Fulton County Arrest Records

Fulton County arrest records are managed by the Sheriff's Office in Atlanta. As Georgia's most populous county with about 1,066,000 residents, Fulton County processes a large volume of arrests every year. The sheriff operates a free inmate search database that is open to the public. You can also request arrest records through the sheriff's office directly or use state-level criminal history databases. This page covers every way to search for and access arrest records in Fulton County.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records

Sheriff Pat Labat heads the Fulton County Sheriff's Office at 185 Shirley C. Franklin Blvd SW, Floor 9, Atlanta, GA 30303. The main phone number is 404-612-3280. This office is the primary keeper of arrest records for the most populous county in Georgia. As the state capital's home county, Fulton County sees more arrests than any other county in the state.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office offers a free inmate search database as a public service. This database is open to the public and members of the Fulton County justice system at no cost. The office adheres to Title VI Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended and all related regulations. All individuals can receive this service without additional charges. The inmate search is a quick way to check if someone is currently in custody in Fulton County.

For historical arrest records that go beyond the current inmate roster, contact the sheriff's office directly. The records division can pull up older bookings by name or date. Walk-in requests are accepted at the office in Atlanta. Phone requests can start the process, but you may need to follow up in person or in writing for copies of Fulton County arrest records.

Fulton County Inmate Search Database

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office website hosts a free inmate search tool. This is the fastest way to look up current arrest records in Fulton County. The database shows people currently in custody at the Fulton County jail. You can search by name to find booking details, charges, and bond info.

The screenshot below shows the Fulton County Sheriff's Office homepage where you can access their public services including the inmate search.

The sheriff's office site is the starting point for anyone looking up current Fulton County arrest records and jail bookings online.

The inmate search page itself provides a simple interface for looking up people in custody.

This inmate search tool is free to use and updated regularly with new bookings from Fulton County.

Note: The inmate search shows current jail inmates only and may not include people who have already been released from the Fulton County jail.

Georgia State Resources for Fulton County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state criminal history database. Every arrest in Fulton County feeds into this central system through the GCIC network. For a personal criminal history check, visit the sheriff's office with a valid ID. The fee is up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

The Georgia Felon Search covers felony convictions statewide for $15 per search. Given the high volume of cases in Fulton County, this tool often returns results for people arrested in the Atlanta area. The GDC offender search is free and covers state prison inmates. Both databases are useful for tracking cases that started with a Fulton County arrest.

Fulton County Open Records Requests

Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), arrest records from Fulton County are public. Anyone can ask for them. No reason is needed. Initial police arrest reports must be released even during active investigations. File a written request with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The office has three business days to respond.

Because Fulton County is so large, the volume of records requests can be high. Be as specific as possible in your request to help the staff find what you need quickly. Include the full name and any dates you know. Copy fees apply but must be reasonable. Agencies that violate the Open Records Act face fines of up to $1,000 for a first violation and $2,500 for repeat violations within 12 months.

Arrest Record Restrictions in Fulton County

Georgia allows certain arrest records to be sealed. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, charges that were dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal can be restricted. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office handles the process with the district attorney's approval. Once restricted, the record is only available to courts and law enforcement.

For older arrests before July 1, 2013, a written request and fee of up to $50 are required. Convictions cannot be restricted. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, using false pretenses to obtain criminal history records is a crime. Penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison. This covers records from Fulton County and anywhere else in Georgia.

What Fulton County Arrest Records Include

A Fulton County arrest record documents the booking process at the jail. The record shows the person's full name, date of birth, and physical description including height, weight, race, and sex. All charges at the time of arrest are listed along with the arresting officer and agency. Bond amounts and release conditions are part of the file. Court outcomes are added once the case is resolved.

A Fulton County arrest record typically includes:

• Full name and date of birth
• Physical description and booking photo
• All charges at time of booking
• Arresting agency and officer
• Bond amount and conditions
• Court disposition when available

The state GCIC record combines arrest data from all 159 counties. A person arrested in Fulton County who also has cases in DeKalb or Cobb County will show all arrests in one state report. The GCIC operates this system around the clock for law enforcement across Georgia.

Cities in Fulton County

Fulton County stretches from the north side of metro Atlanta to the south. It contains more qualifying cities than any other Georgia county. All arrest records flow through the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

Other communities in Fulton County include College Park, Hapeville, and Fairburn. Their arrest records also go through the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

Nearby Counties

Fulton County is at the center of the Atlanta metro area. These neighboring counties each maintain their own arrest records.