Avoyelles County Jail


The Marksville Detention Center, located in Marksville, Avoyelles Parish County, Louisiana, is a minimum-security adult facility. With a capacity of 155 beds, it has been serving the community since 1975, accommodating approximately 2,978 bookings per year. This facility houses inmates from across Avoyelles Parish County and operates under the supervision of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Office. The Louisiana Department of Corrections is responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of this prison.


Dispatching a Package/Letter

Inmates at the Marksville Detention Center are permitted to engage in mail correspondence. They have the privilege to both send and receive mails, but it is crucial for senders to provide a return address. This is necessary to ensure that the mail reaches the intended recipients smoothly. The designated mailing address for the facility is as follows:


Inmate Name- ID Number 

675 Government Street, Marksville, LA, 71351


In addition to mail, inmates are also allowed to receive publications; however, it is important that these publications are sent directly from the publishers. When it comes to care packages, such as clothing, snacks, and seasonal items, inmates are required to acquire them from approved third-party vendors. These vendors have been authorized by the facility to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved. If there are any questions or inquiries regarding these procedures, the administration can be contacted at 318-253-4000.


Sending Inmate Money

At the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center in Louisiana, it is possible to send money to an inmate’s commissary account. Approved methods of depositing funds include:


  1. Onsite deposits: Deposits can be made at the kiosk located in the lobby of the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center. Cash, debit cards, and credit cards are accepted for these transactions.
  2. Online deposits: The facility utilizes JPay online payment system to receive funds. This allows individuals to make deposits electronically through a secure online platform.
  3. Money orders: Money orders can be sent via the United States Postal Service, Western Union, or a reputable bank. These money orders should be made out to the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center, specifying the inmate’s name and ID number.
  4. Phone deposits: Deposits can also be made over the phone using debit cards and credit cards. This option allows for convenient transfer of funds into the inmate’s commissary account.


These various methods provide flexibility for individuals wishing to send money to inmates at the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center.


Communication Through Phone Conversations

At the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center, inmates have the privilege to make phone calls to a pre-approved call list, primarily consisting of their friends and family members. These calls can be made either through a third-party call services provider or via a collect call arrangement. For direct calls, inmates are required to create an account and ensure there are sufficient funds in it to cover the cost of their calls. This allows them to make calls directly using the provided services.


On the other hand, collect calls are another option available to inmates. In this case, the receiver of the call is responsible for incurring the costs associated with the call. By offering these two methods of communication, the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center aims to facilitate and maintain connections between inmates and their loved ones while adhering to the necessary guidelines and regulations.


Visitation Guidelines and Schedule

To visit an inmate at the Avoyelles Parish Marksville Detention Center, it is essential to coordinate with the facility’s authorities prior to the intended visit. This proactive engagement ensures a smooth and organized visitation process.


The visiting schedule for the facility is as follows: 

Weekdays: 7.30 am to 9 pm

Weekends: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm

 

Important Jail Policies and Procedures:

At the Avoyelles Parish Jail, family and friends have the privilege of visiting inmates. However, there are certain procedures and guidelines to be followed. Upon entry into the facility, visitors must present a valid picture ID to the staff. It is important to note that the jail authorities maintain the right to conduct searches on visitors and their belongings for security purposes.

To ensure a safe and controlled environment, personal belongings such as bags, purses, and cellphones are not permitted inside the visiting area. If minors are visiting, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

Additionally, all visitors are expected to adhere to the facility’s dress code. Failure to comply with the dress code may result in denial of entry. For information regarding visiting hours at this facility, individuals can contact the jail directly at (318)-253-4000.

 

Avoyelles County Sheriff Department

In Avoyelles Parish, Sheriff Douglas Anderson serves as the chief law enforcement officer. If you need to contact him, you can reach out to him at (318)-253-8085. For matters related to the official records of Avoyelles Parish, as well as the role of Chief Election Officer and Parish Custodian of Voting Machines, Connie B. Couvillon holds the elected position of Clerk of Court. To get in touch with her, please use the phone number 318-253-7523.

 

Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office:

Address: 675 Government Street, Marksville, LA 71351

Phone: 1-(318)-253-8085

Fax: 1-(318)-253-4061


Overview of Avoyelles County

Avoyelles Parish, also known as Paroisse des Avoyelles, is situated in the central eastern region of Louisiana, where the Red River merges with the Atchafalaya River and eventually meets the Mississippi River. According to the 2020 census, the parish has a population of 39,693 residents. The parish seat is Marksville, a town rich in history. Avoyelles Parish was established in 1807 and derived its name from the French term for the Avoyel people, a local Indian tribe that existed during the European encounters.


Presently, the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe, recognized by the federal government, is based in the parish. They have a reservation in Avoyelles Parish, where they operate a land-based gambling casino located in part within the town of Marksville.

Avoyelles Parish has a significant French colonial heritage and is known for its use of the French language. The local Creole traditions, encompassing music and cuisine, reflect a blend of European, African, and Native American influences. While the parish has a notable history of European immigrants, predominantly French in its early years, it is considered the northernmost of the 22 parishes comprising “Acadiana.” These parishes share a history of settlement by French-speaking refugees from Acadia (present-day Eastern Canada) in the late 18th century. The contributions of these settlers, alongside Africans and Native Americans, have greatly shaped the cultural development of the area. Avoyelles Parish is renowned for its unique style of Cajun/Creole music and its flavorful gumbo, a popular soup that embodies the culinary fusion of the aforementioned ethnicities.


The central region of Avoyelles Parish lies on a substantial plateau slightly above the floodplain of surrounding waterways. Historically, water travel was the primary means of transportation in the area. Indigenous tribes used canoes, while the early French settlers developed their own boats known as pirogues.


Records from the Catholic churches in Mansura and Marksville provide evidence of a trading post and a Catholic school established by French colonists. The merchants aimed to engage in fur trading with the Tunica Tribe, while the missionaries sought to convert the natives to Christianity. The trading post was constructed near the Avoyel/Tunica settlement and remained intact until the mid-1960s. Travelers can identify the site of the historic Catholic mission school through roadside markers along LA 1.


Additional Resources

Avoyelles County Jail mugshots

Avoyelles County Jail Inmate Search


Avoyelles County Jail

675 Government Street, Marksville, LA, 71351

1-(318)-253-8085

https://doc.louisiana.gov/location/avoyelles-parish/