Smyrna Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Smyrna, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Smyrna, Georgia, accessible to all citizens under the provisions of the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including those maintained by the Smyrna Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. The statute specifically designates arrest records, booking photographs, and incident reports as public information that must be disclosed upon proper request, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or protected personal information as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the fundamental principle that government transparency serves the public interest. Citizens of Smyrna and other requestors may utilize these provisions to obtain information about arrests, enabling community oversight of law enforcement activities and promoting accountability in the criminal justice system. The Smyrna Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99.
How to Look Up Smyrna Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Smyrna, Georgia, reflecting the modernization of public records systems. Requestors seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following official channels:
Submit a records request in person at the Smyrna Police Department Records Division, located at 2646 Atlanta Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. The records counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Send a written request via certified mail to: Records Custodian, Smyrna Police Department, 2646 Atlanta Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. Requests must include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the record being sought.
Access the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal for current detention information at the Adult Detention Center. This resource provides booking information for individuals currently in custody.
Utilize the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for statewide criminal history information. Requests may be submitted through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034.
Check the Smyrna Municipal Court records for case disposition information related to arrests within city jurisdiction. The court is located at 2800 King Street, Smyrna, GA 30080.
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 posted at each agency location and typically include a per-page copying charge and hourly rate for extensive searches exceeding 15 minutes of staff time.
Contents of a Smyrna Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Smyrna law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence
Unique identifiers such as booking number, case number, and any assigned inmate identification numbers
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Smyrna city limits
Statutory charges filed, including Georgia Code citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken during the intake process
Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal databases
Detention status information, including bond amount if applicable, or notation of release on own recognizance
Court appearance dates and preliminary hearing schedules as assigned by the Smyrna Municipal Court or Cobb County Superior Court
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable and relevant to the current case
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains standards for arrest record documentation through its Georgia Crime Information Center division, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Smyrna
The State of Georgia has established a record restriction process, formerly known as expungement, through which qualifying individuals may petition to have arrest records restricted from public view under specific circumstances. This process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 and applies to arrests occurring within Smyrna and throughout Georgia.
Record restriction may be available in the following situations:
Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes, including dismissals, nolle prosequi filings, or acquittals
Arrests for which no formal charges were filed within the statutory timeframe
First-offender cases successfully completed under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
Specific felony convictions as enumerated in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j)(4) after a waiting period of four years
The application process requires submission of a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency, which in Smyrna would be the Smyrna Police Department. Applications must be accompanied by certified court dispositions and the required processing fee. The Smyrna Police Department forwards approved applications to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for final processing and restriction of records in the state database.
Individuals seeking record restriction in Smyrna should note that this process does not physically destroy records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still access restricted records for official purposes as permitted by statute.
The Cobb County District Attorney's Office, located at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090, can provide additional guidance on eligibility for record restriction in cases prosecuted through their office.
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