Kennesaw Public Records Directory

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

  About Kennesaw City Government
Annual Budget $14.1 million

The city government of Kennesaw, Georgia, operates under a Mayor-Council system, specifically known as the Kennesaw City Council. This governing body consists of six council members, each elected to serve four-year terms. The council members are elected from individual districts, while the Mayor is elected at-large by the entire city.

For the fiscal year 2023, Kennesaw's approximate annual operating budget is $14.1 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, parks and recreation, and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at Kennesaw City Hall, located at 2520 J.O. Stephenson Avenue, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the governance of their city during these sessions.

  About Kennesaw, Georgia

Nestled within the heart of Cobb County, Kennesaw, Georgia, is a vibrant city that boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and community spirit. With an estimated population of approximately 34,500 residents, Kennesaw has established itself as a thriving suburban community since its founding in 1887. Known for its welcoming neighborhoods like Downtown Kennesaw, Legacy Park, and the charming residential areas surrounding Kennesaw Mountain, the city offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and suburban living. Kennesaw's local economy is diverse, featuring employers in various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. The Kennesaw State University campus, one of the largest universities in Georgia, not only enhances the educational landscape but also contributes significantly to the local economy and cultural vibrancy. Distinctively, Kennesaw is recognized for its landmark gun law enacted in the late 1980s, which mandates that heads of households own a firearm, a law that reflects the city’s commitment to community safety and individual rights.

The Kennesaw Police Department is dedicated to maintaining safety and order within the city, working in conjunction with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office to ensure public security. For those seeking information on criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, the process begins with the local police records unit. Individuals can request these records directly by visiting the Kennesaw Police Department or by contacting them via phone or their official website. For more comprehensive records, such as criminal history, inquiries can also be directed to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, which operates the county jail and detention facility. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation serves as the state’s official criminal repository, providing access to statewide criminal histories. Online lookup portals, such as the Georgia Felon Search, make it easier for citizens to conduct background checks. These resources offer a streamlined approach to obtaining relevant records while ensuring adherence to privacy laws.

Kennesaw falls under the jurisdiction of the Cobb County Superior Court, which serves as the primary court for civil and criminal matters in the area. Requests for court records can be made through the Cobb County Superior Court’s online portal, or individuals can visit the courthouse to interact directly with the clerk's office. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents should contact the Cobb County Clerk-Recorder's Office or the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Vital Records Division. Additionally, property records, including deeds and tax assessments, can be accessed through the Cobb County Assessor's Office and recorded via the online property records portal. Public records requests can be made under the Georgia Open Records Act, ensuring transparency within local government. Generally, responses to these requests are provided within five to ten business days, making it feasible for residents to obtain necessary documents efficiently while promoting accountability and public trust in governmental operations.

  Kennesaw, Georgia Public Records & Government Resources

About Kennesaw

Kennesaw, a thriving city in Cobb County, Georgia, boasts a rich history and vibrant community. Founded in 1887, the area was initially a railroad town, with the iconic Southern Railway Depot serving as a hub for local commerce. Today, the city's picturesque downtown district, anchored by the stunning Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, attracts visitors from across the region.
Local residents take pride in the city's small-town charm, excellent schools, and diverse array of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to annual festivals and events that celebrate the area's heritage.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Cobb County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Cobb County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, and Kennesaw Police Department. Each city department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and providing community policing services. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring a coordinated approach to law enforcement across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Cobb County Adult Detention Center, located in Marietta, is the primary jail facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. The facility provides an online inmate lookup tool that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
In Georgia, the bond and bail process involves posting a financial guarantee to ensure the defendant's appearance in court, and this can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman. To find someone recently arrested in Cobb County, individuals can use the online inmate search or contact the detention center directly.

