Bloomingdale Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bloomingdale, Georgia?
Arrest records in Bloomingdale, Georgia are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to law enforcement activities and arrests. The Act stipulates that public agencies must make their records available for inspection by any member of the public upon request, with certain statutory exceptions for privacy, ongoing investigations, and security concerns.
The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency is essential for public oversight and accountability. Law enforcement agencies in Bloomingdale, including the Bloomingdale Police Department, are required to maintain arrest records and make them available in accordance with state law. These records serve multiple public interests, including informing citizens about criminal activity in their community and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate with appropriate oversight.
Citizens seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations may have limited availability until the investigation is complete.
How to Look Up Bloomingdale Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bloomingdale have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and circumstances.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
Bloomingdale Police Department
8 West US Highway 80
Bloomingdale, GA 31302
Phone: (912) 748-8547
Bloomingdale Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 652-7600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For online access, the following resources are available:
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office Booking Information System provides recent booking information for arrests made within the county, including Bloomingdale.
The Chatham County Police Department Records Unit maintains electronic records that may be requested through their online portal.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to either agency, with appropriate identification and specific information about the records being sought.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office or website.
Contents of a Bloomingdale Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Bloomingdale law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of relevant Georgia Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Booking information, including the processing facility and assigned identification numbers
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Detention status information, including bond amount if applicable, or notation of release on own recognizance
Case disposition information, if available (may be updated as the case progresses through the judicial system)
It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers that could facilitate identity theft or compromise privacy beyond the public interest in disclosure.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bloomingdale
The State of Georgia provides a legal mechanism for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement, now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This process allows eligible individuals to limit public access to arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Bloomingdale include:
- Arrests that did not result in a formal charge or indictment
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
- First offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence
- Conditional discharge for certain offenses after completion of terms
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which in Bloomingdale would typically be:
Bloomingdale Police Department
Records Division
8 West US Highway 80
Bloomingdale, GA 31302
For arrests by county authorities:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Record Restriction Unit
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
Applications must include proper identification, case numbers, dates of arrest, and supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(d)(1), agencies have 30 days to review applications and forward eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center.
It should be noted that record restriction does not physically destroy records but rather limits their disclosure to the public. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and the courts, may still access restricted records for official purposes as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(1).
Search Arrest Records in Bloomingdale
