Cook County Arrest Records

Cook County arrest records are managed by the sheriff's office in Adel, Georgia. This south Georgia county has about 17,000 residents. Sheriff Douglas Hanks handles all bookings, the county jail, and records access. Arrest records in Cook County are public under Georgia law. You can get them through the sheriff's office, through the state's criminal history system at the GBI, or by filing an open records request. This page explains each way to search for and access arrest records in Cook County.

Cook County Sheriff Arrest Records

Sheriff Douglas Hanks runs the Cook County Sheriff's Office at 1000 County Farm Road, Adel, GA 31620. This office is the main source for arrest records in Cook County. Each jail booking creates a record that includes the person's name, charges, arrest date, and personal details. The records stay on file at the sheriff's office and also get reported to the state.

Call 229-896-7471 to ask about a Cook County arrest record or to check on a current inmate. Walk-in visits work during normal hours with a photo ID. Staff can search by name or date. For copies of full arrest reports, submit a written request with as much detail as you can. Cook County is a small office but they handle a steady flow of bookings from the Adel area and surrounding communities.

State Criminal History for Cook County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal history database. Cook County arrest records feed into this system through the GCIC. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, you can inspect your own criminal history record for up to $15. This will include Cook County arrests on file with the state.

The GAPS fingerprinting service is the most accurate way to verify a Cook County arrest record. Fingerprint checks confirm identity better than name-based searches. The GBI FAQ page explains the process for getting records. Contact the Cook County Sheriff's Office first for local requests.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per query. Only felony convictions show up. Cook County misdemeanor arrests will not appear. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, getting criminal history data under false pretenses brings a fine up to $5,000.

Note: Cook County sits along Interstate 75, and some arrests may involve the Georgia State Patrol or other agencies working the highway corridor.

Cook County Offender Search

The GDC Find Offender page covers inmates who went to state prison after a Cook County arrest. Search by name or GDC ID. Photos appear when on file. The GDC Offender Query form gives a direct way to search the database.

GDC does not guarantee accuracy of the online data. Verify any info by writing to Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029. The GDC website also provides family services information for people with relatives in Georgia state prisons.

Open Records in Cook County

Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes government records available to the public. Cook County arrest reports are public documents. Initial arrest reports are not exempt from disclosure. File a written request with the sheriff's office to get copies.

The office must respond within three business days. Copy fees may apply. Include the person's name and a date range. Because Cook County is a smaller office, response times are usually reasonable. Violations of the Open Records Act can result in fines up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $2,500 for repeat violations within 12 months.

Record Restriction in Cook County

Some Cook County arrest records can be restricted from public view under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Dismissed charges, no bills, and dead docket cases qualify. Restricted records are invisible to the public.

For arrests before July 1, 2013, file a written request with the Cook County Sheriff's Office and pay up to $50. Later arrests go through the prosecutor. Guilty dispositions are never eligible. The GCIC handles the actual sealing. The Georgia Sex Offender Registry and the Sheriffs by County directory are additional resources for Cook County criminal justice information.

Note: Once restricted, Cook County arrest records will not show in any public database search.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cook County in south Georgia. Arrest records are kept in the county where the booking took place.