Dekalb County Police Department Open Records requests let residents get copies of police reports, incident logs, arrest records, 911 call transcripts, and other official documents. Georgia law requires public agencies to share records unless a specific exemption applies. The process is simple: send an email with your name, what you need, and any case numbers. The county charges $22.50 per hour for staff time, but the first 15 minutes are free. Most requests get a response within three business days. You can search many records online for free at the county’s public portal, which includes data back to January 2010. This page covers everything you need to know to get the records you want quickly and affordably.
How to Submit a Dekalb County Police Department Open Records Request
To start a request, email the Central Records Unit at centralrecords@dekalbcountyga.gov. Include your full legal name, mailing address, phone number, and a clear description of the records you want. If you have a police report number, incident date, or names of people involved, add those details. The more specific you are, the faster staff can find your files. Requests sent by mail must go to 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The county follows the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 to § 50-18-75). Staff have three business days to check if they have the records and if any parts are exempt. If exempt, they must cite the exact law. If not, they prepare the files for delivery. You’ll get a cost estimate before any work begins.
Fees and Billing for Dekalb County Police Open Records
Dekalb County charges based on staff time. The rate is $22.50 per hour, which is the hourly wage of the lowest-paid qualified employee who can handle your request. The first 15 minutes are always free. After that, you pay for search, retrieval, redaction, and production time. For example, a 30-minute job costs $11.25.
There are no fees for up to two electronic incident reports. For three or more pages printed, the charge is $0.25 per page. If you need certified copies, there may be an extra fee. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. For mailed requests, use a cashier’s check or money order payable to “DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.”
Online Public Records Portal: Free Search for Incident Reports, Arrests, and Mugshots
Residents can search many police records online at no cost. The Dekalb County Central Records portal includes incident reports, arrest logs, daily blotters, booking entries, and mugshots from January 2010 onward. Each result links to a PDF you can view or download.
To use the portal, visit the county website and click “Public Records Search.” You can filter by date, location, or keyword. No login is needed. This is the fastest way to get non-sensitive records. For older files or sealed cases, you must submit a formal request by email or mail.
Requesting 911 Call Transcripts and Audio Files
If you need a 911 call recording or transcript, submit a written request to the E-911 Communications Center. Include the date, time, location, and incident number if known. You must sign a notarized form stating your purpose and agree to usage restrictions. A $10 processing fee applies, payable by check or money order.
Mail your request to 1960 West Exchange Place, 5th Floor, Tucker, GA 30084. The center operates 24/7 and handles all emergency calls for the county. Turnaround time is usually five to ten business days, depending on redaction needs.
Open Records Request Form for the Sheriff’s Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office also handles public records, including jail bookings and court filings. Use their online form to request documents. Fill in your name, contact info, organization (if any), and describe the records. You must attach a copy of your government-issued ID.
The Sheriff’s Office aims to respond within three business days. During busy times, like the start of the fiscal year, delays may occur. If so, you’ll get a written notice with a reason and new timeline. Delivery options include mail, fax, encrypted email, or pickup at 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
Police Incident Reports: What You Need to Know
An incident report is a written record of a crime, accident, or police response. To get one, you need the report number, which appears in the upper-right corner of the original document. If you don’t have it, provide the date, location, and names of people involved.
Email your request to centralrecords@dekalbcountyga.gov. Up to two electronic reports are free. For printed copies, it’s $0.25 per page. Reports older than 90 days may take longer to retrieve. Some details, like victim identities or ongoing investigation notes, may be redacted.
Arrest Records, Booking Logs, and Mugshots
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody, charges filed, and booking details. Mugshots are photos taken during booking. These are public unless sealed by a judge. You can view them online through the county portal or request copies by email.
To request an arrest record, include the person’s full name, date of birth, and arrest date if known. The Sheriff’s Office may require ID verification. Fees apply for printed copies, but electronic versions are often free.
Exemptions Under the Georgia Open Records Act
Not all records are public. Georgia law allows exemptions for privacy, safety, and law enforcement reasons. Examples include:
- Personal information like Social Security numbers, home addresses, or medical data
- Ongoing investigations where release could harm the case
- Records that would invade someone’s privacy without a public interest
- Juvenile records or victim identities in sensitive cases
If your request is denied, the county must explain why and cite the specific statute. You can appeal to the county manager or file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The main headquarters for the DeKalb County Police Department is at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084. The phone number is (770) 724-7474. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For Central Records, call (770) 724-7500.
Other key contacts:
- Animal Control: (404) 294-2996
- Pawn Unit: (770) 724-7424
- Permits and Licenses: (404) 297-3934
- Property Room: (770) 724-7500
For Sheriff’s Office records, visit 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or call (404) 298-8900.
Tips for a Fast and Successful Request
To avoid delays, be specific. Instead of “all records about me,” say “incident report from June 15, 2024, at 123 Main Street.” Include your contact info and preferred delivery method. Check the online portal first—many records are already available.
If you don’t get a response in three business days, follow up by email or phone. Keep copies of all correspondence. If fees seem high, ask for a breakdown. You have the right to know how the cost was calculated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dekalb County Police Open Records
Many people have similar questions about getting police records in DeKalb County. Below are answers to the most common concerns, based on Georgia law and county policy. These cover fees, timing, exemptions, and how to appeal if your request is denied.
How long does it take to get a police report from DeKalb County?
Most requests are processed within three business days. If the records are easy to find and don’t need redaction, you may get them faster. Complex requests, like those involving 911 calls or large files, can take up to ten business days. The county must notify you in writing if there’s a delay and explain the reason. You’ll also get an updated timeline and any extra fees. Simple incident reports are often ready the same day if submitted early.
Can I get a police report without a case number?
Yes, but it helps to have one. If you don’t have the case number, provide the date, time, and location of the incident, plus the names of people involved. The more details you give, the easier it is for staff to locate the file. Without a case number, processing may take longer. You can often find the number on a citation or by calling the precinct where the incident occurred.
Are there fees for viewing records online?
No. The online public records portal is free to use. You can search and download incident reports, arrest logs, blotters, bookings, and mugshots at no cost. Fees only apply when you request printed copies, certified documents, or staff time beyond the free 15 minutes. Electronic delivery of up to two reports is also free.
What happens if my request is denied?
If your request is denied, the county must send a written explanation citing the specific exemption under Georgia law. Common reasons include privacy protection, ongoing investigations, or sealed court orders. You can appeal the decision by contacting the county manager or filing a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. Keep all communication records for your appeal.
Can I get someone else’s arrest record?
Yes, arrest records are public unless sealed by a judge. You don’t need to be related to the person or have a legal reason. However, you may need to provide the person’s full name and date of birth. Some details, like home address or Social Security number, will be redacted to protect privacy. Juvenile records are not public.
Do I need to show ID to request records?
For most requests, no ID is required. But if you’re picking up sensitive documents or requesting records on behalf of someone else, you may need to show a government-issued photo ID. The Sheriff’s Office often requires ID for in-person pickups. Always include your contact information so staff can verify your request.
Can I request records by phone?
No. Dekalb County requires all open records requests to be in writing—by email or mail. This creates a paper trail and ensures clarity. Phone calls can be used for questions or follow-ups, but the formal request must be written. Email is the fastest method and gets a confirmation receipt.
For official requests, contact:
Dekalb County Police Department
1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (770) 724-7474
Email: centralrecords@dekalbcountyga.gov
Website: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/central-records
