup portals may exist for accessing some of these records, enhancing convenience for residents performing due diligence or background checks.
Opelousas is served by the Saint Landry Parish District Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. To obtain court records, individuals can either visit the courthouse in person or access online services provided by the court’s official website, where many documents are available for public viewing. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be acquired from the Saint Landry Parish Clerk of Court’s office or through the Louisiana Department of Health’s vital records section. When it comes to property records, the parish assessor’s office maintains detailed property tax information, while the recorder’s office holds deeds and other land-related documents, both of which can be accessed online. Furthermore, under the Louisiana Public Records Law, residents can submit requests for general public records through the appropriate office, typically expecting a response within 5 to 10 business days. This framework of accessible public records illustrates the city’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Opelousas, Louisiana Public Records & Government Resources
Opelousas Louisiana Archives and Genealogy
Louisiana Secretary of State archives and genealogy for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Louisiana for Opelousas.
Louisiana Courts – Opelousas Case Search
Louisiana Supreme Court and case search for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Vital Records
Louisiana Department of Health vital records for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Inmate Search
Louisiana Department of Corrections offender search for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Missing Persons
Louisiana State Police missing persons for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Sex Offender Registry
Louisiana State Police sex offender and child predator registry for Opelousas.
Opelousas Louisiana Criminal History Records
Louisiana State Police criminal history records for Opelousas.
City of Opelousas
Directory of Opelousas city records and information
Opelousas City Government
Licenses, permits and city departments
Opelousas Police Department
Law enforcement services 318 North Court Street Opelousas LA 70570 Phone: (337) 948-2500
Opelousas City Court
Civil, criminal, traffic and juvenile cases 127 E. Grolee St Opelousas, LA 70570 Phone: (337) 948-2570 Fax: (337) 948-25
Opelousas Fire Department
Fire and emergency services 1334 South Union Opelousas LA 70570 Phone: (337) 948-2543
Opelousas-Eunice Public Library
Reference materials and research assistance 212 East Grolee Street P.O. Box 249 Opelousas LA 70571 Phone: (337) 948-3693
Opelousas Chamber of Commerce
Business listings directory 109 West Vine Street Opelousas LA 70570 Phone: (337) 942-2683 Fax: (337) 942-2684 Email: ope
Opelousas, U.S. Census Bureau
Population and demographic information Opelousas LA 70570
Opelousas Louisiana Criminal Records Search and Depository
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information 7919 Independence Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Opelousas Louisiana Criminal and Civil Cases
Judicial Branch Criminal Division 1885 North 3rd St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 P.O. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 PHONE: 2
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Opelousas Louisiana Inmates and Most Wanted
Prison Enterprises P.O. Box 44314 1060 Nicholson Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4314 1-800-256-9646 To e-mail the Sales Des
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across St. Landry Parish operates through a coordinated network of agencies. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office works alongside municipal departments including the Opelousas Police Department and Eunice Police Department, with each city force handling matters within its own jurisdiction. While these departments operate independently day to day, they collaborate closely on major crimes and emergencies to ensure a unified response. This partnership extends to broader investigations and parish-wide initiatives that cross city boundaries.
Jail & Inmate Records
The St. Landry Parish Detention Center serves as the primary incarceration facility for anyone arrested within the parish. When someone is booked, they're photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal details are documented into the system. Family members and attorneys can locate current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility requires scheduling appointments in advance and following strict protocols.
Arrest Records
Arrest records across the parish are maintained by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. These files contain details about each arrest, the charges filed, and complete booking information. Residents and legal representatives can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office and following the procedures outlined under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Each record typically includes the arrested individual's personal information, the nature of the charges against them, and details about which agency made the arrest.
Court Records
The Opelousas City Court, located at 311 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, handles civil and criminal cases that fall within the city's jurisdiction. Public records from the court—including case dockets, filings, and judgments—are accessible through the court's official website at opelousascitycourt.com. Residents and attorneys regularly use this online portal to track case progress and review court documents.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Landry Parish encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The state's background check system allows for access to public records, ensuring transparency and accountability in the criminal justice process.
Public Records Access
The City of Opelousas maintains a comprehensive public records portal through its official website at cityofopelousas.com. Residents can access City Council meeting minutes, municipal codes, and public notices all in one place. The site also provides direct links to other government agencies like the Opelousas City Court and the Opelousas Police Department, each of which maintains its own records repository. This centralized approach makes it easier for the public to find what they need without visiting multiple offices.
Vital Records
The Opelousas City Hall, located at 105 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, serves as the central hub for vital records. Residents can obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates, as well as other important documents, by visiting the City Clerk's office or accessing the online records request form on the city's website.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Opelousas promotes a thriving business community and keeps public records related to local commerce accessible to entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. Information on business licenses, zoning regulations, and economic development initiatives can be found on the city's website and through the Opelousas Economic Development Corporation. This partnership between city government and the development corporation helps foster growth while maintaining transparency around commercial activity in the area.
Economy & Demographics
Opelousas boasts a diverse economy, with industries ranging from agriculture to healthcare. Public records related to the city's economic development, such as tax assessments, business permits, and employment data, can be obtained through the Opelousas Economic Development Corporation or the St. Landry Parish Assessor's Office.
