Dekalb County Police Department open records requests follow strict state laws and local procedures to ensure transparency while protecting privacy. The department charges $21.15 per hour for staff time spent searching, retrieving, redacting, and producing records in fiscal year 2024. This rate matches the salary of an entry-level classified clerk-I. The first 15 minutes of work are free. After that, time is billed in 15-minute blocks. All requests must be sent by email. The office confirms receipt within one business day. Most responses arrive within five days. If a record is exempt under Georgia law, the department sends a written denial citing the exact statute and gives the requester 10 days to appeal to Superior Court.
How to Submit a Request
To get police records from Dekalb County, send an email to the correct department. Include your full name, contact information, and a clear description of the records you need. For incident reports, you must provide the official police report number. Email requests go to [email protected]. The system hides your email from public view but replies come from this address. Up to two incident reports per request are free and delivered as PDFs within three business days. Three or more reports cost $0.25 per printed page. The final price is based on actual page count after processing.
For paper requests, include the report numbers, a prepaid return envelope, and a signed authorization form. Mail everything to Central Records at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084. Processing takes longer for mailed requests. Always use certified mail with tracking to confirm delivery.
Fees and Billing Details
The county uses the lowest-paid qualified employee’s hourly wage to calculate labor costs. For FY2024, that is $21.15. No charge applies for the first 15 minutes. After that, each 15-minute segment adds $5.29 to your bill. For example, 30 minutes of work costs $10.58. The department itemizes all fees and sends an invoice before releasing records if payment is required. Payment methods include cashier’s check, money order, or credit card for online payments. Electronic delivery is free. Printed copies cost extra based on page count.
E-9-1-1 audio recordings have a separate fee of $0.10 per minute. These requests require a completed PDF form with caller name, date, time, and specific recording details. The goal is to deliver audio within ten business days. Delays may occur during high-volume periods like major investigations or elections. In such cases, the department provides a written explanation and new timeline.
Response Timelines and Legal Requirements
Georgia law gives agencies three business days to acknowledge a request and determine if records are in their custody and subject to disclosure. The receiving office must respond in writing within this window. If records are exempt, the denial must cite the specific statute, such as O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, which covers law enforcement investigative files. Requesters can appeal denials to Superior Court within ten days.
Most simple requests are fulfilled within five business days. Complex cases involving multiple departments or large volumes may take longer. The department will notify you of any delay and explain the reason. During busy times, like election cycles or major incidents, processing may extend beyond standard timelines. Always ask for a completion estimate when submitting your request.
Online Portal for Public Access
Residents can search incident reports, daily logs, arrest blotters, booking sheets, and mugshots for free through the County Office portal. The database updates every night from the department’s internal system. You can filter results by date, report type, location, or officer badge number. Third-party sites linked from the portal offer advanced search tools. All data is current within 24 hours of entry. This service reduces the need for formal requests for recent records.
To use the portal, visit the official County Office website and select “DeKalb County Police Records Search.” No login is required. Results include basic details like case number, date, location, and offense type. Full narratives may require a formal request. The portal does not show active investigations or sensitive personal information.
Sheriff’s Office vs. Police Department Records
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office handles jail records, court documents, and some criminal case files. The Police Department manages incident reports, traffic collisions, and patrol-related records. Both follow the same Georgia Open Records Act rules but have separate submission processes. For Sheriff’s Office records, use their online form or mail to 4415 Memorial Drive, Tucker, GA 30084. Standard fees are $3.00 per printed page. Electronic copies are free.
Confusing these two agencies causes delays. Always check which entity holds the record you need. For example, arrest records after booking go to the Sheriff. Incident reports from patrol officers go to the Police Department. When in doubt, call (770) 724-7474 for the Police Open Records line or (404) 298-8700 for the Sheriff’s Office.
Department Background and Accreditation
The DeKalb County Police Department was created in 1914 to serve unincorporated areas. Today, it operates four precincts—North, South, East, and West—each with patrol units and community teams. The force includes about 860 sworn officers and 232 civilian staff. It earned CALEA accreditation in 2012 and renewed it in 2021. This certification confirms compliance with national standards for policy, training, and community engagement.
Headquarters is at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084, near I-285 and US-29. The building houses Central Records, E-9-1-1 Communications, and administrative offices. Public hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in requests are accepted but email is faster and creates a paper trail.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For open records questions, call (770) 724-7474 during business hours. Email [email protected] for new requests. The Public Relations Manager, Pauline A. Andrea, Ph.D., oversees the process. Her office responds to all inquiries within one business day. After-hours calls go to voicemail with next-day callback.
