Norman Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Norman Park, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Norman Park, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that official records created, maintained, or received by a public agency are available for inspection by any member of the public. The statute specifically includes law enforcement records, such as arrest reports and booking information, within its scope of accessible documents. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system while maintaining certain privacy protections as specified by state law.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, which outlines specific exemptions to protect sensitive information such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifiers. The City of Norman Park adheres to these statutory guidelines when processing public records requests related to arrests and other law enforcement activities.
How to Look Up Norman Park Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Norman Park provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Norman Park Police Department during regular business hours to submit a records request. Staff will assist with locating and providing available arrest records in accordance with state law.
Norman Park Police Department
301 East North Main Street
Norman Park, GA 31771
Phone: (229) 769-3611
Norman Park City Officials
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Norman Park Police Department. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct record.
Online Access: The City of Norman Park maintains certain public records through its official website. As of 2025, the municipality has implemented digital systems to facilitate more efficient public access to non-exempt records, including basic arrest information.
County Resources: For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may also contact the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Superior Court, as these agencies maintain countywide records that include arrests made within Norman Park city limits.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are available upon request from the Norman Park Police Department or through the City's contact page.
Contents of a Norman Park Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Norman Park Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Georgia law and departmental policy. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Unique booking identification number
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Residential address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Custody status and bail information
- Case disposition information, when available
It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, matters of public safety, or protected categories of individuals. The Norman Park Police Department follows established protocols to ensure appropriate redaction of protected information prior to fulfilling public records requests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Norman Park
The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms 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. Individuals seeking to restrict access to arrest records in Norman Park must comply with state statutory requirements and procedures.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Georgia generally include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
- First offender or conditional discharge dispositions after successful completion of sentence
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
- Pardoned offenses (in limited circumstances)
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which in Norman Park would be the local police department. The application must include:
- Certified copies of final dispositions from the appropriate court
- Proper identification of the applicant
- Payment of any applicable processing fees
Upon receipt of a properly completed application, the Norman Park Police Department forwards the request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for processing in accordance with state law. If approved, the record is restricted from public access, though it remains available to law enforcement agencies and for certain employment positions as specified in Georgia statutes.
It should be noted that record restriction does not physically destroy arrest records but rather limits their accessibility to the general public. Certain entities, including criminal justice agencies, retain access to restricted records as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
Search Arrest Records in Norman Park
