LDPSC-Louisiana State Penitentiary

State Prison

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
17544 Tunica Trace, Angola, LA 70712
Beds
5108
County
West Feliciana Parish
Phone
225-655-4411

LSP is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of LDPSC-Louisiana State Penitentiary

You can support your loved ones at LSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 225-655-4411.

Located at 17544 Tunica Trace in Angola, LA, LSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. LSP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on LDPSC-Louisiana State Penitentiary so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The LSP, commonly known as Angola, is a maximum-security prison farm operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. Named after the former plantation occupying its territory, Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, housing over 6,300 prisoners and employing approximately 1,800 staff members across various roles. All individuals with an inmate incarcerated in this facility are encouraged to review the LA Informational Handbook for Friends and Families, a comprehensive 48-page guide covering various aspects of inmate incarceration. This handbook provides valuable information ranging from what occurs during an individual's initial entry to contact details for communication, support, and visitation with an inmate. It serves as a vital resource to ensure individuals understand procedures and available support services during their loved one's incarceration.

Situated in West Feliciana Parish, Angola is surrounded by water on three sides, lying less than two miles south of Louisiana's border with Mississippi. The expansive 18,000-acre facility, formerly known as the Angola Plantations, houses a diverse range of inmates, with over half serving life sentences and including the state's male death row inmates.

Given its large population and the lengthy sentences of many inmates, Angola offers a comprehensive array of programs and facilities. These include educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping inmates with skills such as GED attainment, carpentry, welding, horticulture, culinary arts, and automotive repair, among others. Additionally, Angola emphasizes reentry and rehabilitative programs to facilitate successful integration into society post-release.

In terms of inmate quarters, Angola operates several housing units dispersed throughout its grounds, with most inmates residing in dormitories rather than cell blocks. The main prison complex encompasses both the East and West Yards, each containing dormitories, administrative segregation cell blocks, and specialized facilities such as a treatment center for geriatric and hospice care.

Furthermore, Angola maintains outcamps, including Camps C, D, F, and J, which accommodate inmates across various custody levels and serve specific functions such as disciplinary segregation or trustee responsibilities. Notably, Camp F houses the prison's execution chamber and features a lake where trustees engage in fishing activities.

The Reception Center, situated near the main entrance, serves as the initial intake point for incoming prisoners and houses Louisiana's death row for male inmates. With over 100 extended lockdown cells, the death row facility consists of multiple tiers, exercise areas, and a central room, providing basic accommodations with limited ventilation.

Overall, Angola's complex infrastructure, diverse programs, and specialized facilities reflect its status as a multi-security institution dedicated to public safety, inmate rehabilitation, and operational efficiency.

The mission of Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) is rooted in a commitment to public safety and the betterment of Louisiana. Recognizing the vital role played by its employees in achieving this mission, LSP acknowledges the challenges they face in providing public service and strives to support them accordingly. Moreover, LSP upholds the dignity of individuals in its custody, seeking not only to meet legal requirements but also to foster an environment conducive to their eventual successful reintegration into society, thereby reducing recidivism rates.

Central to achieving its mission are the goals outlined by LSP. One key objective is to offer comprehensive educational programs to incarcerated adults who show motivation and behavioral readiness to engage with such services, thereby empowering them with knowledge and skills essential for functioning effectively within and beyond correctional facilities.

Furthermore, LSP is dedicated to preparing individuals for release through innovative programs and initiatives designed to facilitate their transition back into society as law-abiding citizens. By maximizing public safety through appropriate correctional measures and effective supervision, LSP aims to contribute positively to community well-being.

A critical aspect of LSP's mission involves providing constitutionally acceptable levels of healthcare to incarcerated individuals, aligning with community care standards and emphasizing efficiency in service delivery. In recognition of the prevalence of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse among the incarcerated population, LSP is committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive mental health program to address these needs effectively.

Efficient resource management is another priority for LSP, ensuring the optimal utilization of available resources while avoiding budget deficits to fulfill its objectives. Additionally, maintaining a safe environment for both staff and inmates is paramount, achieved through structured operations that promote stability within correctional facilities.

Moreover, LSP endeavors to create an environment conducive to behavioral change, offering rehabilitation opportunities that increase the likelihood of successful reintegration into society post-release. By providing quality healthcare services and prioritizing the evaluation and treatment of inmates' health needs, LSP aims to safeguard their well-being throughout their incarceration.

Ultimately, LSP commits to upholding rigorous operational standards across all aspects of its mission, reflecting a steadfast dedication to its core values of public safety, employee support, inmate dignity, and ethical conduct. Through these concerted efforts, LSP endeavors to fulfill its role as a responsible correctional institution serving the state of Louisiana.

Inmate Locator

LSP maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

The administration at LSP recognizes the significance of visitation in an incarcerated individual's rehabilitation journey. This connection with family and friends aids in their adjustment to prison life and facilitates a smoother reintegration into society upon release. Upon arrival, inmates at LSP are required to provide a list of desired visitors, which upon approval becomes their official visiting roster. Only individuals listed on this approved list are permitted to visit. Children under eighteen are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult from the inmate's visiting list.

Visiting days are set for Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should arrive before 2 p.m. to ensure transportation to the visiting areas.

Each visit is allotted a two-hour duration, with the warden or designate retaining discretion over visit lengths based on space and staffing availability.

Inmates may have up to ten approved visitors plus one religious adviser on their list. Each visitor is allowed two visits per month. During a visit, inmates can meet with up to five visitors, including children.

Visitor searches are conducted on all individuals entering the premises, including vehicles, belongings, and persons, to prevent the introduction of prohibited items. These searches adhere to Department Regulation guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

LDPSC-Louisiana State Penitentiary – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.