Albany Dougherty County Jail Bookings
Dougherty County recent bookings are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Albany, the hub of southwest Georgia. The office keeps detailed records of all arrests and jail admissions. These public records show charges, booking dates, and inmate status. You can access them under the Georgia Open Records Act.
Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Terron K. Hayes leads the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office. The agency provides comprehensive law enforcement and detention services. The office serves the Albany metro area and surrounding communities.
The jail processes all arrests made in Dougherty County. Staff maintain detailed booking records for every inmate. These records include charges, bond amounts, and court dates.
Contact the Sheriff's Office at (229) 302-3600. The staff can help with inmate location and basic custody questions.
Location and Contact Details
The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office is located at 225 Pine Avenue in Albany. This downtown location houses the main administrative offices. The county jail is operated from this facility.
Records requests can be made in person during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting. The records clerk will assist you with your inquiry.
Visit doughertysheriff.com for the latest news and contact information.
Booking Records Information
Dougherty County maintains comprehensive booking records under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7. These records include inmate names, dates of birth, and physical descriptions. Charges and arresting agencies are also documented.
The jail logs show all admissions and releases. This creates a complete record of who has been in custody. Family members can check on loved ones through these records.
Attorneys use booking records to track clients. Bond amounts and court dates help with case management. The records are updated as cases progress through the system.
How to Access Records
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, you have the right to view public records. The Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within three business days. You can make requests by phone, mail, or in person.
Phone inquiries work best for simple custody checks. In-person visits allow you to view and copy documents. Written requests create a formal record of your inquiry.
Include specific details in your request. Give the person's full name and date of birth. Include the date range for the records you need. This helps staff process your request quickly.
How to Request Dougherty County Booking Records
Contact the Dougherty 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 Dougherty 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.
Dougherty County Jail Visitation and Inmate Services
The Dougherty 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 Dougherty 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 Dougherty County
O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 applies to Dougherty 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.
Related Resources
Dougherty County is a major population center in southwest Georgia. If you cannot find records here, check neighboring counties. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory can help.
The Georgia Department of Corrections provides a statewide offender search at gdc.georgia.gov. This database includes state prison inmates.
For criminal history records, contact the Georgia Crime Information Center. Their office is at 3121 Panthersville Road in Decatur.