Louisiana § RS 49:261 - Department of Justice Fugitive Apprehension Unit
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:261 — Department of Justice Fugitive Apprehension Unit, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 49:261. Department of Justice Fugitive Apprehension Unit
A. The attorney general shall maintain a statewide Fugitive Apprehension Unit within the investigation division of the Department of Justice. The Fugitive Apprehension Unit shall be comprised of special agents who shall be P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers commissioned by the attorney general, intelligence analysts, and support personnel. The unit shall be responsible for apprehending fugitives and shall perform the following activities:
(1) Coordinate with and assist local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies including but not limited to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the office of state police, the office of probation and parole, sheriffs departments, police departments, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal law enforcement agencies, to apprehend fugitives.
(2) Provide assistance to law enforcement agencies that are actively pursuing fugitives and individuals who have violated the terms and conditions of court-ordered electronic monitoring programs.
(3) Execute arrest warrants and make warrantless arrests as prescribed by law.
(4) Give priority to proactively targeting fugitives wanted for violent felony offenses, including murder, rape, armed robbery, and other heinous crimes.
(5) Establish or participate in fugitive task forces with other state or federal law enforcement agencies to address the need for increased resources in the apprehension of fugitives.
(6) Identify, pursue, and arrest any person who shall harbor, conceal, or aid a fugitive, knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is a fugitive, and with the intent that the fugitive may avoid or escape from arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment.
B. The attorney general shall appoint and commission special agents who shall be P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers vested with all the powers conferred by law upon peace officers of this state.
Acts 2025, No. 264, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 49:261
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:261 cover?
Section RS 49:261 ("Department of Justice Fugitive Apprehension Unit") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 49:261?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:261" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 49:261 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.