Acadia Parish Detention Center

The Acadia Parish Detention Center maintains a population of approximately 272 male inmates representing various custody levels and offense categories. The facility houses a significant percentage of pre-trial detainees awaiting adjudication in Acadia Parish courts, alongside sentenced inmates serving parish and state sentences. Offenses range from misdemeanor violations and municipal charges to serious felonies including drug offenses, property crimes, violent offenses, and parole violations. The mixed-custody environment includes minimum-security trustees who assist with facility operations, medium-security general population inmates, and maximum-security offenders requiring enhanced supervision. The population also includes individuals with special needs requiring protective custody, medical attention, or mental health services tailored to their classification status.

Acadia Parish Detention Center provides housing in a classification-based system where inmates are assigned to units according to their security level, criminal history, and behavioral record. Housing ranges from dormitory-style open bays for minimum-security inmates to individual cells for maximum-security offenders requiring heightened supervision. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared on-site, following nutritional guidelines established by state corrections standards. Recreation opportunities vary by security classification, with outdoor recreation time provided when staffing and weather permit. Medical services are available through contracted healthcare providers who conduct intake screenings, sick call appointments, and manage chronic conditions. Mental health services include crisis intervention, medication management, and referrals for specialized treatment. Inmates have access to a formal grievance process allowing them to address concerns about conditions, treatment, or facility operations through written submissions to administrative staff. Daily routines include scheduled counts, unit cleaning assignments, and structured programming times.

Acadia Parish Detention Center offers educational opportunities focused on literacy improvement and GED preparation for inmates lacking high school credentials. Classroom instruction helps prepare students for the equivalency examination. The facility provides substance abuse programming designed to address addiction issues that often contribute to criminal behavior, including group counseling sessions and educational materials about recovery. Religious services and spiritual counseling are available through volunteer chaplains representing various faith traditions who conduct regular worship services and individual pastoral care. Life skills programming covers topics including anger management, decision-making, and personal responsibility to help inmates develop prosocial behaviors. Re-entry planning assistance is available for sentenced inmates approaching release, helping them prepare for successful community reintegration through resource connections and transition planning.

Inmates at Acadia Parish Detention Center participate in various work assignments based on their custody classification and behavioral standing. Minimum-security trustees perform essential facility maintenance including janitorial services, laundry operations, kitchen duties, and grounds keeping. These work assignments help reduce operational costs while providing inmates with structured activities and work experience. Medium-security inmates may qualify for supervised work details within the facility performing tasks such as meal service, unit sanitation, and supply distribution. Maximum-security inmates have limited work opportunities due to security restrictions but may participate in cell-front or unit-based assignments when appropriate. Work assignments promote responsibility and help inmates develop positive work habits.

Established in 1887, Acadia Parish Detention Center has served the law enforcement needs of Acadia Parish for over 135 years, making it one of Louisiana's longest-operating detention facilities. The original facility was constructed during the post-Reconstruction era when Crowley was developing as the parish seat and agricultural center. Throughout its extensive history, the detention center has undergone multiple renovations, expansions, and modernizations to meet evolving correctional standards and accommodate changing population needs. The facility has adapted from its 19th-century origins to incorporate contemporary security technology, classification systems, and programming approaches. Under current leadership by Warden Laura Benoit, the detention center continues its foundational mission of secure custody while incorporating modern correctional practices. Today it remains central to public safety operations throughout Acadia Parish.

Visitation at Acadia Parish Detention Center is available to approved visitors who have completed the application process and been cleared by facility administrators. All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival and comply with the facility's dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, offensive graphics, and items that resemble inmate attire. Visitors should expect to pass through security screening including metal detectors and possible searches of personal belongings. Visitation schedules vary based on inmate housing assignments and security classifications, with specific days and times designated for different units. Contact visits may be restricted for certain custody levels. Families are strongly encouraged to call the facility ahead of time to confirm current visitation schedules, verify their approval status, and learn about any special requirements or restrictions that may apply.

Mail sent to inmates at Acadia Parish Detention Center should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, booking number if available, and the facility address: 1037 Capitol Ave, Crowley, LA 70526. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and prohibited items. Correspondence should follow facility guidelines regarding permissible content and enclosures. Books and magazines must typically come directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than personal senders. Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through the facility's telephone system, which requires recipients to establish prepaid accounts with the contracted phone service provider. Families should check with facility staff regarding available electronic messaging platforms if offered through third-party vendors.