DeKalb County Jail Booking Records
DeKalb County recent bookings are available through the Sheriff's Office in Decatur, just east of Atlanta. The office maintains one of the largest jail facilities in Georgia with a capacity of 3,800 beds. You can search inmate records online through their official roster system. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures public access to these booking records.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Melody Maddox leads the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. The agency provides law enforcement and detention services for Georgia's fourth-largest county. The main jail is located at 4425 Memorial Drive in Decatur.
The facility houses an average of 2,200 inmates daily. Staff process all bookings for arrests made in DeKalb County. The office works with local police departments and state agencies.
The main office is at 4415 Memorial Drive. You can reach them at (404) 298-8111. Media inquiries should go to (404) 298-8144 or SheriffPIO@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Online Inmate Roster Search
DeKalb County provides an online inmate search tool. You can access it at dekalbcountysheriff.org/roster.php. This database shows current inmates and recent bookings.
The online roster includes important details about each inmate. You can find booking dates and charges. Bond amounts are also displayed when available.
Click on an inmate's name to view their full profile. This gives you more details about their case. The system is updated regularly throughout the day.
Jail and Visitation Information
The DeKalb County Jail uses video visitation for inmates. You can visit on-site or remotely using Securus Technologies. On-site visits are free and limited to two per week.
Visitation hours are 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. daily. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Remote video visits cost $5 per session.
To set up video visitation, visit the Securus Tech website or call 1-877-578-3658. You will need to create an account and schedule your visit in advance.
Accessing Booking Records and Photos
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, booking records are public documents. You can request them through the Sheriff's Office Open Records unit. Visit dekalbsheriff.org/open-records/ for more information.
Booking photos are available to news organizations. You must sign a Booking Photo Use Agreement. Submit the inmate's name and current booking number from the Inmate Lookup system.
The Sheriff's Office responds to records requests within three business days. Fees may apply for copies and extensive searches. The first 30 minutes of search time is free under Georgia law.
How to Request Dekalb County Booking Records
Contact the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office directly. Phone inquiries are the fastest method for checking custody status. Staff can verify if someone is currently held in the jail.
For detailed records, submit a written request. Reference O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 to establish your legal rights. The agency must respond within three business days under Georgia law.
Mail requests should include your contact information and specific details about the records needed. Fees may apply for copying and extensive research time.
Understanding the Booking Process in Dekalb County
The booking process begins when law enforcement brings an arrestee to the jail. Staff follow procedures required by O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7. Each step creates a public record.
Intake includes photographing and fingerprinting the arrestee. Medical screening is performed to identify health issues. Staff collect personal property for secure storage.
Charges are entered into the computer system. A magistrate sets bond amounts. Inmates receive information about court dates. All documentation becomes part of the public record.
Dekalb County Jail Visitation and Inmate Services
The Dekalb County Jail allows family visitation on a scheduled basis. Call the Sheriff's Office to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Visitors must present valid photo identification. Dress codes are enforced. All visitors are subject to search. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Inmates can receive mail and commissary deposits. Send letters to the jail address with the inmate's full name. Books must be softcover and shipped directly from publishers.
State Resources for Dekalb County Inmates
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association provides a directory of all Georgia sheriffs. This resource helps you find contact information for any county.
The Georgia Department of Corrections offers an online offender search at gdc.georgia.gov. This tracks state prison inmates separately from county jail records.
Victim services are available through the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. Call 1-800-547-6000 for assistance with medical bills, counseling, and other expenses.
Georgia Open Records Act and Dekalb County
O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 applies to Dekalb County. The Sheriff's Office must comply with public records requests. Transparency is mandated by state law.
You have the right to inspect booking records. Copies are available for reasonable fees. The first thirty minutes of staff search time are free.
Agencies must respond within three business days. Denials must include legal justification. You have the right to appeal any denial of records.
Nearby County Resources
DeKalb County is part of the Atlanta metro area. If you cannot find the records you need, check with neighboring counties. Fulton County and Gwinnett County also maintain large jail systems.
The Georgia Department of Corrections provides a statewide offender search at gdc.georgia.gov. This database includes state prison inmates from DeKalb County.
For criminal history record checks, contact the Georgia Crime Information Center at (404) 244-2639. Their office is at 3121 Panthersville Road in Decatur.