Savannah-Chatham
METROPOLITAN POLICE
One team, one vision, one mission
Open Records Facts
How do I make a request for Open Records?
Request can either be made verbally, in person or over the phone. They can be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed in.
What information is required when I make a request?
When making a request, you should provide the following information;
Your Name
The specific record you are requesting
Dates and times related to your request
Location(s) related to your request
Your contact information
How long does it take to obtain the results from an Open Records Request?
The length of time varies between each request. The 3 day rule applies to responding to the initial request.
How much does an open records request cost?
Cost is determined by the lowest hourly waged person completing the request, plus any materials provided with the request. (Paper, audio or video tapes). The first 15 minutes is free of charge.
Where do I pick up the information once the request has been completed?
The requested information can be picked up at our
Records Unit
at 295 Police Memorial Drive,
Monday through Friday 8am-5:00pm. You can also request to have your requested submitted to 201 Habersham, at Police Headquarters, for your convenience.
What types of information are not provided through the Records Unit?
The following information is not provided by the Records Unit.
Criminal Background checks
Warrant information
Court documents
Jail status
Name or Identification of a rape victim
Driver's License and or vehicle registration information
Medical Records
Laws
Governing Open Records
Open Records Requests are governed by Georgia State Law, code sections 50-18-70 through 50-18-76
50-18-70 -
(a)As used in this article, the term 'public record' shall mean ..
50-18-71 -
(a) In all cases where an interested member of the public has a right
50-18-71.1 -
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article
50-18-71.2 -
Any agency receiving a request for public records shall
50-18-72 -
(a) Public disclosure shall not be required for records that are:
50-18-73 -
(a) The superior courts of this state shall have jurisdiction in law
50-18-74 -
(a) Any person knowingly and willfully violating the provisions of
50-18-75 -
Communications between the Office of Legislative Counsel
50-18-76 -
No form, document, or other written matter which is
Background Checks and Expungements
Background checks and record expungements are conducted by the Criminal History section of the Records Unit. This unit is located at 295 Police Memorial Drive.
Fees:
Expungments: $25
Background Checks: $20
Background Checks:
Background checks are made for the following reasons:
Employment
Housing
Adoption
Visa
Immigration
Expungements:
Under Georgia code O.C.G.A. 35-3-37 provides for the expungement of certain local criminal records where the charges were dropped without referral to the prosecuting attorney or dismissed prior to the filing of an indictment or accusation, provided certain criteria are met.
Individuals seeking to have records meeting the criteria expunged from local records must first request the original agency (arresting agency) in writing to expunge the record using the form prescribed by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) (Applications are located in the Criminal History area). The application is completed and submitted to Criminal History. The application is then processed and turned over to the prosecuting attorney (Solicitor or District Attorney) who determines if the records meet the criteria set forth in the law. If the prosecuting attorney determines all of the criteria have been satisfied, the individual has the right to have the record expunged. The process takes anywhere from six (6) to nine (9) months to complete. Once the process is completed the individual will be contacted via certified mail.
Both background and expungement services require a current and valid photo ID. If the individual needs to be fingerprinted he/she will be instructed to complete the appropriate form and directed to the Pistol & Permits section.
Click here for more information :
Criminal History Q & A's
Please print and fill out BEFORE you submit your request
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