Savannah Arrest Records are official documents maintained by law enforcement agencies in Chatham County, Georgia. These records include booking details, charges, mugshots, and case dispositions. Anyone can request them under the Georgia Open Records Act of 2021. The Savannah Police Department and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office manage most public arrest data. Records are available online, in person, by phone, fax, or email. Fees apply for copies and certifications. Some information may be redacted for privacy or ongoing investigations. This page explains how to find, request, and use Savannah arrest records legally and efficiently.
Where to Get Savannah Arrest Records
The primary source for Savannah Arrest Records is the Savannah Police Department Records Unit. It is located at 602 East Lathrop Avenue, Savannah, GA 31415. You can also mail requests to P.O. Box 8032, Savannah, GA 31412. The unit operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in requests are processed the same day if you bring a government-issued photo ID. For mailed or electronic requests, processing takes up to ten business days. The statutory copying fee is $0.25 per page for paper copies and $0.10 per page for digital PDFs. Certified copies for court require a notarized request and a $10 fee.
Contact Information for Savannah Police Records
- Address: 602 East Lathrop Avenue, Savannah, GA 31415
- Mailing: P.O. Box 8032, Savannah, GA 31412
- Phone: (912) 651-3617
- Fax: (912) 525-1748
- Email: records@savannahga.gov
- Website: https://savannahpd.org/reports/
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office: Jail Bookings and Warrants
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office manages county-wide arrest data, including jail bookings and active warrants. Sheriff John Wilcher leads the agency from 1050 Carl Griffith Drive, Savannah, GA 31405. The Chatham County Jail, located at 1959 Carl Griffith Drive, holds up to 1,200 inmates and averages 950 daily. The Sheriff’s Office posts a rolling 72-hour booking list and a 24-hour feed updated every hour. Each entry includes name, booking time, charges, docket number, and a low-resolution mugshot. Users can download full records for $1 after a $5 processing fee to obscure the photo, as required by House Bill 845.
Online Booking Feeds
- 72-Hour Bookings: View Recent Bookings
- 24-Hour Bookings: View Latest Arrests
How to Request Arrest Records in Savannah
To request Savannah Arrest Records, submit a written application with your name, contact info, incident date, and report number. In-person requests require a valid photo ID. Mail, fax, or email submissions must include a completed form available on the police website. For active investigations, provide a case number and a signed affidavit stating lawful purpose to qualify for expedited service. The Georgia Open Records Act requires agencies to respond within three business days. Exemptions apply for juvenile records, ongoing cases, or sensitive personal data.
Steps to Request Records
- Gather details: name, date, location, and report number if known.
- Choose method: in person, mail, fax, phone, or email.
- Provide ID and pay fees: $0.25 per page for paper, $0.10 for digital.
- For certified copies: submit notarized form and $10 fee.
- Wait for response: same day for walk-ins, up to 10 days for others.
Public Access to Mugshots and Booking Photos
Mugshots are part of public arrest records in Savannah. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office publishes them online with booking details. House Bill 845 allows individuals to request removal of their mugshot for a $5 fee. This law aims to prevent misuse of booking photos before conviction. Photos remain public unless a formal removal request is approved. Third-party sites like GoLookUp and Find Mugshots also host Savannah mugshots. These platforms aggregate data from official sources but may charge for detailed reports.
Third-Party Arrest Record Services
Several online services provide access to Savannah Arrest Records. GoLookUp, InfoTracer, and Find Mugshots compile data from courts, jails, and state databases. These sites offer free basic searches and paid detailed reports. InfoTracer reports 32,324 arrests in Savannah over three years, with a 2024 rate of 800.94 per 10,000 residents—higher than the national average. GoLookUp includes charge descriptions, court dates, and arresting officer badge numbers. All services comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and limit use to lawful purposes.
Popular Third-Party Platforms
| Service | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GoLookUp | Name, DOB, alias search; charge details; SSL secure | Free basic; paid detailed |
| InfoTracer | Arrest stats, bond amounts, court dates | Subscription-based |
| Find Mugshots | Over 1 billion records; filters by offense type | Free |
Arrest Statistics and Crime Trends in Savannah
Savannah’s arrest data reflects local crime patterns. With a 2022 population of 145,862, the city recorded over 32,000 arrests in three years. The 2024 arrest rate is 800.94 per 10,000 people, well above the national average of 488.96. Property crimes, drug offenses, and DUIs are common. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office releases quarterly public safety reports with detailed statistics. These include arrest counts, warrant types, clearance rates, and demographic trends. Researchers and policymakers use this data to assess law enforcement effectiveness.
