Find Ben Hill County Arrest Records
Ben Hill County arrest records are stored at the sheriff's office in Fitzgerald, Georgia. This south-central Georgia county has about 17,000 people. The sheriff's office tracks all arrests, manages the jail, and keeps booking records for everyone taken into custody in Ben Hill County. To search for an arrest record or check on an inmate, the sheriff's office is the right place to start. Arrest data from Ben Hill County also goes to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for inclusion in the state criminal history database. You have multiple ways to access this information.
Ben Hill County Quick Facts
Ben Hill County Sheriff Records
Sheriff Lee Cone heads the Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office. The mailing address is PO Box 738, Fitzgerald, GA 31750. Phone is 229-426-5161. This is the primary office for all arrest records in Ben Hill County. The sheriff's deputies patrol the county and bring arrested individuals to the jail in Fitzgerald.
Call the office to ask about a specific arrest or check on someone in custody. You will need the full name and date of birth of the person. Staff can look up booking records and current inmates at the Ben Hill County jail. For formal copies, you may need to come in or send a written request. Include your name, phone number, and the details of the record you need. The office processes arrest record requests during business hours.
| Sheriff | Lee Cone |
|---|---|
| Address | PO Box 738, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 |
| Phone | 229-426-5161 |
Searching Ben Hill County Arrest Data
Start by calling the sheriff's office at 229-426-5161. This is the fastest way to get arrest information in Ben Hill County. You can ask about recent bookings and current inmates over the phone. For older records, the staff may need time to pull the file.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers statewide access to criminal history records. The GCIC maintains a central database that includes Ben Hill County arrest data. You can request your own record under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 for up to $15. The GBI criminal history FAQ explains how. You can go through a local law enforcement agency or the GCIC lobby office in Decatur by appointment only.
The GCIC page outlines the full range of criminal justice information services available to the public.
Note: Same-day appointments are not offered at the GCIC office in Decatur, so plan ahead if you need in-person service.
Ben Hill County Jail Records
Every arrest in Ben Hill County results in a booking at the county jail. The booking record covers the charges, mugshot, personal info, and bond details. Call 229-426-5161 to check on current inmates or recent bookings at the Ben Hill County jail.
People sentenced to state prison from Ben Hill County can be found through the GDC offender search. Search by name or GDC ID number. The Georgia Department of Corrections warns that data may not be complete. Verify details by contacting Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles also has a parolee search tool for checking on people released from state custody.
Arrest Record Access in Ben Hill County
Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes arrest records public. The Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office must release initial arrest reports to anyone who asks. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Pending investigation files may be kept private, but the initial report is always available.
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, falsely obtaining criminal history data carries heavy penalties. Fines can reach $5,000 with up to two years in prison. Record restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 is an option for qualifying cases in Ben Hill County. If an arrest ended in a dismissal or dead docket, the record may be sealed from public view. The local prosecutor must approve the restriction. The Georgia Felon Search only shows felony convictions and costs $15 per query. The GBI Payment Portal handles all fees for state-level record services.
Ben Hill County Record Resources
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association lists all 159 county sheriffs with addresses and phone numbers. Use it to confirm the contact details for Ben Hill County before making your request. The GBI also runs the Georgia Sex Offender Registry under O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 and the GAPS fingerprint service for record checks.
GAPS is the state's electronic fingerprint system. It sends fingerprints to the GBI for a criminal history record check. Certified vendors capture prints at locations across Georgia. This is the most accurate way to confirm someone's arrest record history in Ben Hill County and statewide.
Nearby Counties
These counties surround Ben Hill County in south-central Georgia.