DeKalb County Arrest Records

DeKalb County arrest records are managed by the sheriff's office in Decatur, Georgia. With about 762,000 residents, DeKalb County is one of the most populated counties in Georgia and a core part of the Atlanta metro area. Sheriff Melody Maddox oversees all jail bookings, arrest record storage, and public records access. DeKalb County arrest records are public under state law. You can search for them through the sheriff's office, state criminal history databases, or the Georgia Open Records Act. This page explains each method and what to expect.

DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Arrest Data

Sheriff Melody Maddox leads the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. This is the central hub for all arrest records in DeKalb County. The office runs the county jail, processes all bookings, and handles records requests from the public. Every arrest in DeKalb County creates a record that includes the person's name, charges filed, arrest date, and booking details. That data enters the local system and goes to the state through the GCIC network.

Call 404-298-8111 to ask about a DeKalb County arrest record or get jail information. Walk-in requests are accepted during regular hours with a valid photo ID. Staff search by name, date of birth, or booking number. For copies of full arrest reports, submit a written request with as much detail as you have. DeKalb County is one of the busiest sheriff's offices in Georgia because of the large population. Expect wait times on complex or bulk requests.

DeKalb County sits in the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit. Multiple law enforcement agencies operate in the county, including the DeKalb County Police Department and police departments in Decatur, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Stonecrest, Tucker, and Chamblee. All of these agencies contribute arrest records that route through the DeKalb County system. The volume of bookings is among the highest in the state.

Note: DeKalb County's multiple police departments mean arrest records can come from many sources within the county.

Georgia Criminal History for DeKalb County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal history system that includes DeKalb County arrest records. The GBI's Crime Information Center collects data from all 159 counties. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, you can request your own criminal history for up to $15. This would show all DeKalb County arrests on file.

The GBI site links to criminal history services, the sex offender registry, and crime data. The criminal history FAQ covers the process step by step. For DeKalb County, start with the sheriff's office in Decatur. The GCIC lobby office is also in Decatur and handles in-person state-level requests by appointment at (404) 244-2639. The GAPS fingerprinting service is the most accurate method for verifying a DeKalb County arrest record.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per query and only returns felony convictions. DeKalb County misdemeanor arrests do not show in this tool. You pay even when no match is found.

DeKalb County Inmate Records

The Georgia Department of Corrections tracks inmates in state prison. If a DeKalb County arrest led to a prison sentence, the offender enters the GDC system. Use the GDC Find Offender page to search by name or GDC ID. Photos display when available.

The GDC Offender Query form gives a direct lookup for offenders from DeKalb County. GDC does not guarantee accuracy. Write to Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029 to verify. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, requesting criminal records under false pretenses brings fines up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison.

DeKalb County Open Records Requests

Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 gives the public the right to inspect government records. DeKalb County arrest reports are covered. Initial arrest reports are not exempt from disclosure even during active investigations.

Submit a written request to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. State what records you need with the person's name, date range, and type of document. The office must respond within three business days. Copy fees may apply. DeKalb County handles a very high volume of records requests because of its population, so large or complex requests may take extra time. If you believe a request was wrongly denied, you can challenge it. First-time violations carry a fine up to $1,000. Repeat violations within 12 months can reach $2,500.

Note: DeKalb County may direct some arrest record requests to the DeKalb County Police Department if that agency made the arrest.

Arrest Record Restriction in DeKalb County

Certain DeKalb County arrest records can be restricted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Dismissed charges, no bills, nolle prosequi, and dead docket cases qualify for restriction. Once restricted, the record is invisible to the public. Only criminal justice agencies can access it.

For DeKalb County arrests before July 1, 2013, apply through the sheriff's office with a fee up to $50. Later arrests go through the DeKalb County prosecutor. Guilty dispositions are never eligible. The GCIC processes the actual sealing. Given DeKalb County's size, a significant number of arrest records may be eligible for restriction. The Georgia Sex Offender Registry is a separate database that tracks registered offenders living in DeKalb County.

Cities in DeKalb County

DeKalb County has many cities with their own police departments. All arrest records route through the county system. These cities have significant populations and their own law enforcement that contributes to DeKalb County's arrest record database.

Other communities in DeKalb County include Decatur, Clarkston, Lithonia, Pine Lake, and Avondale Estates. Arrest records from all of these areas can be found through the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.

Nearby Counties

DeKalb County borders these counties in the Atlanta metro area. Arrest records are filed where the booking took place.