Key 2024 Arrest Data for Savannah
- Total arrests (3-year): 32,324
- Arrest rate: 800.94 per 10,000 residents
- National average: 488.96 per 10,000
- Top offenses: theft, drug possession, DUI
Legal Rights and Privacy Concerns
Under Georgia law, arrest records are public unless sealed or expunged. However, privacy protections exist. Juvenile records are confidential. Ongoing investigations may restrict access. Individuals can request mugshot removal under House Bill 845. Employers and landlords must follow FCRA guidelines when using arrest data. Expungement is possible for dismissed charges or acquittals. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation handles expungement requests. Always verify the accuracy of arrest records before making decisions based on them.
Fire and Emergency Records
Savannah Fire-Rescue also maintains public records. These include incident reports, inspection logs, and equipment maintenance files. Requests go through the city’s Open Records portal. The City Manager’s office, led by Joseph A. Melder, processes all submissions. Contact at (912) 651-6415 or P.O. Box 1027, Savannah, GA 31402. Responses are required within three business days unless exemptions apply.
Common Uses for Arrest Records
People request Savannah Arrest Records for many reasons. Employers conduct background checks. Landlords screen tenants. Lawyers gather evidence. Researchers study crime trends. Individuals check their own records or those of family members. Media outlets report on local crime. Nonprofits advocate for policy changes. Always use records responsibly and within legal boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing and using arrest records in Savannah. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and state law.
How long does it take to get arrest records from Savannah Police?
Walk-in requests at the Records Unit are processed the same day if you bring a valid photo ID and pay the required fees. Mailed, faxed, or emailed requests take up to ten business days. For urgent needs related to active investigations, you can request expedited service by providing a case number and a signed affidavit confirming lawful purpose. The Georgia Open Records Act requires a response within three business days, but processing time depends on workload and request complexity. Always include as much detail as possible to speed up retrieval.
Can I remove my mugshot from public websites in Savannah?
Yes, under House Bill 845, you can request removal of your booking photo from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office website for a $5 fee. This law applies only to official government sites, not third-party platforms. To request removal, contact the Sheriff’s Office with your name, booking date, and proof of identity. Private sites like GoLookUp or Find Mugshots may have their own removal processes, often requiring a court order or proof of expungement. Note that removal does not erase the record—only the photo.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Savannah?
No, juvenile arrest records are confidential under Georgia law. They are not available to the public and cannot be accessed through open records requests. Only law enforcement, courts, and authorized agencies can view them. If a juvenile is tried as an adult, some details may become public, but the record remains restricted. Parents or legal guardians can request access for protection or legal purposes through proper court channels.
What fees are charged for Savannah arrest records?
The Savannah Police Department charges $0.25 per page for paper copies and $0.10 per page for digital PDFs. Certified copies for court use cost an additional $10 and require a notarized request form. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office charges $1 to download a full booking record and $5 to remove a mugshot from public view. These fees are set by state law and agency policy. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order for in-person requests. Online portals may accept credit cards.
Can I search for someone’s arrest record online for free?
Yes, you can view recent bookings for free on the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office website. The 24-hour and 72-hour booking feeds are publicly accessible and updated hourly. However, detailed reports, certified copies, or historical records usually require a fee. Third-party sites offer free basic searches but charge for full reports. Always verify information from official sources, as third-party data may be outdated or incomplete.
How do I correct an error in my arrest record?
To correct an error, contact the agency that created the record—usually the Savannah Police Department or Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Submit a written request with your name, booking number, description of the error, and supporting documents like court dispositions or dismissal orders. The agency must review and respond within a reasonable time. If the error persists, you may file a complaint with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or seek legal assistance.
Are arrest records the same as criminal records?
No. Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody, but not whether they were convicted. Criminal records include arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentences. An arrest alone does not prove guilt. In Savannah, arrest records are public, but conviction data may require a deeper search through court systems. Always check both arrest and court records for a complete picture.
Official Resources and Contact Details
For the most accurate and up-to-date Savannah Arrest Records, use these official sources:
- Savannah Police Department Records Unit
Address: 602 East Lathrop Avenue, Savannah, GA 31415
Phone: (912) 651-3617
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Website: https://savannahpd.org/reports/ - Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1050 Carl Griffith Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
Jail: 1959 Carl Griffith Drive
Phone: (912) 652-7500
Website: https://sheriff.chathamcountyga.gov - City of Savannah Open Records Portal
Website: http://savannahga.gov/559/Open-Records-Information
Phone: (912) 651-6415
