Avoyelles Women's Correctional Center DC-3

You can support your loved ones at Avoyelles Women's Correctional on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 318-876-2871.

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 Avoyelles Women's Correctional is a detention center located at 640 Choupique Ln Cottonport, LA which is operated locally by the Avoyelles 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. Avoyelles Parish Parish accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Cottonport 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 Avoyelles Parish Women’s Correctional Center, a minimum-security facility, operates under the administration of the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department (APSO) and the Avoyelles Parish Prison, with Sheriff David L. Dauzat overseeing its operations. Known as a "CD-3" classification facility, the center primarily accommodates women awaiting court dates or serving sentences longer than a year. The inmate population consists largely of individuals charged with or convicted of misdemeanor offenses, including first-time and non-violent offenders within the parish.

Although the Avoyelles Women’s Correctional Center does not have an official website, limited details can be found through resources like the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The facility has a maximum capacity of 300 inmates and an operational capacity of 317, with 225 vacancies reported at the end of the prior year. It houses a mix of pre-trial detainees and those in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

The center emphasizes rehabilitation and skill development through various programs tailored to equip inmates for successful reintegration into society. Vocational training includes fields such as automotive technology, culinary arts, construction, welding, and masonry, alongside job skills programs like the Standardized Pre-release Curriculum and Office Systems. Inmates also benefit from value and faith-based initiatives, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Treatment programs offered at the facility address a wide range of needs, including domestic abuse intervention, Living in Balance, LA Risk Management Model, and specialized courses such as Our Best Interest (Women), Partners in Parenting, Thinking for Change, and Understanding and Reducing Anger. These comprehensive services underscore the facility’s commitment to reducing recidivism and empowering incarcerated women to rebuild their lives.

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. You might qualify 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.