How to Find Arrest Records in Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide

If you need to look up arrest records in Atlanta, Georgia, there are several local agencies and tools you can use. This guide walks you through where records are kept, how to search them, what they contain, and what your rights and limits are when using this information in Atlanta.

Understanding Arrest Records in Atlanta

Before you start searching, it helps to know what you’re actually looking for.

Arrest records generally include information about:

• The person who was arrested (name, date of birth, sometimes address)
• The date and time of arrest
• The arresting agency (for example, Atlanta Police Department)
• The alleged charges
• The location of the arrest
• Booking information (mugshot, fingerprints, booking number)

In Atlanta, an arrest record is not the same as a conviction. It only shows that someone was taken into custody and charged, not necessarily found guilty in court.

Who Manages Arrest Records in Atlanta?

Several agencies in and around Atlanta maintain arrest-related information:

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) – arrests made within the City of Atlanta
• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office – manages jail and inmate records for Fulton County, including many people arrested by APD
• DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office – relevant if the arrest was in the DeKalb portion of Atlanta
• Municipal and county courts – maintain case records after an arrest leads to charges
• Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) – manages statewide criminal history (not directly open for casual public browsing, but accessible in specific ways)

For most everyday searches, you will be dealing with APD, Fulton County, or DeKalb County depending on where the arrest happened.

Step-by-Step: How to Look Up Arrest Records in Atlanta

1. Confirm Which Jurisdiction You Need

Atlanta’s city limits cross county lines. Parts of Atlanta sit in Fulton County, and parts are in DeKalb County. The county where the person was booked or the case was filed determines which systems you’ll use.

If you’re unsure:

• Check where the arrest occurred, if you know the address or neighborhood.
• If the incident was clearly in central or downtown Atlanta, it’s often Fulton County.
• Eastern neighborhoods may fall in DeKalb County.

2. Check Recent Arrests and Jail Records

Most people arrested in Atlanta are taken to a county jail, not held by the city long term. Jail and inmate lookup tools are typically the easiest way to see recent arrests.

Fulton County Jail (for much of Atlanta)

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
185 Central Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main): (404) 612-5100

Commonly available information through Fulton County systems includes:

• Current inmates and booking details
• Charges and bond information
• Booking dates and sometimes mugshots

If the person was arrested by APD in central or west Atlanta, this is a good starting point.

DeKalb County Jail (for eastern Atlanta)

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
4415 Memorial Dr
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone (main): (404) 298-8145

This jail covers DeKalb County, including parts of east Atlanta located in DeKalb. Their inmate lookup typically shows:

• Name and booking number
• Charges
• Bond amount
• Booking and release dates

3. Contact the Atlanta Police Department for Incident and Arrest Reports

For arrest reports, incident reports, and police reports connected to an arrest that occurred inside city limits, you’ll usually deal with the Atlanta Police Department (APD).

Atlanta Police Department – Headquarters
226 Peachtree St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Non-emergency: (404) 614-6544

APD handles:

• Incident reports – narrative reports of what occurred
• Accident reports – for traffic crashes
• Some arrest reports or references to arrests

Many records can be requested as public records under Georgia’s open records law. You can request:

• A copy of an incident report related to an arrest
• Certain details of the arrest itself (date, charges, location, officer, etc.)

When you contact APD or submit a request, it helps to have:

• Full name of the person arrested
• Date (or approximate date) of the arrest
• Location or case number, if known
• Any other identifying information (DOB, middle name, etc.)

4. Search Court Records Connected to the Arrest

An arrest in Atlanta usually leads to a court case, unless the charges are dropped. Court records often provide more detail on the charges, status, and outcome.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Atlanta Municipal Court

Handles many city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and some misdemeanors that start as arrests within Atlanta city limits.

