Ascension Parish Jail
County Jail | Ascension Parish County — Louisiana | Ascension Parish LA Sheriff's Office
Ascension Parish Jail is located at 2384 Lemanville Cutoff Road in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, operating under the Louisiana Department of Corrections system. This medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates and has a current population of approximately 263 inmates with a total capacity of 572 beds. Warden Paul Hall oversees daily operations at this parish-level detention center serving Ascension Parish.
Families seeking information about incarcerated loved ones can access inmate search tools to locate individuals, review arrest records, and obtain booking information. The jail accepts funds for inmate accounts, facilitates visitation programs, and provides multiple communication options to help families stay connected during incarceration.
Ascension Parish Jail stands out within the Louisiana corrections system due to its significant unused capacity, operating at less than fifty percent of its 572-bed capability with only 263 current inmates. This lower population density allows for more individualized attention to inmate needs and potentially less crowded housing conditions compared to many Louisiana parish facilities that often exceed capacity. The jail's location in Donaldsonville, the parish seat of Ascension Parish, positions it strategically along the Mississippi River corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, serving a rapidly growing suburban parish community.
Ascension Parish Jail Data & Statistics:
| Year Last Renovated | -1 |
| Avg. Daily Population | 263 |
| Maximum Capacity | -1 |
| Total Confined | 572 |
| Confined Males (18+) | -1 |
| Confined Females (18+) | -1 |
| Full-Time Employees | 52 |
| Part-Time Employees | -1 |
| Total Employee Salaries | $-1 |
| Assaults on Staff | -1 |
| On Work Assignment | 43 |
| In Education Programs | 4 |
*Statistical data from census.gov
Ascension Parish Jail houses a mixed population of male and female inmates classified primarily by security risk and housing needs. The facility holds both pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings in Ascension Parish and sentenced inmates serving parish-level sentences, typically for misdemeanor convictions or felony sentences of one year or less. Offense types range from municipal violations and DWI charges to property crimes, drug offenses, and more serious felonies awaiting trial. The jail maintains separate housing units for male and female populations and classifies inmates based on criminal history, behavioral concerns, and special needs. Special populations may include individuals requiring medical supervision, mental health services, or protective custody arrangements.
Ascension Parish Jail provides housing in dormitory-style units and individual cells depending on classification level and security requirements. Male and female inmates are housed in completely separate sections of the facility to maintain security protocols. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared in the facility kitchen, with special dietary accommodations available for documented medical or religious requirements. Recreation opportunities include scheduled outdoor time in secured recreation yards when weather permits, along with limited indoor recreation activities. Medical services are provided on-site by contracted healthcare staff, with more serious medical needs addressed through transport to community hospitals. Mental health services include crisis intervention, medication management, and referrals for inmates experiencing psychological distress. The jail maintains a formal grievance process allowing inmates to address concerns about conditions, staff interactions, or policy violations through written documentation reviewed by jail administration. Housing conditions meet Louisiana state standards for parish detention facilities.
Ascension Parish Jail offers educational programming including GED preparation classes for inmates lacking high school diplomas, providing opportunities to complete equivalency requirements during incarceration. Substance abuse programming addresses addiction issues through counseling sessions and educational materials, recognizing the prevalence of drug and alcohol-related offenses among the inmate population. Religious services and spiritual guidance are available through volunteer chaplains representing various faith traditions who conduct regular worship services and provide individual pastoral care. Re-entry planning assistance helps sentenced inmates prepare for release by connecting them with community resources, employment opportunities, and support services. The jail also provides library access with legal materials for inmates preparing their cases, though program availability may vary based on staffing and facility resources.
Work assignments at Ascension Parish Jail include essential facility maintenance positions such as kitchen workers who assist with meal preparation and cleanup, janitorial crews responsible for cleaning housing units and common areas, and laundry workers who process facility linens and inmate clothing. Trusty inmates who demonstrate good behavior and low security risk may qualify for additional work opportunities including groundskeeping duties maintaining the facility exterior and outdoor areas. These work assignments provide inmates with structure, reduce idleness, and may result in modest compensation or sentence credit depending on classification. The jail does not operate external work release programs or prison industries beyond internal facility operations.
Ascension Parish Jail was established in 1976 to replace the outdated detention facilities previously serving Ascension Parish. The facility was constructed on Lemanville Cutoff Road in Donaldsonville to provide modern correctional housing for the growing parish population along Louisiana's River Road corridor. Since its founding under the Louisiana Department of Corrections oversight, the jail has undergone various upgrades and modifications to meet evolving correctional standards and security requirements. The facility expanded its capacity to 572 beds to accommodate projected population growth in one of Louisiana's fastest-growing parishes, though current utilization remains well below maximum capacity. Throughout its operational history, the jail has maintained its role as the primary detention center for Ascension Parish, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates while serving the parish court system and law enforcement agencies.
Visitation at Ascension Parish Jail requires all visitors to present valid government-issued photo identification and complete the visitor approval process before scheduling appointments. The facility maintains specific dress code requirements prohibiting revealing clothing, certain colors, and items that could pose security concerns. Potential visitors should contact the jail directly to verify current visitation schedules, as days and times may vary for male and female housing units. The approval process may take several days, so families should plan accordingly and apply well before their intended visit. Visits typically occur through video visitation or in-person contact visits depending on inmate classification and behavior status. Families are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm visitation hours, verify their approval status, and understand current policies before traveling to the facility.
Mail sent to inmates at Ascension Parish Jail should be addressed with the inmate's full name followed by 2384 Lemanville Cutoff Road, Donaldsonville, LA 70390. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and must comply with facility regulations regarding acceptable contents. Books and publications must typically be shipped directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than sent by individuals. Inmates can place phone calls through the jail's contracted telephone system, which requires families to establish prepaid accounts or accept collect calls. Families should contact the facility to learn about available communication services, approved book vendors, and any electronic messaging systems that may be implemented for inmate correspondence.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Ascension Parish Jail operates at medium security with a healthy 46% occupancy rate and zero staff assaults, indicating a stable and well-managed facility. The low population-to-capacity ratio reduces overcrowding stress and supports safer conditions for both inmates and visitors. When visiting, expect standard security screening procedures, arrive during designated visiting hours, and bring valid identification to ensure smooth entry.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Ascension Parish Jail is located in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, the parish seat of Ascension Parish in southeast Louisiana. The facility sits on Lemanville Cutoff Road, approximately 60 miles northwest of New Orleans and 25 miles south of Baton Rouge. The area offers highway accessibility via LA 1 and nearby hotels along major routes. Donaldsonville is situated along the Mississippi River with modest commercial services and regional amenities supporting visiting families.