Fulton County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Fulton County?
Inmate records in Fulton County are official government documents maintained by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office that document and track individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to the intake, detention, and release of persons remanded to county custody.
Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the Clerk of Court, inmate records specifically track an individual's custodial status and are maintained by law enforcement agencies responsible for detention facilities.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody
- Information is systematically updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation continues until the inmate is released, transferred, or otherwise discharged from custody
- Records may be archived according to county retention schedules after release
Under Georgia Code § 42-4-7, sheriffs and jailers are required to maintain specific records regarding persons committed to their custody, including the date of receipt, nature of the charge, and court of jurisdiction.
Are Inmate Records Public In Fulton County?
Inmate records in Fulton County are generally considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, certain portions of these records may be subject to redaction or exemption from disclosure based on privacy concerns or security considerations.
The Georgia Department of Corrections and county detention facilities maintain publicly accessible information about individuals in custody as mandated by state law. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-5-36, certain inmate information is explicitly designated as public record.
Information typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster showing individuals presently in custody
- Basic booking and arrest information
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond or bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility location
It is important to note that while basic inmate information is public, certain sensitive details may be withheld, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Information that could compromise facility security
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
- Information protected by federal privacy laws
What's Included Inmate Records in Fulton County
Inmate records maintained by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level and special housing needs
- Disciplinary records from current incarceration
Charge Information:
- Current charges with statute citations
- Case numbers associated with pending charges
- Prior booking history within the county system
- Warrant information if applicable
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, property, etc.)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if bond is posted
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (Municipal, State, Superior)
- Scheduled court appearances and dates
- Court case numbers
- Name of assigned judge
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Probation or parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
Fulton County Prison System
The Fulton County correctional system operates under the authority of the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and security of detention facilities within the county. The system primarily consists of the Fulton County Jail, which serves as the main detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than 12 months.
It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons. The Fulton County Jail houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
- Persons serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to 12 months)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on probation or parole violations
By contrast, state prisons operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than 12 months.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains operational control of the county jail system:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Fulton County
Fulton County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations:
Fulton County Jail (Rice Street Facility)
901 Rice Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 613-2000
Fulton County Jail
This is the main detention facility in Fulton County, housing the majority of inmates. The facility provides various security levels and specialized housing units for different classifications of inmates.
Fulton County Jail Annex
1000 Jefferson Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 613-2000
Fulton County Jail Annex
This facility serves as an extension of the main jail, providing additional housing capacity and specialized services.
Fulton County Juvenile Detention Center
395 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 612-4402
Fulton County Juvenile Court
This facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 17 who are awaiting adjudication or placement.
Fulton County Diversion Center
254 Washington Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-4800
Fulton County Diversion Center
This facility provides alternative sentencing options and work release programs for non-violent offenders.
Who's in Prison In Fulton County
The Fulton County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who fall into several distinct categories:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Persons who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of 12 months or less
- Individuals serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences
- Persons serving sentences for probation violations on misdemeanor charges
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony conviction
- Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions (county, state, or federal)
- Individuals detained on immigration holds
- Persons held for probation or parole violations pending hearings
Special Populations:
- Individuals requiring protective custody
- Persons with medical or mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Military personnel held for court-martial proceedings
- Individuals participating in work release or other alternative sentencing programs
According to data from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the jail population fluctuates but typically houses between 2,500 and 3,000 inmates at any given time, making it one of the largest county detention facilities in Georgia.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Fulton County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient searching of inmate status and location information.
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one field is required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Review the search results showing matching records
- Select the specific inmate record to view detailed information
- Note that information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 185 Central Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Pay any applicable fees for record copies
- Allow processing time as specified by records personnel
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the Fulton County Jail Information Line at (404) 613-2000
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if possible
- Be prepared to verify your identity
- Note that basic information may be provided, but detailed records typically require written requests
Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days, though actual production of records may take longer depending on complexity and volume.
How To Find an Inmate in Fulton County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Fulton County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search database
- Enter the inmate's information (last name is required, first name is recommended)
- Review results showing current inmates matching search criteria
- This service is provided free of charge to the public
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query website
- Enter search criteria (name, GDC ID number, or other identifiers)
- This database includes inmates who have been transferred to state custody
- The service is free and available 24/7
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court Records:
- Access the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court website
- Navigate to the court records search function
- Search by defendant name to locate case information
- While this doesn't provide direct custody status, it offers case information that may indicate incarceration
- Basic searches are provided at no cost
Telephone Information:
- Call the Fulton County Jail information line at (404) 613-2000
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
- Inquire about current custody status
- This service is available at no charge, though call volume may result in wait times
When searching for inmate information, members of the public should be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible to ensure accurate results.
How To Visit an Inmate In Fulton County
Visitation with inmates housed in Fulton County detention facilities is subject to specific regulations designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the Fulton County inmate visitation system
- Visitors must register in the system prior to scheduling visits
- Each inmate is permitted a specified number of visits per week based on classification
- Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes per session
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time for processing
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Schedule varies based on classification
- No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays
- Specific time slots must be reserved through the online scheduling system
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration confirmation
- Minor visitors must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian with documentation
- Small clear plastic bag for authorized items only
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
- Purses, backpacks, or large bags
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut shirts, etc.)
- No clothing resembling inmate attire
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Video visitation (primary method)
- In-person non-contact visits (through glass partition)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (requires advance approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-5-56, visitation is recognized as an important component of inmate rehabilitation, though specific procedures are established by facility administration.
How To Send Money to a Fulton County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Fulton County facilities have several authorized methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Fulton County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate services section
- Select the approved third-party payment processor
- Create an account or log in to existing account
- Enter inmate information and deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Fulton County Jail lobby during operational hours
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card for payment
- Obtain and retain receipt for verification
- Lower service fees than online deposits (typically 3-5%)
Mail Money Orders:
- Purchase money order from approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Fulton County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write inmate's full name and booking number on money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
- Mail to: Fulton County Jail Inmate Trust Fund 901 Rice Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318
- No service fees, but processing takes 7-10 business days
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500
- Maximum monthly deposits per inmate: $1,500
- Minimum deposit amount: $5
Permitted Uses of Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts and other personal services
- Educational materials and programs
Prohibited Uses of Funds:
- Payment for contraband items
- Transfer to other inmates' accounts
- Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)
- Bond payments (must be processed through court system)
All deposits are subject to verification and may be held pending investigation if suspicious activity is detected. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-13, sheriffs are authorized to establish and maintain inmate commissary accounts according to established procedures.
How To Send Jail Mail In Fulton County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Fulton County detention facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established to maintain security and operational efficiency:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked)
- Inmate's booking number (if known)
- Facility name and address: Fulton County Jail 901 Rice Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318
- Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on envelope
- Mail lacking proper identification may be returned to sender
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, single-sided)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, maximum size 5"x7")
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" only, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
- Legal documents (from attorneys of record only)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Plastic, cloth, or metal items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Publications not directly sent from publisher
Mail Processing Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Contraband items are confiscated and may result in disciplinary action
- Mail may be photocopied with originals stored in property
- Delivery typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing
Electronic Messaging (if available):
- Create account on approved third-party messaging service
- Purchase message credits through the service
- Compose message (subject to character limitations)
- Messages are typically screened before delivery
- Service fees apply per message
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-5-18, correctional facilities are authorized to establish mail screening procedures to maintain security while respecting inmates' rights to correspondence.
Lookup Inmate Records in Fulton County
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Fulton County Sheriff's Office Information