Atlanta Arrest Records

In Atlanta, arrests are primarily conducted by the Atlanta Police Department (APD), though in some cases, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office may also make arrests, depending on the circumstances. An arrest occurs when a law enforcement officer reasonably suspects an individual has committed a crime or when a court issues an arrest warrant.

After apprehension, the arresting agency books the individual and transports them to the Fulton County Jail, the county's primary detention facility for arrestees. The arresting agency generates the arrest record, which is then added to Fulton County arrest records.

Are Atlanta Arrests Public Record?

Yes, Atlanta arrests are public record pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, which ensures transparency by allowing access to records maintained by law enforcement agencies. However, certain arrest-related records may be restricted if their release could invade privacy unjustifiably or expose sensitive or confidential information. These exemptions typically include:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Arrest records tied to active investigations
• Booking photographs of individuals who were not convicted
• 911 caller identities linked to an arrest
• Physical evidence of disclosure risks compromising the case
• Records that could endanger someone

Despite these exemptions, initial arrest and jail logs are almost always public. For confidential records, individuals seeking additional details may need to obtain a court order.

Atlanta Crime Rate

The Atlanta Police Department offers detailed crime data through its Open Data Portal, which features citywide crime statistics, COBRA reports, crime maps, and use-of-force data. These resources provide valuable insights into criminal activity across Atlanta

According to data reported on the portal, 59,404 offenses were committed in 2024, indicating a 4.04% increase compared to the previous year. Theft from motor vehicle (7541), motor vehicle theft (5479), vandalism of property (5008), and simple assault (3813) were the most prominent crimes committed.

Find Atlanta Arrest Records

Atlanta arrest records are primarily maintained by the Atlanta Police Department, the city's main law enforcement agency. Individuals may request these records by visiting the department in person or by submitting an Open Records Request through the department's Open Records Unit. A copying fee may apply, typically $0.10 per page for paper copies.

In addition, arrest information can be accessed through the Fulton County Sheriff's Inmate Search portal, which is updated once daily. This searchable database allows users to look up individuals currently or recently held in custody by entering the arrestee's name.

Free Arrest Record Search in Atlanta

Interested persons can access Atlanta arrest records for free through the Fulton County Sheriff's Inmate Search portal. Alternatively, researchers may consider third-party online platforms when searching arrest records. Some of these sites may allow users access to limited arrest information for free, although detailed access typically comes at a cost. Also, third-party platforms may not always have the most recent information, as they do not receive updates in real-time.

Criminal Background Check in Georgia

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) handles criminal background checks in the state. Individuals can generally obtain a criminal history record from most law enforcement agencies in the state, including the Atlanta Police Department. However, one cannot obtain the record of another individual without their written consent (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34).

A person can perform a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history check. Local law enforcement agencies perform name-based checks, while the GCIC performs fingerprint-based checks. Fingerprint checks are more ideal for employers and licensing authorities due to their higher level of accuracy.

To perform a name-based criminal background check in Atlanta, inquirers may submit the Criminal History Check Request Form in person or mail it to the APD's Identification Unit. The request must include a photocopy of the requester's valid photo ID and a $10 money order payment.

Fingerprint-based checks are processed through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) online, where individuals, businesses, or agencies may register to conduct a search.

Atlanta Inmate Search

Some persons arrested in Atlanta may be transferred to state prisons following a conviction. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) operates these facilities and maintains inmate records. Researchers can obtain information about a state inmate using the Find an Offender tool. An offender can be searched using their name, GDC ID, or case number.

Atlanta Police Record Lookup

Police records refer to documents generated by officers in the course of their official duties. These include incident reports, accident reports, police clearance letters, use of force reports, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) logs, and body-worn camera footage.

Atlanta residents can obtain these records by filing an Open Records Request with the Open Records Unit of the Atlanta Police Department. The unit typically responds within three business days with an estimated cost and timeline for fulfilling the request. If no response is received within that period, requesters are encouraged to follow up by calling the unit at (404) 546-7448.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Atlanta?

Permanently. An arrest in Atlanta is indefinitely retained on an individual's record. However, arrests on or after July 1, 2013, that resulted in an acquittal may be automatically restricted. While this does not erase the arrest record, it makes it inaccessible to the public. An eligible person may contact the prosecuting attorney's office after the case disposition to request the restriction.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Atlanta?

In Georgia, expungement is generally known as record restriction. This process is available to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria outlined under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. In Atlanta, a person may qualify for record restriction if:

• The charges were dismissed, marked nolle prosequi, or resulted in acquittal
• The arrest did not lead to a formal charge and the statute of limitations has elapsed
• They were found guilty but received a conviction under Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60)
• The charges were pardoned by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

The Fulton County Superior Court handles records restriction for Atlanta. Eligible persons can visit the court to file a petition. Filing a petition typically costs a fee; however, petitioners below a certain income level can file a Poverty Affidavit Form to avoid paying any fees. Persons who had their arrest records automatically restricted also do not have to pay a fee.

Atlanta Warrant Search

Atlanta recognizes two primary warrant types that authorize arrests: arrest warrants and bench warrants. Arrest warrants require judicial approval and are issued when law enforcement presents probable cause that a crime has been committed. Bench warrants, alternatively, are initiated by the Failure to Appear (FTA) Court when individuals miss court hearings or violate court orders, particularly in misdemeanor or probation-related cases.

Atlanta warrant information is typically maintained by the Atlanta Municipal Court and the Fulton Sheriff's Office. Interested persons can visit either the department in person, although making an inquiry in person at the Sheriff's Office may lead to an immediate arrest if a warrant is found. Additionally, Warrant information can also be found on the Municipal Court's Find My Case portal. The Fulton Sheriff's Office also maintains a public Most Wanted list for high-risk individuals with active warrants in the county.

Do Atlanta Warrants Expire?

No. An arrest warrant issued for a misdemeanor or felony in Atlanta does not have an expiration date. This means the warrant remains active regardless of how much time has passed until it has been executed. Certain circumstances, however, can affect the validity of a warrant, including the death of the defendant, the dismissal of the case, or a judge recalling and quashing the warrant.

Regarding statutes of limitations: misdemeanor charges must generally be filed within two years, while felony charges typically have a four-year limit, extendable up to seven years in certain cases. If this time lapses, it may prevent the prosecutor from pursuing charges. However, it does not automatically invalidate any existing arrest warrant bearing the individual's name.