Terrell County Booking Releases

Terrell County booking releases are managed by the Terrell County Sheriff's Office in Dawson, Georgia. This county in southwest Georgia processes all jail bookings through its local detention facility. The sheriff's staff record every arrest and release that takes place in the county. Dawson serves as the county seat and is where the main office and jail are located. Records are public under state law, and you can get them by contacting the sheriff's office directly.

Sheriff and Jail Records

The Terrell County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail and maintains all booking release records. The main office is in Dawson. The sheriff oversees jail operations and is required by state law to keep a log of every inmate. Staff handle intake, housing, and release for all people who pass through the facility.

Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, every Georgia sheriff must record each inmate's name, booking date, charges, and release date. Terrell County follows this rule. The jail processes arrests from the sheriff's deputies, the Dawson Police Department, and other agencies operating in the county. Each booking creates a public record.

Terrell County has a modest population. The jail handles a smaller volume of bookings than metro counties, but every arrest is still documented. Records go back years and are available through the sheriff's office. To reach the office, call or visit in person in Dawson during business hours. Jail staff are on duty around the clock for current inmate questions.

How to Search Terrell County Bookings

The easiest way to check on a Terrell County booking release is to call the jail. Staff can search for current and recent inmates by name. They will tell you the booking status and whether the person has been released. This method works well for recent arrests.

For older records or if you need a written copy, file an open records request. Put it in writing and send it to the Terrell County Sheriff's Office in Dawson. Include the person's full name, date of birth if known, and any dates related to the booking. The office must respond within three business days.

Georgia law requires sheriffs to keep detailed records of all inmates, as shown in this statute on the maintenance of inmate records.

This state requirement ensures that Terrell County and every other county in Georgia tracks booking and release data for all jail inmates.

State tools can help too. The Georgia Department of Corrections offender search covers state prison inmates. The VINE notification system tracks custody changes and sends alerts for free. Both work for all Georgia counties including Terrell.

Open Records for Terrell County Booking Releases

The Georgia Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 protects your right to get booking release records from Terrell County. You do not need a reason for your request. The sheriff's office has three business days to respond.

Copies cost $0.10 per page. The first 15 minutes of staff time to find records is free. After that, a reasonable fee may apply. For most single-record requests, the cost is minimal. Larger requests may take more time and cost more. Send your request to the Terrell County Sheriff's Office in Dawson by mail or in person.

The law says the office must provide the records or explain within three days why they cannot. If part of a record falls under an exemption, they can redact that portion and give you the rest. Basic booking release info is almost always available.

What Booking Releases Show

A Terrell County booking release record lists the inmate's full name, date of birth, and physical description. It shows the charges, arresting agency, and booking date and time. The release date and method go into the record when the person leaves. Bond amounts are usually included.

Booking photos may be on file. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-1-18, Georgia law regulates the sharing of booking photographs. Terrell County follows these state rules when someone requests a booking photo.

Some records are exempt from release. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 lists categories that may be withheld, including records tied to active investigations and confidential informant details. Terrell County follows these exemptions. Records sealed by a court will not be made available.

Statewide Booking Release Resources

State databases help when Terrell County records alone do not cover what you need. The GDC offender search shows state prison inmates. The VINE system covers all Georgia counties for custody tracking.

For state open records requests, the GDC Open Records portal handles corrections documents. The GBI Open Records portal covers the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Both are free to use and accept requests online.

Nearby Counties

If the arrest did not happen in Terrell County, these neighboring counties keep their own booking release records. Make sure you check the right jurisdiction.