Search Georgia Public Records

How to Look Up Criminal Records in Georgia

GA Local and state law enforcement handle all Georgia arrest records requests. The state has a felony search website where the general public can perform Georgia Background Check on someone who was arrested and charged with a felony in the state. They offer name-based searches. If someone needs a fingerprint search or mugshot search, they would need to contact the actual law enforcement agency. On the state website, they provide information about how to correct a criminal history or identity fraud.

What Information Does Georgia Arrest Record Report Include?

Among the inmate information contained on a GA arrest report, will be the name, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, along with other physical description attributes like tattoos and scars. Additionally, arrest information like the arresting officer, arresting agency, date of arrest, charges, dispositions, court cases, attorney information, mugshot details, and if the person went to jail will also be on there. If there were any vehicles involved, that information would be on there as well.

Georgia Police Reports and Mugshots

Are Georgia Police Reports Public Record?

Absolutely! Police reports in Georgia are called “open records.” Anyone can visit a police station or order them online. There is sometimes a fee ($5 or less), but sometimes they are free. The Atlanta Georgia police department has a special unit called the Open Records Unit that handles all records requests. They offer citizens “customized crime reports, officer information reports, 911 audio, bulk incident reports, and other customized information requests.” It takes three days or longer to fulfill the request.

Some things that will NOT be included in the reports are:

• Criminal Background checks.
• Warrant information.
• Court documents.
• Jail status.
• Name or Identification of a rape victim.
• Driver’s License and or vehicle registration information.
• Medical Records.
• Mug shots.
• Court dispositions.
• Toxicology reports.
• Medical Examiner Reports.
• Officer personal information.
• Fire records.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) also provides crash reports to anyone who requests them. These, too, can be ordered in person or online.

Mugshots Georgia

Georgia mugshots are public record and are readily available online through many different portals. However, in 2013, Georgia passed laws that certain individuals who meet specific criteria have the right to request these mugshots be removed. In most cases, it is when they were unlawfully arrested, or the charges were dismissed. Otherwise, all Georgia mugshots are fair game and news outlets, and other websites may post them for all to see.

Photography was invented in the mid–1800s. Shortly after that, a French policeman named Alphonse Bertillon started using photographs for documenting suspects and criminals, and it became part of the official booking process. These photographs are informally known as mugshots (“mug” a slang term for your face). Mugshots are taken in twos, one showing the full front of your face, and a profile shot to show the side of your face.

Mugshots are usually taken directly after the arrest, along with fingerprinting. They are rarely flattering.

Georgia Arrest Booking Process

The Georgia booking process is very regimented due to overcrowding of the jails. Therefore, they try to be as efficient as possible.

When someone is arrested, according to Georgia law, they will be handcuffed behind their back. They will then be taken to the county jail and turned over to the deputies in charge. Along with asking a few basic questions about the suspect’s name, date of birth, address, etc., they will set up bail if it is applicable. The suspect may have to wait in a jail cell to see a magistrate to get that straightened out. During the processing, the suspect will also be fingerprinted, photographed, and examined.

The person arrested will then be placed in a room with telephones so they can call a lawyer, family member, or bondsman.

Violent Crime Rates for the last 10 years

The crime rate has decreased over the past decade in Georgia, going from 19,125 crimes in 2006 to 17,452 by 16% lower than it was back in 2006. The largest percentage of violent crimes falls into the Aggravated Assault category, with Revised Rape being the least popular crime in the state.

Arrest Law

Any judge or magistrate can issue an arrest warrant. Both sheriffs and peace officers are allowed to arrest someone without a warrant if they have proper probable cause to suspect them of a crime. If someone tries to escape or they believe them to be a danger to others or destroy evidence, again, they can arrest them without a warrant. If they witness someone committing a felony or misdemeanor, they can arrest them as well. If someone confronts a police officer with a deadly weapon, they are allowed to use deadly force in apprehending them.

The Arrest Rate in Georgia

In 2017, there were 335,556 arrests for crimes committed in Georgia. GA crime rate is 32.17 per 1000 residents. Violent crimes accounted for 23,793 of the total.

Georgia Arrest Records by Type of Crime

The popular arrests for 2017 in Georgia was for All Other Offenses (except traffic) - 73,539, the same popularity of the arrest type was seen in Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona. The least popularity had Suspicion arrests - with only 20 crimes a year.