Kennesaw Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kennesaw, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This comprehensive legislation establishes that all public records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Kennesaw Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations. These documents become part of the public record immediately following an arrest, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal data as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. Juveniles' arrest records receive additional protections under Georgia law and may have restricted public access.
Individuals seeking arrest records must submit their requests to the appropriate custodial agency, which may include:
- The Kennesaw Police Department Records Unit
- The Cobb County Sheriff's Office
- The Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court
How to Look Up Kennesaw Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Kennesaw as of 2025, with both traditional and digital options available to members of the public. The Kennesaw Police Department has implemented enhanced systems for record retrieval while maintaining compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act.
Individuals may access Kennesaw arrest records through the following official channels:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Kennesaw Police Department Records Unit during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records. The Records Unit operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM as specified by departmental policy.
Kennesaw Police Department
2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 422-2505
Kennesaw Police Department
Online Portal Access: The City of Kennesaw maintains a secure digital portal where authorized users may search and retrieve certain arrest record information. This system requires registration and adherence to established protocols for data access.
Cobb County Judicial System: The Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in formal charges within the county jurisdiction, including those originating in Kennesaw.
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court
- Written Requests: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail or electronic communication. Such requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity.
Contents of a Kennesaw Arrest Record
Kennesaw arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia law and departmental procedures. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest event. Standard arrest records maintained by the Kennesaw Police Department include the following components:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and residential address at time of arrest
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location where the arrest occurred
- Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including Georgia Code citations and classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case Identifiers: Unique booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers
- Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars, and other distinguishing characteristics
- Arresting Officer Information: Name and badge number of the primary arresting officer and other involved personnel
- Booking Data: Processing information including fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and property inventory
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention
- Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and preliminary hearing schedules
The Kennesaw Municipal Court maintains records of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests within city jurisdiction. These records may include arraignment information, plea entries, and case dispositions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kennesaw
Georgia law provides mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement but now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This statute establishes specific criteria under which individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records from public access in Kennesaw and throughout Georgia.
Record restriction eligibility applies in the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges (nolle prosequi)
- Cases dismissed by prosecutorial discretion or court order
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- First-offender dispositions after successful completion of probation
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
The record restriction process requires submission of a formal petition to the arresting agency, which in Kennesaw would be initiated through the Kennesaw Police Department Records Unit. Applicants must complete Form RC-1, available at the Kennesaw Police Department, and provide supporting documentation including case disposition information from the Kennesaw Municipal Court.
Upon approval, restricted records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities but are shielded from general public disclosure. The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains oversight of the record restriction system and ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
Individuals with complex record restriction cases may require legal assistance, as the process involves strict procedural requirements and statutory timelines. The Cobb County Bar Association maintains a referral service for qualified attorneys specializing in record restriction matters.
Search Arrest Records in Kennesaw
