Allen County Jail


The Allen Parish Jail, situated in Oberlin, Louisiana, primarily serves as a pretrial holding facility. This maximum-security jail has a capacity to accommodate 41 individuals and is located at 427 Court Street, PO Box 278, Oberlin, LA, 70655. Its main purpose is to detain Allen Parish County inmates who have been accused of misdemeanor offenses and are unable to post bail or are awaiting their court hearings. The Allen Parish Sheriffs Department – Elizabeth Substation deputies, the Oberlin Police Department, and federal agencies are responsible for arresting individuals who are subsequently held at the Allen Parish Jail.


As the primary law enforcement officer in Allen Parish County, the Sheriff holds a significant role in overseeing the operations of the detention facility. The Allen Parish Jail plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure custody of detainees during the pretrial phase. It serves as a temporary residence for individuals who have been arrested within the county and are awaiting resolution of their cases. The facility acts as a centralized hub for detainees, consolidating individuals who are unable to make bail or are awaiting their court dates, thus aiding in the efficient administration of justice in Allen Parish County.


Delivering a Mail/Package

Inmates at the facility receive mail delivery during specific hours, namely between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. However, it’s important to note that certain items such as pictures, cards, photographs, or any type of graphics are not accepted at the jail. In such cases, these items are returned to the sender whenever possible. Additionally, it should be noted that letters or messages brought directly to the jail will not be delivered to the inmates.


To ensure the safety and security of the facility, all incoming mail is checked for contraband. However, it is important to highlight that the content of the mail itself will not be censored. In order to facilitate communication, inmates who are financially unable to afford postage and materials are provided with the necessary resources for two letters per week, free of charge. This is done to accommodate indigent inmates and support their correspondence needs.

 

Mailing Address for Allen County Jail:

417 S. Calhoun St.

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802


Telephone Access for Inmates

Inmates housed in the general population cellblocks have access to telephones during designated hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is important to note that this privilege may be denied for inmates serving disciplinary time. However, for eligible inmates, the telephones are available for use during the specified timeframe. It should be mentioned that all local calls made by inmates are charged to the party receiving the call. The rate for local calls is set at $1.95 for the first fifteen minutes of conversation. This allows inmates to connect with individuals outside the facility, while the cost of the call is borne by the recipient.


Inmate Commissary

Smoking is strictly prohibited within the confines of the Jail. However, inmates have the option to purchase various items from the Jail Commissary, including writing materials, personal hygiene products, and food items. This allows inmates to acquire essential supplies and fulfill their basic needs while adhering to the designated regulations regarding smoking within the facility.


Wellness and Medical Treatment

At the Jail, sick call sessions are conducted on a daily basis to address the healthcare needs of inmates. It is important to note that inmates are expected to pay a minimum fee for medical services and prescriptions they receive. However, indigent inmates will not be denied treatment, although any costs incurred will be recorded as a negative balance on their account. Furthermore, indigent inmates will receive a weekly provision of the essential healthcare items they require to meet their minimum healthcare needs. This ensures that all inmates, regardless of their financial situation, receive necessary medical attention and support while in custody.


Monetary Transactions

Within the cellblock, any form of currency is classified as contraband and strictly prohibited. However, inmates are permitted to maintain funds in an account at the Jail. These funds can be utilized for various purposes such as paying fines or posting bond. It’s important to note that the disbursement of funds from the account to the inmate’s attorney can only be done outside of the Jail premises. Personal checks will not be accepted as a form of payment. Instead, only U.S. Postal money orders will be acknowledged and accepted for deposit into an inmate’s account, ensuring a secure and traceable transaction process.


Clothing

In the event that an inmate has a jury trial scheduled, one set of clothing may be provided to them the day before their scheduled trial

date. This arrangement allows the inmate to have appropriate attire for their court appearance, ensuring a respectful and presentable appearance during the proceedings.


Meals

At the facility, inmates receive three meals per day, including weekends and holidays. The menu is carefully designed to meet the recommended daily allowance for individuals leading a moderately active lifestyle. It ensures that the inmates receive a sufficient intake of nutrients and sustenance. The menu is structured to provide a daily average calorie count of no less than 2,800 calories. Importantly, meals are never withheld from inmates as a disciplinary measure, ensuring that all individuals in custody have access to regular and adequate nutrition.


Textual Resources

The Allen County Jail Chaplaincy Board maintains a library that offers reading material for inmates. Volunteers from the board visit each cellblock on a weekly basis, bringing a book cart from the library. Inmates have the opportunity to select books from this collection to read during their time at the jail. It is important to note that inmates are not permitted to have books from sources outside the jail, ensuring that the reading material provided is properly managed and appropriate for the correctional facility’s guidelines.


Worship Services

The Allen County Jail Chaplaincy Board has dedicated a section of the jail for the purpose of a chapel, where religious services are conducted. Two services are held per week, specifically on two nights. Given the substantial inmate population, the scheduling of inmate church services follows a rotating two-week schedule based on block assignments. Additionally, pastoral visits for inmates are arranged upon request, ensuring that individuals in custody have access to spiritual support and guidance as needed.