Elections & Voter Records
Opelousas voters access election services through the Saint Landry Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 106 West Landry Street, Suite B, Opelousas, LA 70570 (phone: 337-948-0512, website: www.sos.la.gov/electionsandvoting). Louisiana residents can register to vote online through the GeauxVote portal at voterportal.sos.la.gov, which also handles updates to existing registrations. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election, or 20 days if registering by mail. Anyone with a Louisiana driver's license or state ID can register online. Voters must be U.S.
citizens, at least 17 years old (though they can only vote once they turn 18), and residents of both Louisiana and the parish where they're registering. For municipal elections specific to the city, voters choose a Mayor-President and five City Council members who represent geographic districts. These municipal elections typically happen in the fall of odd-numbered years, with the next regular election scheduled for 2025. Louisiana uses a unique jungle primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot regardless of party affiliation. If no candidate receives 50% plus one vote, the top two advance to a runoff. Local ballot measures, charter amendments, and tax propositions often appear alongside candidate races. Residents can find their assigned polling location using the GeauxVote Voter Portal by entering their name and date of birth, or by calling the Registrar's office directly. In the November 2024 presidential election, Saint Landry Parish reported approximately 47% voter turnout, with roughly 35,000 registered voters and approximately 16,500 ballots cast. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters here will decide several significant races including all seven Louisiana U.S. House of Representatives seats (the city is in District 3), numerous state legislative seats including State Senate District 28 and State House Districts 40 and 41, parish-level positions including Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, Coroner, and School Board members, and potentially local municipal positions and ballot measures. Louisiana does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 for Senator Kennedy, whose seat is up in 2028, though Senator Cassidy's seat is up in 2026. Public election records accessible to Louisiana residents include voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate political purposes), campaign finance reports through the Louisiana Board of Ethics at www.ethics.la.gov showing contributions and expenditures for state and local candidates, candidate qualifying information showing who filed for which offices, and precinct-level election results published by the Secretary of State after each election. The state offers early voting beginning 14 days before Election Day and ending seven days before, with extended hours including weekends. For absentee voting by mail, Louisiana requires voters to have an excuse such as being away from the parish on Election Day, having a disability, being 65 or older, being hospitalized, or being incarcerated but still eligible to vote. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters and can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website, with the completed ballot due by 4:30 PM on Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor / Limited: Recorder In-Person or Fee-Based | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering via VitalChek | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 6.5/10 — Saint Landry Parish provides good online access for property assessments, inmate rosters, business entities, and voter registration, but court records require in-person visits and recorded documents have limited remote access, reflecting Louisiana's mixed digital records infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
The school district for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana is the St. Landry Parish School District. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the district's performance score for the most recent reporting period was a 74.3, which is considered "Good" on the state's rating system.
2 What are the crime statistics for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
Crime data for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish County, Louisiana is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The St. Landry Parish County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for Opelousas and surrounding areas.
State-level crime statistics and data resources are available through the Louisiana State Police. This agency provides information on crime trends, incident reports, and public safety data for jurisdictions across Louisiana.
For specific crime data requests for Opelousas, contact the St. Landry Parish County Sheriff's Office directly or submit a public records request. Local police departments may also maintain crime statistics specific to their jurisdiction.
State-level crime statistics and data resources are available through the Louisiana State Police. This agency provides information on crime trends, incident reports, and public safety data for jurisdictions across Louisiana.
For specific crime data requests for Opelousas, contact the St. Landry Parish County Sheriff's Office directly or submit a public records request. Local police departments may also maintain crime statistics specific to their jurisdiction.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Library?
The Opelousas Public Library in Saint Landry County, Louisiana provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Louisiana government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1), which governs access to government documents in Louisiana. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Opelousas Louisiana Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/Pages/default.aspx. Contact the Opelousas Public Library reference desk for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Public Library located?
The Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Library is located at 212 East Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
Fingerprinting services for Opelousas, Louisiana residents are provided at the Opelousas Police Department, which serves Saint Landry County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Opelousas Police Department for visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Louisiana State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Louisiana State Police at https://lcle.la.gov/programs/uploads.asp?div=5.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, you must contact the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court is responsible for maintaining all vital records for the parish, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The records included in vital records vary depending on the type of record being requested. Birth records typically include the name of the child, date and place of birth, parents' names, and other information. Death records typically include the name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, and other information. Marriage records typically include the names of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, and other information. Divorce records typically include the names of the parties, date and place of divorce, and other information.
7 How do I register to vote in Opelousas, Louisiana?
To register to vote in Opelousas, Louisiana, residents should contact the Saint Landry Parish Clerk's office, which administers elections for Opelousas and surrounding communities. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Louisiana, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Louisiana offers voter registration online at geauxvote.com, by mail, or in person at the Saint Landry Parish Clerk's office. Residents can check their registration status, find their polling location, and view sample ballots through the Louisiana Secretary of State website. For questions about voter registration or elections in Opelousas, contact the Saint Landry Parish election office directly.
8 How do I look up property records in Opelousas, Louisiana?
Property records for Opelousas, Louisiana are maintained by the Saint Landry Parish Assessor's Office and the Saint Landry Parish Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Saint Landry Parish, including parcels in Opelousas. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Saint Landry Parish Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Louisiana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Saint Landry Parish offices at the county courthouse. The Saint Landry Parish Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Opelousas, Louisiana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Opelousas, Louisiana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry, located in Baton Rouge, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Louisiana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Saint Landry Parish Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Saint Landry Parish. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Opelousas, Louisiana?
Business licensing for Opelousas, Louisiana operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Opelousas town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Opelousas limits. Saint Landry Parish may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Louisiana businesses must register with the Louisiana Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Louisiana licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Opelousas, contact the Opelousas clerk's office and the Saint Landry Parish economic development office.
Nearby Cities in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: