Can Someone with a Criminal Record Visit at Bossier Parish Jail? Louisiana rules for visitors with prior convictions

A criminal record doesn't automatically bar you from visiting at Bossier Parish Jail. Under Louisiana's visitation rules, you can apply as long as the person in custody requests you as a visitor.

If you're on probation or parole, a letter from your supervising officer - Form OP-C-9-e - can make a real difference. That letter creates a presumption you should be eligible for visitation. The jail can still review your application and deny it in certain situations, but having the form works in your favor.

Form OP-C-9-e is an approval letter your supervising officer fills out. Under Louisiana's visitation policy, this letter "shall create a presumption" that you're eligible to visit. Translation: if you're currently supervised, getting this form completed shows the facility that your officer has reviewed your situation and approves the visit.

1. Confirm you’re on supervision - If you’re currently on probation, parole, or another type of supervision, plan on getting the supervising-officer approval letter.
2. Ask your supervising officer for Form OP-C-9-e - The policy specifically describes an approval letter completed by the applicant’s supervising officer (Form OP-C-9-e).
3. Have the supervising officer complete the letter - The presumption of eligibility comes from the letter being completed by the supervising officer.
4. Submit the completed letter with your visitation request/application materials - The goal is to have the facility consider the letter as part of your eligibility review for visitation.

A felony history can still matter - it just doesn't automatically disqualify you. Louisiana's policy allows a discretionary denial for someone convicted of a felony who hasn't been "finally discharged" from an institution or from probation/parole supervision for more than two years (without an intervening criminal record). If your discharge is more recent than two years, or your record shows new issues, expect closer scrutiny.

That said, you're still allowed to apply if the offender requests you. The facility reviews each application under the policy. Don't assume you're automatically blocked - submit the application and be ready to provide whatever the jail asks for during review.

Practical Steps

• ✓ If you’re on probation/parole/supervision, ask your supervising officer to complete the approval letter (Form OP-C-9-e).
• ✓ Apply only after the offender requests you as a visitor (visits start with the offender’s request).
• ✓ Fill out any visitor paperwork honestly, including your criminal history and supervision status.
• ✓ Provide whatever identification or documentation the facility requires during the application/review process.
• ✓ Follow any instructions from facility staff during screening and approval.

Be ready for follow-up questions. If staff asks about your conviction history or supervision status, answer directly and provide whatever paperwork they request - especially the supervising-officer letter if it applies to you. Louisiana's visitation policy also says visitors should be given equal visiting opportunities (consistent with the offender's security classification and housing assignment) and treated with courtesy without unnecessary delay.

A denial can feel personal, especially when you're trying to do things the right way. Louisiana's visitation policy sets clear expectations: no discrimination, equal visiting opportunities based on security classification and housing assignment, and courteous treatment without unnecessary delay. If you believe you were denied unfairly, focus on getting a clear explanation tied to the policy - and what the facility says you need to fix.

1. Ask for the reason in writing - Request a clear explanation of why you were not approved so you can respond to the actual issue.
2. Ask what rule or eligibility factor was applied - If the denial relates to your record or supervision status, ask how the decision fits the policy standards.
3. Correct what you can and resubmit if allowed - If the facility needs documentation (like a supervising-officer approval letter), provide it.
4. Keep it professional and reference fair-treatment expectations - If you raise concerns, point to the policy expectations of no discrimination, equal visiting opportunities (consistent with classification/housing), and courteous treatment without unnecessary delay.