Visitation Schedule and Policy

Visiting hours at the facility are designated from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. However, in the months where there is a fifth Saturday and/or Sunday, visitation will only be permitted for minimum trustee and medium honor incarcerated individuals. Medium and maximum custody individuals will not be allowed visitors on these particular days. It’s important to note that no visitor will be permitted to enter the facility after 2:00 p.m.

Visitors are required to adhere to a specific dress code to maintain the appropriate standards within the facility. The following items are strictly prohibited during visitation:


  • Clothing resembling the attire worn by incarcerated individuals or correctional officers is not allowed.
  • Camouflage, transparent clothing, and swimming suits are not permitted.
  • Skirts, shorts, skorts, culottes, and dresses shorter than one inch above the knee cap, as well as garments with slits, are prohibited.
  • Strapless, tube, halter tops, tank tops, and strapless dresses are not allowed.
  • Tops exposing the midriff, low-cut blouses, shirts, or dresses are not permitted.
  • Spandex, lycra, or spandex-like athletic and aerobic/exercise tights or leotards that expose underwear are prohibited.
  • Clothing with revealing holes or tears above the knee cap is not allowed.
  • Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or profane writing, images, pictures, gang or club-related insignia, indicative of gang affiliation are strictly prohibited.
  • Footwear must be worn at all times and house slippers or shower shoes are not permitted.


These dress code restrictions apply to men, women, and children equally, ensuring a respectful and appropriate environment during visitation.


Video Visitation Policy

To gain authorization for video visitation, it is necessary to agree to all rules and regulations in place. Please take note of the following guidelines:


  1. Registration for visitation must be completed accurately at either the jail lobby kiosk or the website https://allencountyin.gtlvisitme.com. If any visitor information does not match the identification presented during check-in, the visit will be denied until the information is updated and corrected.
  2. Using a false name or identification will result in a one-year suspension of visitation privileges.
  3. At the Allen County Jail, one registered adult can visit with one child. Internet visits can include up to two adults and two children, as long as both adults are registered visitors. Unregistered individuals will not be allowed to participate in any visits.
  4. Rude or vulgar behavior, lewd conduct, or flashing body parts are strictly prohibited. Visitors must dress appropriately and in good taste.
  5. Visitors are not permitted to use cell phones or any recording devices during the visitation session. Showing pictures, letters, documents, or any other items is also prohibited. Violating this policy may result in visitation suspension for up to one year.
  6. Visitors must check in at the jail lobby at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit. For scheduled internet visits, no check-in is required.
  7. Failure to report for a scheduled visit will count as a visitation session for both the inmate and the visitor. Visit cancellations can be made through the visitation scheduling portal.
  8. Food and drinks are not allowed in the jail lobby.
  9. When a registered adult visitor accompanies a minor child, they must ensure proper control and supervision of the child while in the jail lobby.
  10. Visitors must not have been incarcerated within the past 90 days to be eligible for visitation.
  11. Eligible inmates are permitted one 25-minute visit per week from the jail lobby. Internet visits are also 25 minutes long and have no limitations.
  12. Adequate lighting must be utilized to ensure clear visibility of the visitor. If the visitor cannot be seen properly, the visit will be terminated.
  13. While using the GTL VisMobile app on a cell phone, it is not permitted to take screenshots, record, or engage in any other activities on the device during the visit.


It is essential to comply with these regulations to ensure a smooth and respectful visitation experience.

 

Allen County Sheriff Department

County Sheriff: Douglas L. Hebert III

Address: 7340 Hwy 26 W P.O. Box 278 Oberlin, LA 70655

Phone: 337-639-4353


Overview of Allen County

Allen Parish, also known as Paroisse d’Allen, is situated in the southwestern region of Louisiana, United States. With a population of 22,750 as of the 2020 census, it is named after Henry Watkins Allen, a former Confederate States Army general and Governor of Louisiana. The parish seat is located in Oberlin, while the largest city is Oakdale.


The Allen Parish Tourist Commission established the Leatherwood Museum in Oakdale on September 27, 2008. Housed in a two-story building that once served as a hospital, the museum offers insights into the area’s agricultural and timber history. During the early 20th century, expectant women would wait on the second-floor balcony to deliver their babies.


According to the 2000 census, the parish had a population of 25,440 residents. The population density was approximately 33 people per square mile (13 people/km2). The racial composition of the parish was predominantly White (71.90%), followed by Black or African American (24.60%), Native American (1.72%), Asian (0.57%), and individuals of other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals accounted for

4.50% of the population. A notable percentage of residents reported speaking French or Cajun French (6.22%), and a smaller portion spoke Spanish (4.68%).


In terms of households, 36.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The majority of households (54.00%) were married couples, while 15.20% were headed by a female householder without a husband present. Non-family households accounted for 26.80% of the total. The average household size was 2.62, and the average family size was 3.12.


Additional Resources

Allen County Jail mugshots

Allen County Jail Inmate Search

 

Allen County Jail

3751 Lauderdale Woodyard Rd., LA 70648

(337) 639-2943

https://doc.louisiana.gov/location/allen-correctional-center/