Dunwoody Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dunwoody, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Dunwoody, Georgia, accessible to all members of the public under state transparency laws. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection by any person during normal business hours. This legal framework ensures citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities within their community, supporting principles of governmental transparency and accountability.
The Dunwoody Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers. Records containing such sensitive information may be redacted prior to public release pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under Georgia law.
How to Look Up Dunwoody Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Dunwoody, Georgia. The Dunwoody Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides several methods for record retrieval:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Records Division of the Dunwoody Police Department, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors must complete an Open Records Request form and present valid identification.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the city's official website portal. The Dunwoody Police Department maintains an online system where citizens can submit requests for arrest records and other public safety information. Processing times typically range from 3-5 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
Written requests can be mailed to the Dunwoody Police Department, Attn: Records Division, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the record being sought, and the preferred method of delivery.
DeKalb County resources may also be utilized for arrest records that occurred within Dunwoody city limits. The DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to arrests at 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Their office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71 and may include charges for search, retrieval, and reproduction of documents. The first 15 minutes of search and retrieval time are typically provided without charge, with subsequent time billed at the lowest hourly rate of the person performing the service.
Contents of a Dunwoody Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Dunwoody Police Department contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These official documents typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at the time of arrest.
Arrest details documenting the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Offense information detailing the specific charges filed, including citations of applicable Georgia state statutes or Dunwoody municipal codes that were allegedly violated.
Narrative description provided by the arresting officer explaining the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination and any witness statements collected at the scene.
Booking data including the arrestee's fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and any identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Custody status indicating whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or remained in custody pending court appearance.
Case disposition information may be included in updated records, showing whether charges were filed by the prosecutor, dismissed, or resulted in conviction or acquittal.
Property inventory listing any items confiscated during the arrest process, including potential evidence or personal belongings taken for safekeeping.
Pursuant to Georgia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and medical information protected under HIPAA regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dunwoody
The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances through a process formerly known as expungement, now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Individuals who have arrest records in Dunwoody may qualify for record restriction under the following conditions:
- The arrest did not result in a formal charge or accusation being filed with the court.
- The charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted).
- The individual was found not guilty by a judge or jury.
- The case was resolved through a pretrial diversion or first offender program, and the individual successfully completed all program requirements.
- The conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal.
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, in this case the Dunwoody Police Department. The application must include:
- A completed Record Restriction Application form (available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website or the Dunwoody Police Department).
- Certified copies of court dispositions related to the arrest.
- Valid government-issued photo identification.
- Payment of applicable processing fees.
Applications for record restriction must be submitted to:
Dunwoody Police Department
Records Division - Record Restriction
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone: (678) 382-6900
Official Website
Upon receipt of a complete application, the Dunwoody Police Department forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for processing. The GCIC reviews the application to determine eligibility based on statutory criteria. If approved, the arrest record will be restricted from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in Georgia law.
Individuals with complex cases or multiple arrests may benefit from consulting with an attorney specializing in record restriction. The DeKalb County Public Defender's Office provides limited assistance with record restriction applications for eligible individuals at 404-371-6000.
Search Arrest Records in Dunwoody
