Shreveport public records give people the right to see government documents. These records include birth certificates, arrest logs, property deeds, court files, and business licenses. Anyone can ask for them. The city and parish offices handle these requests. You can get copies in person, by mail, email, or online. Each office has its own rules, fees, and timeframes. This page explains where to go, what to ask for, how to submit a request, and what to expect. All information is current as of 2024 and based on official sources.
Where to Request Shreveport Public Records
Different offices keep different types of records. The Clerk of Court holds most court and property files. The Police Department keeps arrest and incident reports. The Sheriff’s Office manages jail and law enforcement records. The City Clerk handles municipal documents. Knowing which office to contact saves time. Always include your full mailing address. Most offices require it for certified copies. Requests without an address may be delayed or denied.
Clerk of Court Records Office
Mr. Bill Whiteside, Interim Clerk of Court, leads this office at 1244 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101. It processes civil, criminal, probate, and property records. Call (318) 673‑5820, fax (318) 673‑5813, or email the Judicial Administrator Records office. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Staff help with forms, fees, and timelines. Standard requests take five to ten business days.
Shreveport Police Department
The Police Department at 1205 Texas Avenue keeps arrest logs, incident reports, and accident documents. Visit in person Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., or use their online portal. Printed copies cost $0.25 per page. Digital PDFs are free. Most non-sensitive reports are ready in three business days. Sensitive files may take up to ten days.
Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
This office at 501 Texas Street, Room 101, handles jail rosters, arrest logs, and incident reports. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mail requests to the Custodian of Records. Copies cost $0.20 per page. Most requests finish within ten business days. Call (318) 673‑5800 for urgent needs.
City of Shreveport Public Records Email
Use the city’s dedicated email for faster routing. Include the record title, date range, reference numbers, and delivery preference (PDF or mail). Electronic files arrive in three to seven days. Mailed copies take up to fourteen days. Always provide a phone number for follow-up.
Types of Shreveport Public Records Available
Records fall into clear categories. Vital records include birth, death, and marriage certificates. Court records cover civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Property records show deeds, liens, and mortgages dating back to 1839. Business records list licenses and permits. Police records include arrests, incidents, and accidents. GIS data offers maps and zoning info. Each type has a custodian and process.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates come from the Louisiana Department of Health. Marriage licenses are with the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court. You need ID and proof of relationship. Fees apply. Some older records are online. Others require in-person requests.
Court and Criminal Records
Shreveport City Court handles traffic and municipal violations. Caddo Parish Clerk of Court manages criminal case files. Requests go to Dianne Doughty at 501 Texas Street, Room 103. Fees are $1.00 per page. Turnaround is seven business days. Law enforcement gets faster service.
Property and Land Records
Property records start in 1839. The Mortgage and Conveyance Index Books are in the Clerk’s Record Room. They list every deed, lien, and mortgage. Search by name or date. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page. Retrieval takes three to five days. On-site viewing stations are available.
Business Licenses and Permits
The City Finance Department issues business licenses. PubRecord.org lists current permits and historic deeds. Data refreshes weekly and cross-checks with the Clerk’s Office. It’s free and searchable. Use it to verify ownership or licensing status.
How to Submit a Shreveport Public Records Request
Write a clear request. Name the record, date range, and reference number if known. Say if you want PDF or paper. Include your full mailing address and phone number. Submit by email, mail, fax, or in person. Avoid vague language. “All records about me” is too broad. “Traffic citation #TR202405678 from March 15, 2024” is specific.
Email Requests
Email is fastest for most city records. Use the official public records email. The system routes it to the right office. Staff reply within one business day. Attach a copy of your ID if required. Keep the subject line clear: “Public Record Request – [Record Type]”.
Mail and In-Person Requests
Mail to the correct office address. In-person visits work during business hours. Bring ID and payment. Cash, credit cards, and certified checks are accepted. Some offices take debit cards. Ask about fees before submitting.
Online Portals
The Police Department and City Court offer online request forms. Fill in the fields. Upload ID if needed. Pay fees online. Track your request status. PDFs arrive by email. Paper copies ship via USPS.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees vary by office and record type. Most charge per page: $0.20 to $2.00. Digital copies are often free. Certified copies cost more. Processing times range from three to fourteen business days. Urgent requests may cost extra. Always ask for a fee estimate upfront.
| Office | Fee per Page | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Shreveport Police Department | $0.25 (print), $0.00 (PDF) | 3–10 business days |
| Caddo Sheriff’s Office | $0.20 | Up to 10 business days |
| Clerk of Court (Criminal) | $1.00 | 7 business days |
| Clerk of Court (Property) | $2.00 (certified) | 3–5 business days |
| City Records Email | Varies | 3–14 business days |
Third-Party Sites for Shreveport Public Records
Some websites collect public records. PubRecord.org and PublicRecords.info are examples. They offer fast searches and background checks. Data comes from official sources. Sites update weekly. Use them for quick looks. For legal or official use, get certified copies from government offices.
PubRecord.org
This site lists business licenses, permits, and deeds. Links go to third-party repositories. Staff verify accuracy with the Caddo Parish Clerk. It’s free. Great for research, not for court.
PublicRecords.info
Search by name and location. Get criminal histories, contact info, and civil judgments. Reports arrive in under two minutes. Follow Fair Credit Reporting Act rules. Not for employment screening without consent.