Other key numbers: Animal Control (404) 294-2996, Pawn Unit (770) 724-7424, Permits (404) 297-3934, Personnel (770) 724-7500, Property Room (770) 724-7510. All lines are staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The E-9-1-1 Communications Center is on the fifth floor and reachable at (678) 406-7928.
Common Record Types and Availability
Available records include incident reports, accident reports, arrest logs, mugshots, daily activity logs, and 911 call recordings. Incident reports require a case number. Accident reports may need vehicle or driver details. Mugshots appear on the public portal unless sealed by court order. 911 audio needs a completed form and payment.
Exempt records include ongoing investigations, juvenile records, victim identities, and personnel files. The department redacts sensitive information before release. If you receive a redacted document, the denial letter explains why each section was removed under Georgia law.
Tips for Faster Processing
Be specific in your request. Include dates, locations, names, and case numbers when possible. Avoid broad phrases like “all records related to me.” Instead, ask for “incident report #2024-012345 from March 15, 2024.” This reduces search time and lowers fees.
Use email, not mail. Email requests are logged immediately and processed faster. Keep copies of all correspondence. If you don’t hear back in three days, follow up by phone. Mention your request date and reference number if provided.
Appeals and Disputes
If your request is denied, you have ten days to file an appeal in Superior Court. The denial letter will explain how to do this. Keep all communication records. You may also contact the Georgia Attorney General’s Open Records Unit for guidance. Most disputes resolve through clarification, not litigation.
For partial denials, you can accept the released portion and appeal only the withheld parts. This speeds up access to available records. Always ask for a detailed explanation of redactions.
Related Services and Resources
Other county services include background checks, permit applications, and property searches. These are handled by different departments but may require open records requests. For example, business licenses are managed by the Business License Division, not Central Records.
Third-party sites like StateRecords.org aggregate public data but may charge fees. Always check the official county portal first for free access. Avoid sites that promise “instant” records for payment—they often repackage public information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how long it takes to get records, what fees apply, and whether they can view records online. Others wonder about exemptions, appeals, and the difference between police and sheriff records. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions.
How much does it cost to request police records from DeKalb County?
The labor cost is $21.15 per hour, based on the entry-level clerk wage. The first 15 minutes are free. After that, time is charged in 15-minute increments. For example, 30 minutes costs $10.58. Incident reports cost $0.25 per page if you request three or more. Two reports per email are free. E-9-1-1 audio costs $0.10 per minute. Electronic delivery is free. Printed copies add page fees. Payment is due before release unless waived. Always ask for a cost estimate before submitting complex requests.
Can I get police records without a case number?
No. Incident reports require the official police report number. You can find this on a citation, accident report, or by calling the department with date, location, and involved parties. The online portal lets you search by date and location to locate the case number. Without it, staff cannot efficiently retrieve the record. Broad requests like “all reports from my street” take longer and cost more due to extensive search time.
Are 911 call recordings public in Georgia?
Yes, but with limits. Anyone can request 911 audio under the Georgia Open Records Act. However, calls involving minors, victims of certain crimes, or ongoing investigations may be redacted or withheld. You must submit a written request using the official PDF form. Include the caller’s name, date, time, and specific recording. Fees are $0.10 per minute. The department aims to provide audio within ten business days. Delays may occur during high-volume periods.
What happens if my request is denied?
The department must send a written denial within three business days. It must cite the exact law exempting the record, such as O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 for investigative files. You have ten days to appeal to Superior Court. Keep all correspondence. You can also request a partial release of non-exempt portions. Most denials are due to privacy protections or active cases. Clarify your need—sometimes rephrasing the request resolves the issue.
How do I check the status of my request?
Email [email protected] or call (770) 724-7474. Provide your name, request date, and description. The office tracks all requests and will give you an update. If it’s been over five business days, ask for a completion timeline. Complex cases may take longer. Always follow up in writing to create a record.
Can I visit in person to get records?
Yes, but email is faster. Walk-ins are accepted at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring ID and your request details. Staff will assist, but processing still follows the same rules. Large requests may require advance notice. In-person pickup is free for electronic files. Printed copies incur standard fees.
Are mugshots and arrest records public?
Yes, mugshots and arrest blotters are public and posted on the county portal within 24 hours. They include name, photo, charge, and booking date. However, records are removed if charges are dropped or expunged. Active warrants and juvenile arrests are not published. Third-party sites may display old records—always verify with the official source.
Official Website: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/central-records
Phone: (770) 724-7474
Address: 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.