Catahoula Parish Jail

Catahoula Parish Jail Data & Statistics:

*Statistical data from census.gov

Catahoula Parish Jail houses approximately 65 male and female inmates in separate housing units. The population consists primarily of pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings in Catahoula Parish courts, along with sentenced individuals serving parish sentences typically under one year. Offense classifications range from misdemeanors to felony charges including property crimes, drug-related offenses, domestic incidents, and probation violations. The facility also holds individuals awaiting transfer to Louisiana Department of Corrections facilities following sentencing. Due to the rural nature of Catahoula Parish, the inmate population reflects local law enforcement priorities and community demographics. The jail occasionally houses inmates from neighboring parishes through cooperative agreements. Gender-specific housing units maintain separation between male and female populations throughout the facility.

Catahoula Parish Jail provides medium-security housing in cell blocks and dormitory-style units separated by gender and classification level. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared in the facility kitchen according to Louisiana Department of Corrections nutritional standards. Medical services include intake health screenings, sick call procedures, and coordination with local healthcare providers for urgent needs. Mental health services address crisis intervention and ongoing psychological needs through contracted providers. Recreation opportunities include scheduled outdoor time when weather permits and indoor day rooms for socialization. The facility maintains climate control systems appropriate for Louisiana's humid subtropical climate. Inmates access basic hygiene supplies and commissary items through approved vendors. A formal grievance process allows inmates to address concerns regarding conditions, services, or staff interactions through written submissions to jail administration. Sheriff Kelly's office oversees compliance with state detention standards to ensure humane conditions for all housed individuals.

Catahoula Parish Jail offers programming designed for shorter-term incarceration typical of parish facilities. Educational services include access to GED preparation materials for inmates seeking high school equivalency certification. Religious services provide spiritual support through volunteer chaplains and visiting clergy from local Harrisonburg congregations. Substance abuse education addresses addiction issues through group sessions and educational materials, recognizing that chemical dependency contributes to many incarcerations. Work assignments within the facility teach responsibility and work ethic while maintaining jail operations. The jail coordinates with Louisiana re-entry programs to prepare sentenced inmates for release, including assistance with identification documents and community resource connections. Due to the shorter average length of stay at parish facilities, programming focuses on immediate needs and crisis stabilization rather than long-term vocational training typical of state prisons.

Inmates at Catahoula Parish Jail participate in work assignments that maintain daily facility operations. Inside job assignments include kitchen duty preparing and serving meals, janitorial work maintaining cleanliness throughout housing units and common areas, laundry services processing linens and uniforms, and commissary operations. Trustee inmates with approved classification status may receive outside work assignments assisting with grounds maintenance, facility repairs, and occasional community service projects in Harrisonburg under direct supervision. These work programs provide structure, reduce idleness, and teach responsibility while offsetting operational costs. Participation in work assignments may be considered favorably during classification reviews and by judges during sentencing. The jail does not operate industrial production programs typical of larger state facilities.

Catahoula Parish Jail was originally established in 1838 when Catahoula Parish was formally organized as a governmental entity in Louisiana. The current facility at 301 Bushley Street in Harrisonburg replaced earlier jail structures that served the parish throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Over its history, the jail has undergone multiple expansions and renovations to meet evolving detention standards and accommodate changing population needs. The facility's current 835-bed capacity reflects construction and expansion decisions made to potentially serve broader regional detention needs beyond Catahoula Parish's relatively small population. Sheriff James G. Kelly currently leads operations, continuing the Louisiana tradition of sheriffs administering parish jails. Today, the facility functions as the primary detention center for Catahoula Parish, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals while maintaining compliance with Louisiana Department of Corrections standards for medium-security parish facilities.

Visitation at Catahoula Parish Jail requires advance approval and adherence to facility regulations. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and complete any required registration processes. The jail maintains specific dress code requirements prohibiting revealing clothing, gang-related attire, and items that resemble inmate uniforms. Visitation schedules vary based on housing unit and inmate classification, with separate times designated for male and female populations. Visitors should expect security screening including metal detectors and possible searches of personal belongings. Contact visits may be restricted based on security classification and behavioral history. Minors require accompaniment by parents or legal guardians. Families should contact the jail at the Harrisonburg address before traveling to confirm current visitation schedules, verify visitor approval status, and understand specific rules that may change based on facility operations.

Mail sent to inmates at Catahoula Parish Jail should include the inmate's full legal name, booking number or identification, and the facility address: 301 Bushley Street, PO Box 655, Harrisonburg, LA 71340. All incoming mail undergoes inspection for contraband and prohibited items. Books and publications typically must arrive directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than personal senders. Inmates can make outgoing telephone calls through the jail's phone system using prepaid accounts established by friends and family members. Phone services operate through contracted vendors with per-minute charges applied to collect or prepaid accounts. Families should inquire with facility staff about available electronic messaging systems if implemented. All communications are subject to monitoring except privileged legal correspondence.