In Georgia, access to government records is governed by the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA). This law gives the public the right to inspect and copy public records held by state and local agencies, including law enforcement, jails, prosecutors, courts, and correctional facilities. Used properly, open records requests create paper trails, expose inconsistencies, and force agencies to explain how records are handled, lost, or destroyed. 1. Electronic requests are valid Open records requests do not have to be mailed and do not require a special form. Under Georgia law: - Requests may be submitted by email - Agencies cannot require you to use their own form - Requests do not have to explain why records are being sought - Agencies must respond within three business days A response may include: - Providing the records - Providing a timeline for production - Citing a specific legal exemption Silence is not a lawful response. 2. Each agency is separate Every government office is treated independently under GORA. Requests should not be bundled. Separate requests should be sent to: - County Sheriff’s Offices - County Jails - District Attorney’s Offices - Public Defender Offices (administrative records only) - Clerk of Courts - State agencies (such as the Department of Corrections) Each agency must respond on its own recordkeeping. 3. What records can be requested Common categories of records that may be requested include: - Arrest and booking records - Incident and investigative reports - Property intake and release forms - Evidence logs and chain-of-custody records - Discovery inventories - Court filings and docket sheets - Grievances and grievance responses - Internal correspondence related to records or property - Policies and procedures governing record retention, evidence handling, and inmate property Policy requests are especially important. Agencies often struggle to explain whether their actions matched their own written rules. 4. What cannot be requested Open records laws do not require agencies to: - Create new records - Answer questions - Conduct research or analysis - Provide privileged legal strategy - Release records protected by valid statutory exemptions However, if part of a record is exempt, agencies must still release non-exempt portions. 5. Requesting records that are “missing” or “lost” When records are reported as missing, a proper request should also seek: - Documentation showing when records were lost or destroyed - The reason for the loss or destruction - The authority under which records were disposed of - Any logs, reports, or communications referencing the loss This forces agencies to explain record handling in writing. 6. Fees and cost estimates Agencies may charge for copying or retrieval, but: - Labor charges must be reasonable - You may request electronic copies to reduce cost - If costs exceed $25, agencies must provide an itemized estimate before proceeding Requesters are allowed to narrow or modify requests after receiving an estimate. 7. Hand delivery of requests Open records requests may be hand-delivered. Best practice: - Bring two copies - Ask for a date-stamped copy for your records - If stamping is refused, document the date, time, location, and person who accepted the request Hand delivery should be followed by an email confirmation the same day to create a timestamped record. 8. What makes a strong request Effective open records requests: - Are calm and neutral - Cite the Georgia Open Records Act - Ask for categories of records - Request policies and retention documentation - Request explanations for missing or destroyed records - Avoid accusations, arguments, or speculation The goal is documentation, not confrontation. 9. Why this matters Open records requests: - Preserve evidence - Create timelines - Expose inconsistencies between agencies - Prevent quiet destruction of records - Establish accountability through written responses Agencies may ignore verbal complaints. They do not ignore written statutory requests without consequence. Final note Open records laws are procedural tools. They are most effective when used patiently, consistently, and in writing. Silence, delay, and incomplete responses are often more revealing than the records themselves.
Use the template below to request records from law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, jails, or correctional agencies. Modify it to fit your situation and send separate requests to each agency.
[Date]
Via Email and/or Hand Delivery
Georgia Open Records Act Request
To: [Agency Name]
Attn: Open Records Officer
[Agency Address]
[Agency Email]
RE: Georgia Open Records Act Request
This is a request made pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.
I respectfully request access to and copies of public records in the possession, custody, or control of your office relating to:
[Name of person]
[Date of birth, if known]
[Case number, if known]
[Relevant date range]
This request includes, but is not limited to, the following categories of records:
• Arrest records, booking records, and intake documents
• Incident reports and investigative reports
• Property intake forms, property inventory logs, and property release records
• Evidence logs and chain-of-custody documentation
• Records reflecting the transfer, storage, or handling of legal papers, evidence, or personal property
• Internal correspondence (including emails, memoranda, or notes) referencing the above individual or related records
• Policies, procedures, or guidelines governing evidence handling, inmate property, and record retention
• Records reflecting the loss, destruction, or disposal of any records, property, or evidence related to the above individual
If any requested records no longer exist, please provide documentation identifying when the records were lost or destroyed, the reason for such loss or destruction, and the authority under which the records were deemed lost or destroyed.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), I request that these records be provided electronically, if available, via email or electronic media.
If the estimated cost to produce these records exceeds $25, please provide an itemized cost estimate prior to processing.
If any portion of this request is denied, please identify the specific statutory exemption relied upon and provide any non-exempt responsive records.
As required by law, I look forward to your response within three (3) business days.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Mailing Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone number – optional]
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