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Atlanta Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Atlanta, Georgia?

Arrest records are public in Atlanta, 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 arrest records, shall be available for inspection and copying by any member of the public. The Georgia Open Records Act serves as the state's implementation of freedom of information principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities.

The public nature of these records allows citizens to monitor the actions of law enforcement agencies and promotes an open judicial system. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as specified under Georgia state law. Records custodians are required to respond to requests within three business days, though actual production of records may take longer depending on their volume and complexity.

How to Look Up Atlanta Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Atlanta. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following options:

Atlanta Police Department Records Unit 160 Ted Turner Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 546-6416 Atlanta Police Department Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records Division 185 Central Avenue SW Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 612-5100 Fulton County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court 136 Pryor Street SW Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 612-4452 Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information P.O. Box 370808 Decatur, GA 30037 Phone: (404) 244-2639 Georgia Bureau of Investigation Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requestors may need to complete a formal records request form and pay applicable fees as established by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71. Fees typically include $0.10 per page for standard document copies and additional charges for certified copies or specialized searches. Identification may be required when requesting records in person, and notarized authorization forms may be necessary when requesting records on behalf of another individual.

Contents of an Atlanta Arrest Record

Atlanta arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia law and local regulations. These official documents typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility information
Enumeration of charges filed (including Georgia Code citations)
Case number and court assignment
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Mugshot photograph
Fingerprint classification data
Disposition status of the case

Pursuant to Georgia law, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and medical information protected under HIPAA. Additionally, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(q), if an individual has successfully completed a first offender program or conditional discharge, information related to that arrest may be restricted from public access.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Atlanta

The State of Georgia utilizes the term "record restriction" rather than expungement. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records under specific circumstances. Record restriction prevents the public from accessing information about an arrest and is available in the following situations:

Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal)
First offender treatment successfully completed under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
Conditional discharge successfully completed under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2
Certain misdemeanor convictions for individuals under 21 years of age
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of four years with no subsequent arrests

The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards approved applications to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). For court-ordered restrictions, petitioners must file with the court having original jurisdiction over the charges. Application fees may apply, though fee waivers are available for indigent applicants.

Georgia Crime Information Center 3121 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2639 Georgia Crime Information Center Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

It should be noted that record restriction does not physically destroy records but rather limits their dissemination to the public. Law enforcement agencies and certain employers in sensitive positions may still have access to restricted records as permitted by Georgia law.

Police Reports and Arrest Documentation

Police reports associated with arrests in Atlanta are maintained separately from court records and may contain additional details about the circumstances of an arrest. These reports typically include:

Narrative description of the incident
Witness statements and contact information
Evidence collected and chain of custody information
Officer observations and notes
Citations to applicable laws and ordinances

Members of the public may obtain copies of police reports by submitting a request to the Fulton County Police Records and Reports Office or the Atlanta Police Department, depending on jurisdiction. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4), certain investigative reports may be temporarily withheld if release would compromise an ongoing investigation.

Individuals seeking police reports related to their own arrest may obtain these documents to assist in their legal defense or for personal records. Attorneys representing arrested individuals may submit requests on their clients' behalf with proper authorization documentation.