Heard County Jail Bookings and Inmate Records
Heard County recent bookings are maintained by the Heard County Sheriff's Office in Franklin, Georgia. Under Sheriff Ross Henry, the Sheriff's Office processes all arrests and manages the county detention facility. You can search for booking records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Recent arrest records show current charges, booking dates, bond information, and inmate status. The facility houses individuals awaiting trial and those serving county sentences.
Heard County Sheriff's Office
The Heard County Sheriff's Office operates under Sheriff Ross Henry. The office is at PO Box 339 in Franklin. The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county. Deputies patrol Heard County and conduct arrests. Jail staff manage the booking and housing of inmates.
Contact the Heard County Sheriff's Office at (706) 675-3329. Staff members provide inmate information to the public. Visit their website at heardcosheriff.com for additional resources. The office follows all Georgia public records laws.
The Sheriff's Office mailing address is PO Box 339, Franklin, GA 30217.
Public Records in Heard County
Booking records are public documents under Georgia law. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 establishes the Open Records Act. This guarantees access to government records. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4) specifically covers arrest and booking records. The Sheriff must comply with these requirements.
O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7 mandates detailed jail record keeping. Sheriffs must document all inmates committed to their facilities. Records include names, ages, sex, and race. The crime charged and date of commitment are recorded. Release information is also tracked.
You can request records in writing or in person. Written requests provide documentation of your inquiry. The Sheriff must respond within three business days.
Fees may apply for copying and extensive searches.
How to Request Heard County Booking Records
The Heard County Sheriff's Office accepts records requests in person, by mail, or by phone. You can visit the office in Franklin during regular business hours. Staff will assist you with your request. Bring valid identification for in-person visits.
For mail requests, send your written request to: Heard County Sheriff's Office, PO Box 339, Franklin, GA 30217. Include your contact information and specific details about the records you need. Provide the full name of the individual and any known dates. This helps staff process your request efficiently.
Phone requests can be made by calling (706) 675-3329. Staff can answer basic questions about current inmates. For copies of records or detailed searches, you may need to visit in person or submit a written request. Written requests under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 create formal documentation.
Understanding the Booking Process in Heard County
The booking process in Heard County follows standard procedures for all arrests. When an individual is taken into custody, they are transported to the county detention facility. The intake process begins immediately to create the official record.
Staff first collect personal information from the arrestee. This includes full name, date of birth, and address. Physical characteristics such as height, weight, and identifying marks are documented. This information establishes identity in the system.
Booking photographs and fingerprints are taken during intake. These become part of the permanent record. The arrestee's personal property is inventoried and stored securely. A medical screening identifies any health concerns. Finally, the inmate is assigned to appropriate housing based on classification.
Heard County Jail Visitation and Inmate Services
The Heard County detention facility offers visitation for families and friends of inmates. Contact the Sheriff's Office at (706) 675-3329 to confirm visitation hours and requirements. All visitors must present valid identification. Facility rules and dress codes are strictly enforced.
Inmates housed in the facility have access to basic services. These include meals, medical care as needed, and recreation opportunities. The facility provides basic hygiene items and bedding. Inmates may purchase additional items through the commissary if funds are available.
Family members can often add money to inmate accounts. Contact the Sheriff's Office for approved methods. Phone services may be available for inmates to stay in touch with family. Ask staff about setting up phone accounts.
How to Search Recent Bookings
There are several ways to find booking information in Heard County. Phone inquiries work for current inmate status. In-person visits allow record inspection. Written requests create formal documentation. Online resources may provide search capabilities.
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association maintains a complete directory. Find it at georgiasheriffs.org. This lists all 159 county sheriffs in Georgia. It includes contact information for each office.
For state prison inmates, use the Georgia Department of Corrections search. The GDC database is at gdc.georgia.gov. This covers state facilities only.
What Booking Records Show
Booking records contain detailed arrest information. Each record includes the following details:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking date, time, and number
- Charges and statute violations
- Bond amount and conditions
- Arresting agency
- Custody status
Recent bookings show arrests from the past 24 to 48 hours. This information updates regularly. Families use it to locate loved ones. Attorneys use it for case preparation.
Legal Framework and Your Rights
Georgia law protects your right to public records. The Open Records Act ensures transparency. Agencies must respond promptly to requests. They cannot charge excessive fees.
Booking photographs have special handling rules. O.C.G.A. § 35-1-18 requires written affirmation. You must state the photos will not be used on pay-for-removal websites. This protects individuals from exploitation.
Non-compliance carries penalties. Agencies face fines up to $1,000 for first violations. Civil penalties apply for repeat offenses.