Municipal Court of Atlanta
150 Garnett St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Clerk’s Office: (404) 658-6940

You can usually obtain:

• Case information linked to a specific citation or arrest
• Court dates and dispositions for minor offenses

Fulton County Courts (if the case is in Fulton)

If the arrest was for state-level offenses in the Fulton part of Atlanta (including many felonies and more serious misdemeanors), records may be in:

• Fulton County Superior Court – handles most felony cases
• Fulton County State Court – handles many misdemeanors and traffic cases

Fulton County Courthouse
136 Pryor St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

From the Clerk of Superior/State Court, you can usually request:

• Case files connected to an arrest
• Docket information (charges, hearings, resolutions)
• Certified copies of certain documents, for a fee

DeKalb County Courts (if the case is in DeKalb)

If the arrest occurred in the DeKalb County portion of Atlanta, look to:

• DeKalb County Superior Court – felony and major cases
• DeKalb County State Court – many misdemeanors and traffic cases

DeKalb County Courthouse
556 N McDonough St
Decatur, GA 30030

Court clerks can help you locate:

• Records based on name, case number, or date
• Case summaries and dispositions

5. Requesting a Georgia Criminal History (Background Check)

If you’re trying to view overall arrest and criminal history for someone in Atlanta, not just a single incident, you’re dealing with statewide records managed by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).

In Georgia, individuals typically access their own criminal history through:

• A local law enforcement agency authorized to run GCIC checks (usually for a fee)
• Fingerprint-based background checks requested by the person themselves

For someone living in Atlanta, a common route is:

• Contact the Atlanta Police Department or Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and ask about “GCIC criminal history” or “Georgia criminal background check” procedures for personal use.

Be prepared for:

• A government-issued photo ID
• Possible fingerprinting
• A fee for processing

Employers, landlords, and other organizations may have different rules and channels for obtaining criminal background information, often requiring consent forms.

What Information is Public vs. Restricted?

Georgia law treats many arrest-related records as public, but there are limits.

Typically publicly accessible in Atlanta:

• Basic arrest information (name, charges, date, arresting agency)
• Jail booking logs and current inmate rosters
• Most adult court records and dockets
• Many police incident reports

Common restrictions or protections include:

• Juvenile records – often confidential or heavily restricted
• Certain sensitive details (e.g., some victim information)
• Records sealed or restricted by court order
• Some expunged or “restricted” arrests that no longer appear in general checks

If an arrest record is sealed or restricted, you may not be able to see it through usual public channels, even if you know it happened.

Using Arrest Records in Atlanta Responsibly

Arrest records can affect jobs, housing, relationships, and reputation, so it’s important to understand some key points:

• Arrest ≠ guilt
  An arrest only shows that someone was taken into custody and accused of a crime. Charges can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved without a conviction.

• Employer and landlord rules vary
  Many employers and housing providers in Atlanta use background checks, but their ability to consider certain records is shaped by federal and state laws and, in some cases, local policies.

• Accuracy matters
  Names can be common, and records may have incomplete information. It’s possible to mistake one person for another if you rely only on name and city.

• Privacy and fairness
  Even when records are public, sharing them widely or using them to harass, threaten, or defame someone can create legal problems.

Can Arrest Records in Atlanta Be Expunged or Restricted?

In Georgia, what used to be known as “expungement” is now usually called “record restriction.” This doesn’t destroy the record but limits public access to it.

Someone with an arrest in Atlanta might be able to seek record restriction if, for example:

• Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
• They were found not guilty
• Certain conditions under Georgia law are met (including timeframes and offense types)

The process generally involves:

1. Identifying the arrest and case numbers
2. Applying to the arresting agency (such as the Atlanta Police Department) or appropriate court
3. Having the request reviewed according to Georgia law

People often contact:

• Atlanta Police Department Records Unit for APD arrests
• Fulton County or DeKalb County courts for guidance on case-related restrictions

Quick Reference: Where to Start for Atlanta Arrest Records

Below is a simple overview to help you decide which office or source to contact first:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• ✅ Gather as much detail as possible before you start (full name, DOB, approximate date, location).
• ✅ Call ahead to verify office hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment, especially if you plan to visit downtown buildings.
• ✅ Bring ID when requesting records in person, particularly for criminal history checks.
• ✅ Expect some fees for printed or certified copies; basic information may be free to view.
• ✅ Be patient – record requests and open records submissions can take time to process.

By focusing on the correct Atlanta-area agency and understanding what each one maintains—police reports, jail bookings, or court files—you can usually track down the arrest information you need in a clear, lawful way.