Raymond Laborde Correctional Center: Programs and Security

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center (RLCC) is a state prison located in Cottonport, Louisiana, approximately thirty miles south of Alexandria. The facility is operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and has a capacity of over 1,800 inmates. The facility houses male offenders and offers a variety of programs and a range of services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.

As one of the largest correctional facilities in Louisiana, Raymond Laborde Correctional Center has a number of facilities and resources to support its inmates. These include medical and mental health services, educational programs, vocational training, and religious services. The facility also offers visitation opportunities for family and friends of inmates, with specific visitation days and times varying by housing unit.

If you need to contact Raymond Laborde Correctional Center, you can find contact information on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections website. The facility’s address is 1630 Prison Road, Cottonport, LA 71327, and the phone number is (318) 876-2891. It’s important to note that all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and phone calls may be monitored or recorded.

SecurityMixed
Capacity1,808
Physical Address1630 Prison Rd, Cottonport, LA 71327
Mailing Address1630 Prison Rd, Cottonport, LA 71327
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursSaturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(318) 876-2891
JurisdictionState

Location and History

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is located on Highway 107 in Cottonport, Louisiana, which is approximately thirty miles south of Alexandria, Louisiana via Highway 1. The facility is situated on 1,187 acres of land, which includes 38 acres of vegetable fields and 80 acres on which the institution itself is sited. The nearest public transportation service is Greyhound Bus Lines, which is located in Alexandria, and the bus service makes one stop daily from Alexandria, on Highway 71 in Cottonport.

The prison, which is named after former Louisiana State Senator Raymond Laborde, opened in October 1989 as the Avoyelles Correctional Center. The facility was later renamed in honor of Senator Laborde in recognition of his contributions to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is a prison that houses adult male inmates. The facility has a capacity of 1,808 inmates and is known for its agricultural program, which includes vegetable farming, cattle farming, and a cattle feedlot. Inmates who participate in the agricultural program work in the fields, tend to the livestock and learn valuable skills that can be used upon their release.

The prison is also home to the Louisiana State Penitentiary Rodeo, which is held twice a year. The rodeo is a popular event that draws visitors from all over the country. In addition to the rodeo, the prison also offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include adult basic education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.

Visiting and Contacting Inmates

Visitation Information

Visiting an inmate at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is allowed, but visitors must follow certain rules and regulations.

Before visiting an inmate, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. To be added to the list, visitors must complete an application and be approved by the facility. The application can be obtained from the RLCC Visitation Department.

Visitors must also follow certain dress code requirements, such as no revealing clothing, no shorts, and no hats. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility except for a photo ID, car keys, and a small amount of cash. Any other items, including cell phones, purses, and cameras, are strictly prohibited.

During the visit, visitors must not engage in any physical contact with the inmate. Any violation of the rules may result in the termination of the visit and possible disciplinary action against the inmate.

Regular visiting days are Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Arrivals must be scheduled prior to 2:30 p.m. Visitors will not be allowed in after 2:30 p.m.

Contacting Inmates

Inmates at RLCC are allowed to receive mail and phone calls from approved individuals. Mail must be addressed to the inmate’s full name and identification number, and sent to the following address:

  • Raymond Laborde Correctional Center 1630 Prison Road Cottonport, LA 71327

Phone calls can be made through JPay, a service that allows friends and family to deposit money into an inmate’s account for phone calls. To make a deposit, visitors must complete a JPay Deposit Slip and send it to the Miami, Florida address listed on the slip.

Inmates are not allowed to receive any packages or gifts from visitors or outside sources. Any items sent to an inmate will be returned to the sender or confiscated by the facility.

It is important to note that RLCC has strict policies regarding contraband. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, and any attempt to do so may result in criminal charges. Visitors are also subject to search before and after visiting an inmate.

Rehabilitation and Reentry Initiatives

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is committed to providing inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. The facility offers a variety of rehabilitation and reentry initiatives designed to help inmates become productive members of their communities.

One of the primary focuses of the facility is on educational opportunities for inmates. The center offers GED courses, vocational training, and college courses through partnerships with local community colleges. These programs not only provide inmates with valuable skills but also help to increase their chances of finding employment upon release.

In addition to educational opportunities, the center also places a strong emphasis on safe and secure incarceration. The facility is staffed by highly trained correctional officers who work to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.

Probation and parole supervision is also an important aspect of rehabilitation and reentry. The center works closely with probation and parole officers to ensure that inmates are provided with the support they need to successfully transition back into society.

Reentry initiatives are an essential component of the center’s mission. The facility offers a range of programs and services designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into their communities. These programs include job placement services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling.

Overall, Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is committed to providing inmates with the opportunity for change. Through a combination of educational opportunities, safe and secure incarceration, probation and parole supervision, and reentry initiatives, the center is helping to reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities.

Offender Services and Programs

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center offers a range of offender services and programs to help rehabilitate individuals and prepare them for re-entry into society. The facility’s goal is to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to become productive members of their communities.

Basic Services

The facility provides basic services such as housing, food, and medical care to all inmates. Inmates also have access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and educational programs.

Rehabilitative Programs

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center offers a variety of rehabilitative programs to help inmates prepare for their release. These programs include vocational training, educational programs, and life skills classes. Inmates can also participate in faith-based programs, such as Bible study and worship services.

Making Amends

Inmates at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center have the opportunity to make amends for their crimes through community service programs. These programs allow inmates to give back to their communities and make a positive impact.

Board of Pardons

The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole is responsible for considering parole for eligible inmates. Inmates at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center can apply for parole and may be granted parole if they meet certain criteria.

Victimized by Crime

The facility offers victim services to those who have been impacted by crime. This includes assistance with filing victim impact statements and providing information about the offender’s status.

Careers

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center offers vocational training programs to help inmates develop skills that can be used to find employment after their release. Inmates can learn trades such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.

Mailing Address

Friends and family members of inmates can send mail to the facility at the following address:

  • Raymond Laborde Correctional Center
  • 1630 Prison Rd
  • Cottonport, LA 71327

Maximum Capacity

The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,808 inmates.

Safety and Security

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center places a high priority on the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The facility has implemented several measures to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Secure Incarceration

The primary goal of Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is to provide a safe and secure environment for the incarceration of people serving time for state felonies. The facility achieves this goal by implementing strict security measures, such as perimeter fencing, electronic surveillance, and controlled access points.

Personal Search

To maintain a safe and secure environment, all individuals entering the facility are subject to a personal search. The search includes a metal detector scan and a pat-down search. In addition, visitors are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID for positive identification.

Revealing Clothing

To ensure the safety and security of the facility, visitors are prohibited from wearing revealing clothing. This includes clothing that is excessively tight, transparent, or exposes midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments. Inappropriate clothing can result in the denial of visitation privileges.

Screening

All visitors to Raymond Laborde Correctional Center are subject to screening for contraband. This includes a search of personal belongings, such as purses, bags, and cell phones. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, except for a clear plastic bag containing identification, keys, and a wallet.

Safety of Staff

Raymond Laborde Correctional Center is committed to the safety of its staff. The facility provides ongoing training and support to ensure that staff members are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. In addition, staff members are provided with personal protective equipment, such as stab-resistant vests and pepper spray.

In conclusion, Raymond Laborde Correctional Center takes the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors seriously. The facility has implemented strict security measures, personal searches, and screening to ensure a safe and secure environment.

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