Shreveport City Courts and Payment Options
Pay traffic tickets and fines at the Violation Bureau, 1244 Texas Avenue. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Pay by cash, credit card, or certified check. Use the online portal 24/7. To contest a citation, call (318) 673‑5830. Schedule a trial at least five business days ahead. Bring your docket number and documents.
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court General Information
The main office is at 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except holidays. Emergency fax: (318) 227‑9080. Staff help with birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, and probate. Bring ID and know the record details.
Shreveport Public Records Categories at a Glance
All records fall under local, state, or federal law. Louisiana’s Public Records Law guarantees access. Exemptions exist for ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and security. Most documents are open. Requests can be denied only with a valid reason. Appeal denials through the district attorney or court.
- Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate
- Property Records: Deeds, liens, mortgages since 1839
- Business Records: Licenses, permits, registrations
- Police Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, accidents
- GIS and Maps: Zoning, parcel data, city plans
Tips for Faster Shreveport Public Records Requests
Be specific. Use exact names, dates, and numbers. Provide your mailing address. Include a phone number. Ask about fees first. Choose PDF when possible. Follow up politely. Keep copies of your request. If denied, ask for the reason in writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t write “any records about John Smith.” Say “arrest record for John Smith on June 10, 2023.” Don’t omit your address. Don’t expect instant results. Don’t use third-party reports for legal filings. Always get certified copies from official offices.
Contact Information for Shreveport Public Records
For city records, email the Judicial Administrator or call (318) 673‑5820. For court files, contact the Clerk of Court at 501 Texas Street. For police reports, visit 1205 Texas Avenue or use the online portal. For sheriff records, call (318) 673‑5800. All offices are in Shreveport, LA 71101.
Official Website: https://www.shreveportla.gov/1063/Public-Records-Request
Phone: (318) 673‑5820 (Clerk of Court)
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (most offices)
Address: 1244 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101
Related Resources
Other sites offer background checks and population data. These are not official sources. Use them for research only. For legal matters, always get records from government offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about fees, timeframes, and denied requests. Below are clear answers based on current policies. Each response includes real steps and contacts.
What is a public record in Shreveport?
A public record is any document made or kept by a government office in Shreveport. This includes birth certificates, arrest reports, property deeds, court files, and business licenses. Louisiana law says most of these must be open to the public. Some records are private, like ongoing investigations or medical files. But if it’s created by the city, parish, or state, and not exempt, you can ask for it. The key is that the office must have it in its files. You don’t need a reason to request one. Just submit a clear request with your name and address. Offices can’t ask why you want it unless it’s a sensitive file. Then they may need proof of identity or relationship.
How long does it take to get a Shreveport public record?
Most requests take three to ten business days. Police reports are often ready in three days if they’re not under review. Court records take seven days on average. Property deeds may take three to five days because staff must pull old books or scan files. If you ask for mailed copies, add up to fourteen days for shipping. Digital PDFs are faster. Email delivery usually happens within a week. Urgent requests cost extra and aren’t guaranteed. Always ask for an estimate when you submit. Holidays and staff shortages can delay responses. Follow up by phone if you don’t hear back in five days.
Can I get a free copy of a Shreveport public record?
Some records are free. Digital PDFs from the Police Department cost nothing. Viewing records on-site is free. But most offices charge for copies. Fees range from $0.20 to $2.00 per page. Certified copies cost more because they include an official stamp. There’s no fee waiver for individuals. Nonprofits or journalists may ask for discounts, but it’s not required. Third-party sites like PubRecord.org are free to search, but they don’t give certified copies. If you need a record for court, you must pay the fee. Always ask for a cost estimate before submitting your request.
What if my Shreveport public records request is denied?
If your request is denied, the office must give a reason in writing. Common reasons include the record is exempt by law, it doesn’t exist, or it’s part of an active case. You can appeal to the district attorney or file a lawsuit in district court. Start by asking for a written explanation. Then contact the Louisiana Attorney General’s Public Records Division. They offer guidance. Keep copies of all letters and emails. If the denial seems wrong, a lawyer can help. Most disputes are resolved without court. But if the record should be public, you have the right to fight for it.
Do I need to show ID to request Shreveport public records?
Yes, for some records. If you ask for someone else’s birth certificate or a certified copy, you must prove you’re related or have permission. For your own records, bring a driver’s license or state ID. Police and court offices may ask for ID to prevent fraud. General requests like property deeds don’t always need ID. But if the record has personal details, they will check. Always carry a photo ID when visiting in person. For email requests, they may ask you to attach a copy. This protects privacy and follows state law.
Can I search Shreveport public records online for free?
Yes, for some records. The Police Department has an online portal for incident and accident reports. PubRecord.org lists business licenses and deeds at no cost. The Caddo Parish Clerk’s website has property indexes. But full certified copies still require a request and fee. Free searches are great for research. They won’t hold up in court. For legal use, get official copies from the government office. Always verify free data with the source. Third-party sites can have errors or outdated info.
Who do I contact for lost or damaged Shreveport public records?
Contact the office that keeps the record. If a property deed is missing, call the Clerk of Court. If a police report is lost, ask the Records Division at SPD. They may need to reconstruct it from backups or notes. There’s no guarantee they can recover it. Fees may apply for recreation. Keep your own copies once you get them. For vital records like birth certificates, contact the Louisiana Department of Health. They keep state-level backups.