Lake Charles Police Department
Local Legal Guide — Lake Charles, Louisiana
Principal law enforcement agency for the City of Lake Charles
What Is the Lake Charles Police Department?
The Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD) is the principal law enforcement agency for the City of Lake Charles, Louisiana. The department serves approximately 80,000 residents across more than 40 square miles. LCPD was formally organized on May 11, 1874, and has been an accredited law enforcement agency since November 2000. The department is divided into more than a dozen specialized divisions under the oversight of the Chief of Police.
Who Leads the Lake Charles Police Department?
The Lake Charles Police Department is led by Chief Shawn Caldwell, who has served with LCPD since 1993 and was appointed Chief of Police on January 16, 2019. Chief Caldwell is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (2015) and has extensive experience in patrol, narcotics task force supervision, community policing, and department administration.
Lake Charles Police Department
If you were arrested within Lake Charles city limits, LCPD made that arrest and the DA’s office is now building your case.
What Divisions Does LCPD Have?
The Lake Charles Police Department is organized into more than a dozen divisions, including:
- Patrol Division: The largest division, responsible for day-to-day law enforcement across assigned beats throughout the city.
- Traffic Division: Handles traffic enforcement, collision investigation, fatality investigation, parking violations, and escort services.
- Investigations Division: Focuses on crime resolution, evidence collection, and prosecution support.
- K-9 Division: Trained police dogs used in narcotics detection, suspect tracking, and evidence searches.
- Community Services Division: Develops community partnerships and works with neighborhood groups to address quality-of-life concerns.
- Professional Standards Division: Handles internal affairs, recruiting, and hiring.
How Do I Get a Police Report from LCPD?
Criminal incident reports can be picked up at LCPD Records Division at 1028 Enterprise Blvd during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM). You can also contact the Records Division at (337) 491-1456 ext. 5927. Traffic crash reports from January 1, 2006 to present are available online through LexisNexis Crash Reports — select Louisiana as the state and Lake Charles Police Department as the jurisdiction. Note that LCPD does not provide criminal history or background checks; those requests must go to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification at (225) 925-6095.
FROM JACOB COLONNA- ATTORNEY AT LAW
If you are arrested by the Lake Charles Police Department, the most important thing you can do is remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not explain yourself to officers, do not consent to searches, and do not make any statements without legal counsel present. Cases charged by LCPD are prosecuted by the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office in either the 14th Judicial District Court or Lake Charles City Court depending on the offense. Call me as soon as possible after arrest — the earlier I am involved, the more options you have.
Online Resources from the Lake Charles Police Department
The Lake Charles Police Department’s Office website offers several useful resources for litigants and attorneys:
POLICE REPORTS
CRASH REPORTS
CONTACT LCPD
(337) 491-1311
If you haven’t already spoken to an attorney, you’re already behind. Contact Colonna Law Firm now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the non-emergency number for the Lake Charles Police Department?
Does LCPD provide criminal background checks?
No. The Lake Charles Police Department does not provide criminal history or background checks. Those requests must be directed to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, either by calling (225) 925-6095 or visiting their headquarters at 7919 Independence Boulevard in Baton Rouge. For records of incidents handled locally by LCPD, submit a Public Information Request Form to the Records Division.
What court handles cases arrested by LCPD?
Felony cases arrested by LCPD are prosecuted by the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office in the 14th Judicial District Court at 1001 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles. Misdemeanor and traffic violations occurring within the city limits of Lake Charles may be heard in Lake Charles City Court at 118 W. Mill Street. If you have been arrested by LCPD and have a pending court date, contact Colonna Law Firm at (337) 656-3212 for a free 30-minute consultation.
How do I get to LCPD headquarters from downtown Lake Charles?
From downtown Lake Charles take Ryan Street north to Enterprise Boulevard. Turn left on Enterprise Boulevard — LCPD headquarters will be on your right at 830 Enterprise Blvd. The Records Division is a short distance further at 1028 Enterprise Blvd.
What happens after LCPD arrests me?
After arrest by LCPD, you will typically be transported to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center at 5410 E. Broad Street for booking. Bond will be set either by a scheduled bond amount or at a court hearing. The Calcasieu Parish DA’s office will then review the arrest and decide whether to file formal charges. Contact an attorney before that decision is made — early intervention matters.
Our Lake Charles Office
Located at 900 Ryan Street, Suite 402, in downtown Lake Charles.
Legal Disclaimer
This material is provided for information-gathering purposes only. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice. Colonna Law Firm, LLC does not represent you unless and until the firm agrees to represent you and a written fee agreement has been signed. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts of each case. Do not rely on this form as a substitute for legal counsel.