Rome Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rome, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Rome, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all public records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Rome city limits and Floyd County, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Georgia Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Individuals seeking arrest records may obtain these documents through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies. The Rome Police Department and Floyd County Police Department maintain systems for public access to arrest information in accordance with state regulations. These records typically become available following the booking process and remain accessible unless sealed by court order or subject to specific statutory exemptions.
How to Look Up Rome Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Rome, Georgia. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the Rome Police Department located at 5 Government Plaza, Rome, GA 30161 (Phone: 706-238-5111) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to submit formal requests for arrest records. Similarly, the Floyd County Police Department at 1 Police Plaza, Rome, GA 30165 (Phone: 706-235-7766) processes arrest record requests during their public service hours.
Online Access Systems: The City of Rome and Floyd County maintain digital portals where certain arrest information may be accessed. The Rome Municipal Court provides an online system for searching violations and case status information.
County Courthouse Records: The Floyd County Courthouse Records Division at 3 Government Plaza, Rome, GA 30161 (Phone: 706-291-5175) maintains arrest records that may be requested by submitting the appropriate forms and identification.
Police Reports: Pursuant to Georgia's Open Records Act, individuals may request police reports that contain arrest information. These requests can be submitted through official channels established by the respective law enforcement agencies.
Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Fees for copies of arrest records are assessed in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of public records.
Contents of a Rome Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Rome and Floyd County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Case or incident number
- Custody status information
- Bail or bond determination, when applicable
- Court appearance scheduling information
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy protections. Certain sensitive information, such as the identities of confidential informants or details that might compromise ongoing investigations, may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rome
Under Georgia law, specifically the Record Restriction and Sealing statute (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37), certain individuals may qualify to have their arrest records restricted from public access. This process, formerly referred to as expungement, allows for the limitation of public access to arrest records under specific circumstances:
- 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 dispositions after successful completion of sentence
- Conditional discharge completions for certain offenses
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center. For arrests occurring within Rome city limits, applications must be submitted to the Rome Police Department. For arrests by county officers, applications are processed through the Floyd County Police Department.
Applicants should note that record restriction does not physically destroy arrest records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and judicial authorities, may still access restricted records for official purposes as permitted by statute.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assesses a processing fee for record restriction applications, currently set at $25 per request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants upon submission of appropriate documentation of financial hardship.
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