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Clarkston, Georgia Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Clarkston, Georgia.

Official Government Sources

Clarkston Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Clarkston, Georgia government websites.

About Clarkston

The governing body of Clarkston, Georgia, is the Clarkston City Council, which consists of six members. Each council member is elected at-large for a term of four years. The council is responsible for making decisions on city policies, budgets, and ordinances that affect the community.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Clarkston is $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Clarkston City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Clarkston Community Center, located at 3701 College Avenue, Clarkston, GA 30021. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay in

Police Department & Arrest Records

Clarkston, Dekalb County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Dekalb County Police Department handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and collaborates with city departments like the Decatur Police Department, Brookhaven Police Department, and Dunwoody Police Department. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Dekalb County Jail, also known as the Dekalb County Detention Center, is located in Decatur. It is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate lookup is available online through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Georgia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration.

Court Records

Dekalb County is served by the Dekalb County Superior Court, located in Decatur. This court has jurisdiction over felony cases, civil disputes, and family law matters. Additionally, the Dekalb County State Court handles misdemeanor cases and traffic violations. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Clerk of Superior Court's office, which provides online and in-person services for public access.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Dekalb County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Dekalb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can run background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which provides a statewide criminal history database. This service allows individuals to access comprehensive criminal records for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Dekalb County are maintained by the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request and possible fees. Arrest records provide information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The Georgia Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access.

Public Records Access

Public records in Dekalb County are accessible under Georgia's Open Records Act. The Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court, Probate Court, and Magistrate Court provide access to various records, including court documents, property records, and vital records. The Clerk's office offers online portals for convenient access to many public records, with typical turnaround times varying depending on the type of record requested.

Economy & Demographics

Dekalb County's economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and technology. The county is home to Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both significant employers in the region. The presence of these institutions contributes to a robust healthcare and research sector. Additionally, Dekalb County's proximity to Atlanta supports a strong retail and service industry, making it economically distinct from its neighboring counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Clarkston, Georgia, you will be transported to the Dekalb County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Dekalb County Court. Under Georgia law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). The Dekalb County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dcor.state.ga.us/Research/OffenderSearch where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia?
The Clarkston School District is part of the DeKalb County School System in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the district's overall performance score for the 2019-2020 school year was a 74.7 out of 100. The district's graduation rate was 81.2%, and the average SAT score was 1020.
3
What are the crime statistics for Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia?
According to the Dekalb County Police Department, the crime rate in Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia is lower than the national average. In 2019, there were a total of 1,845 reported crimes in Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia, which resulted in a crime rate of 1,845 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3,922 per 100,000 people.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia Library?
The Clarkston Public Library in Dekalb County, Georgia provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Georgia government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Georgia Open Records Act, which governs access to government documents in Georgia. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Clarkston Georgia Archives and Genealogy at https://www.georgiaarchives.org/. Contact the Clarkston Public Library reference desk at (404) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia Public Library located?
The Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia Library is located at 951 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia?
Fingerprinting services for Clarkston, Georgia residents are provided at the Clarkston Police Department, which serves Dekalb County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Clarkston Police Department at (404) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) at https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history-records.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia, you must contact the Dekalb County Vital Records Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person named on the record, and the appropriate fee.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Clarkston, Georgia can be obtained from the Clarkston Police Department, located in Dekalb County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, most police reports are public records in Georgia, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Clarkston Police Department Records Division at (404) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history-records.
9
About background check
A background check in Clarkston, Dekalb County, Georgia typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Georgia. Criminal background checks are processed through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Georgia residents. The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) provides official criminal history checks at https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history-records. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026