Court Records

The Kennesaw Municipal Court and the Cobb County Superior Court serve as the primary judicial bodies for the city and county, respectively. The Kennesaw Municipal Court handles a range of civil and criminal cases, from traffic violations to misdemeanors, and maintains records of all proceedings. The Cobb County Superior Court, on the other hand, presides over more serious criminal cases, as well as civil litigation involving larger sums or complex legal issues. Both courts offer online case search tools, allowing individuals to access public records related to their court cases.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Cobb County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Cobb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the respective law enforcement agency or utilize the Georgia Felon Search system for statewide checks.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers a comprehensive database that includes arrest records, convictions, and sex offender information, accessible to Cobb County residents for personal or professional purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Cobb County are maintained by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within the county. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications submitted to the respective law enforcement agency. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

Public Records Access

Residents of Kennesaw and the surrounding Cobb County can access a wide range of public records through the Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office. This includes property records, such as deeds, plats, and property tax information, as well as land records, including zoning maps and subdivision plats. The Cobb County GIS (Geographic Information Systems) portal provides interactive online tools for searching and viewing these records.

Economy & Demographics

Kennesaw's economy is diverse and thriving, with a mix of industries and major employers contributing to the city's prosperity. The Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and the Kennesaw Economic Development Department track and maintain records on the area's economic indicators, including employment statistics, top employers, and emerging industries. Some of the city's largest employers include Kennesaw State University, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing, and various healthcare and technology companies.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Kennesaw Police Department and the Cobb County Sheriff's Office are the primary law enforcement agencies serving the city and county. The Kennesaw Police Department maintains records of all local crime reports, incident reports, and arrests, which can be requested by the public through the department's records division. The Cobb County Sheriff's Office, in addition to its law enforcement duties, also operates the county jail and maintains records related to inmate bookings, releases, and other incarceration-related information.

Vital Records

The Cobb County Office of Vital Records is the primary source for obtaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for individuals born, deceased, or married within the county. Local residents can request certified copies of these important documents in person, by mail, or through the office's online portal. The Kennesaw Municipal Court also maintains records related to marriage licenses issued within the city limits. Individuals seeking these types of vital records can contact the court directly to inquire about availability and procedures for obtaining copies.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Kennesaw and the broader Cobb County area must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from various local government agencies. The Kennesaw Business License Division oversees the issuance of business licenses, while the Cobb County Community Development Agency handles zoning, land use, and construction permits. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access these records, as well as information on local economic development initiatives, through the city's and county's respective economic development departments and online portals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Kennesaw, Cobb County, Georgia to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Kennesaw, Georgia, you will be transported to the Cobb 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 Cobb 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 Cobb 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.
The Cobb County School District serves the city of Kennesaw, Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2019-2020 school year was an A. The district's graduation rate was 91.2%, and the average SAT score was 1119. The district also had a college readiness index of 68.3%.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's 2019 Crime in Georgia report, the total number of reported crimes in Kennesaw, Cobb County, Georgia was 1,845. Of those reported crimes, 1,619 were property crimes and 226 were violent crimes.
The Kennesaw Public Library in Cobb 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 Kennesaw Georgia Archives and Genealogy at https://www.georgiaarchives.org/. Contact the Kennesaw Public Library reference desk at (678) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Kennesaw, Cobb County, Georgia Library is located at 2250 Lewis Street NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Fingerprinting services for Kennesaw, Georgia residents are provided at the Kennesaw Police Department, which serves Cobb 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 Kennesaw Police Department at (678) 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.
To obtain vital records from Kennesaw, Cobb County, Georgia, you must contact the Cobb County Vital Records Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You must provide proof of identity and a valid photo ID in order to obtain a copy of a vital record. You must also provide the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, as well as the date and place of the event.
Police reports from Kennesaw, Georgia can be obtained from the Kennesaw Police Department, located in Cobb 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 Kennesaw Police Department Records Division at (678) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history-records.
A background check in Kennesaw, Cobb 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.
  Nearby Cities in Cobb County, Georgia

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Acworth Austell Marietta Powder Springs Smyrna