How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Tensas Parish Detention (applications, ex‑offenders, and DOC employee rules)

Under Louisiana DOC visitation rules, offenders housed in a departmental facility can apply for visitation as long as they aren’t in intake status (and unless another specific restriction applies). For you as a visitor, the starting point is simple: you can apply to visit only when the offender requests it - so the offender’s request is what triggers the application process.

If you’re trying to get approved, focus on the “request” piece first. DOC policy allows any person to apply to visit an offender housed in a departmental facility, but it’s done upon the offender’s request - meaning your loved one needs to request that you be considered before your application can move forward.

Because the exact paperwork and handoff can vary by location, don’t guess on the mechanics. Ask the facility what they want you to do next (and what they need from the offender) so your application doesn’t get delayed for a preventable reason - like using the wrong form or leaving out a required field.

Having a prior conviction doesn’t automatically bar you from visiting. DOC policy is clear that a prospective visitor’s prior criminal conviction, by itself, is not a disqualifier for visitation.

If you’re an ex‑offender, on parole, or on probation, one practical way to strengthen your application is to include an approval letter from your supervising officer. DOC policy says that a supervising officer’s approval letter (Form OP-C-9-e) creates a presumption that you should be eligible for visitation - so it can carry real weight when the facility reviews your request.

If you’re a current DOC employee - or you separated from DOC employment within the past 10 years - expect tighter limits. Under DOC rules, these visits may be permitted for immediate family members only, and the request is handled through the facility’s leadership review process rather than being treated like a standard visitor request.

If you’ve applied and you’re waiting, remember that the whole process is tied to the offender’s request under DOC policy. If the offender has made the request and you’ve turned in what the facility asked for, your best move is a straightforward follow-up with the facility to check status and confirm whether anything else is needed.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Ask the offender to request that you be approved for visitation before you start (your application is based on the offender’s request).
• ✓ Follow the facility’s instructions for how to submit the visitor application.
• ✓ If you’re on probation or parole (or are an ex‑offender), ask your supervising officer about completing an approval letter (Form OP-C-9-e).
• ✓ If you have a prior conviction, don’t assume you’re disqualified - prior convictions alone do not automatically disqualify a visitor.
• ✓ Follow up with the facility if you haven’t received a decision after you’ve submitted everything requested.

1. Check whether they’re in intake status - intake status covers the first 30 days after placement into DOC custody, and it can affect when visitation can move forward.
2. Have the offender request you as a visitor - DOC policy allows you to apply upon the offender’s request.
3. Submit what the facility requires - use the application process the facility tells you to use so you don’t lose time to paperwork errors.
4. Follow up for a status update - if you’re waiting on approval, a simple check-in can confirm whether anything is missing or still under review.

If you’re stuck, start with two questions: “Has the offender made the request for me to apply?” and “What exactly does the facility need from me to complete review?” Once you have those answers, the rest is usually paperwork and patience. If you’re an ex‑offender or under supervision, getting the supervising officer approval letter can help. If you’re a current or recent DOC employee, be ready for immediate-family-only limits and a separate approval path.