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Riverdale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Riverdale, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Riverdale, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that public access to government records is essential for maintaining transparency in governmental operations and ensuring accountability of public officials. Members of the public may inspect, extract, or make copies of such records during regular business hours at the offices where such records are maintained.

The City of Riverdale adheres to these regulations by making arrest records accessible through designated channels. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws, particularly when the records involve minors, victims of certain crimes, or when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation as specified under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

How to Look Up Riverdale Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Riverdale provides multiple avenues for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking information about arrests in Riverdale may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests at the Riverdale Police Department: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly at the Riverdale Police Department. The department maintains physical copies of arrest records and can provide assistance with searches.

Riverdale Police Department
6690 Church Street
Riverdale, GA 30274
(770) 909-5427
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Clayton County Sheriff's Office: As Riverdale is located within Clayton County, arrest records may also be accessed through the county sheriff's office, which maintains a comprehensive database of arrests within the county jurisdiction.

Clayton County Sheriff's Office
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Riverdale Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and scheduled hearings, can be obtained from the Riverdale Municipal Court.

Riverdale Municipal Court
6690 Church Street
Riverdale, GA 30274
(770) 909-5445
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Inmate Search: The Clayton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal where individuals can search for current inmates by name.
Written Requests: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Riverdale Police Department Records Division. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought.

Contents of a Riverdale Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Riverdale Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Clayton County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific criminal charges filed, including Georgia Criminal Code references
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if any exists

In accordance with Georgia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under HIPAA regulations.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Riverdale

Arrest records in Riverdale serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and for the general public. The authorized uses of these records include:

Criminal Background Checks: Employers, particularly those in sensitive industries such as education, healthcare, and financial services, may utilize arrest records as part of pre-employment screening processes in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Georgia employment laws.
Tenant Screening: Property owners and management companies may review arrest records when evaluating rental applications, subject to limitations established under the Fair Housing Act.
Public Safety Awareness: Community members may access arrest records to stay informed about criminal activity in their neighborhoods, supporting community safety initiatives.
Legal Proceedings: Attorneys, prosecutors, and court officials utilize arrest records in the preparation and prosecution of criminal cases, including for sentencing considerations and plea negotiations.
Statistical Analysis: Government agencies and research institutions may analyze arrest data to identify crime trends, allocate resources, and develop public safety strategies.

It is important to note that under Georgia law, the mere existence of an arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt, as all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, improper use or dissemination of arrest records may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Riverdale

The State of Georgia provides a process for the restriction and sealing of arrest records under certain circumstances, commonly referred to as expungement. In Riverdale, this process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which establishes the criteria and procedures for record restriction.

Individuals may be eligible for expungement of Riverdale arrest records under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a formal charge or accusation
The charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted of all charges by a judge or jury
The case was resolved through a pretrial diversion or first offender program, and the terms were successfully completed
The conviction was reversed or vacated on appeal
The individual received a pardon for the offense

The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the arresting agency, typically the Riverdale Police Department. If the arrest resulted in court proceedings, the petition must also be filed with the Clayton County Superior Court or the Riverdale Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction that handled the case.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Record Restriction Section
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2639
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain serious offenses, including violent felonies and sexual crimes, are generally ineligible for expungement under Georgia law. Additionally, expungement does not necessarily remove records from all databases, particularly those maintained by private companies that may have previously obtained the information.