GENERAL 

Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) is the state's only maximum security prison with an inmate population of 5,108.  LSP is located approximately 59 miles northwest of Baton Rouge on 18,000 acres of the finest farm land in the south.  LSP employs a workforce of 1,740 with an annual operating budget of $98,128,497 for the 03/04 fiscal year.

Of LSP's inmates, 86% are violent offenders.  Fifty-two percent (52%) of the inmate population are serving a life sentence and will never be released from prison.  There are currently 84 male inmates at LSP and 1 woman inmate at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women on Louisiana's Death Row.

Community Service

Inmate work crews perform general maintenance and cleaning services to the West Feliciana Parish School Board and other government and nonprofit entities in West Feliciana Parish.

Golf Course

Prison View Golf Course, a nine-hole golf course featuring two tee boxes for an option to play 18 holes, is now open to the public.  Tee times must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the Prison View Golf Pro Shop at (225) 655-2978 or by e-mail through  www.prisonview.com.  Cost to tee off at the state's only maximum- security prison is only $20.00, which includes cart rental.

Museum

In 1998, in order to preserve its prolific past and to educate the general public about the role this sprawling prison has played in our state's history, the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum was established.  Visitors can see the original electric chair, authentic inmate contraband and officer's weapons.  The museum also contains old maps of the penitentiary, records of the first inmates, inmate and officer uniforms, and many other fascinating and unique artifacts.  For more information regarding the museum, please visit the website at www.angolamuseum.org.

Photographs

Pictures in our photo album depict the many buildings and offices located throughout the prison grounds.

Rodeo

Every Sunday during the month of October, the general public is invited to witness the "Wildest Show in the South" for a small fee.  In addition to the rodeo performances, spectators can purchase refreshments, meals, hobby craft items made by the inmates, and be entertained by the Angola Rodeo inmate band.  The first spring Angola Prison Rodeo was held in April, 2001. This spring rodeo will also be an annual event.  For more information regarding the rodeo, please visit the website at www.angolarodeo.com.

* * *