Dougherty County Public Records /Dougherty County Inmate Search

Dougherty County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Dougherty County?

Inmate records in Dougherty County are official government documents maintained by the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document individuals who are in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to an individual's incarceration history, current status, and related administrative details. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-7, sheriffs and jailers are required to maintain records of all persons committed to county jails.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document judicial proceedings, case filings, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and administrative management of individuals within detention facilities. The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records, whereas the Dougherty County Clerk of Superior Court maintains case files related to criminal proceedings.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Records are initiated during the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody
Information is systematically updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes administrative changes, disciplinary actions, and program participation
Records are formally closed upon the individual's release from custody
Post-release information may be appended regarding probation or parole conditions

The Georgia Department of Corrections further defines inmate records under Georgia Code § 42-5-36, which establishes guidelines for the maintenance and confidentiality of certain aspects of these records.

Are Inmate Records Public In Dougherty County?

Inmate records in Dougherty County are generally considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act, codified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, with certain exceptions for privacy and security concerns.

The following inmate record components are typically accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
Booking and arrest records documenting the initial detention
Charges filed against the individual
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
Bond and bail amounts set by the court
Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
Facility location where the inmate is housed

However, certain information within inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure under Georgia law, including:

Medical and mental health information
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Information that might compromise institutional security
Records related to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes publicly available information accessible through various means, including online inmate search tools and in-person requests at the Sheriff's Office.

What's Included Inmate Records in Dougherty County

Inmate records in Dougherty County contain comprehensive documentation organized into several categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender and race
Height, weight, and identifying physical characteristics
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest and booking
Arresting agency and officer information
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, held for other jurisdiction)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary records during incarceration

Charge Information:

Current charges with statute citations
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Prior booking history within the county system
Holds or detainers from other jurisdictions

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, property, surety)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted, not posted, denied)
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Municipal, State, Superior)
Case number(s)
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to the case
Attorney of record (public defender or private counsel)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/work time credits earned
Probation or parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Scheduled release date and time
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release

These records are maintained in accordance with Georgia state record-keeping requirements and Dougherty County Sheriff's Office policies.

Dougherty County Prison System

The Dougherty County correctional system operates within Georgia's two-tiered incarceration framework, consisting of county-level detention facilities and the state prison system. The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office administers the Dougherty County Jail, which primarily serves as a pre-trial detention facility and houses individuals serving sentences of typically 12 months or less for misdemeanor offenses.

A critical distinction exists between county jails and state prisons in Georgia. The Dougherty County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not been convicted
Those convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to 12 months
Individuals temporarily held pending transfer to state facilities
Those held on probation or parole violations

In contrast, the Georgia Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than 12 months. Dougherty County inmates sentenced to felony terms are transferred to the state system after processing.

The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of the county jail system:

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
225 Pine Avenue, Suite 900
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 431-3259
Dougherty County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office coordinates with the Georgia Department of Corrections for the transfer of inmates sentenced to state custody and works with the Dougherty County Superior Court to manage the pre-trial detention population.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Dougherty County

Dougherty County maintains several correctional facilities, each serving distinct functions within the local criminal justice system:

Dougherty County Jail
1302 Evelyn Avenue
Albany, GA 31705
(229) 431-3259
Dougherty County Sheriff's Office

The main detention facility serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested in Dougherty County. This facility houses pre-trial detainees, those serving misdemeanor sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities. The jail provides basic medical services, visitation opportunities, and limited programming for inmates.

Dougherty County Correctional Institute
2047 Newton Road
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-6200
Dougherty County Correctional Institute

This facility operates under the authority of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners and houses state inmates through an agreement with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The institute focuses on work details and community service programs, allowing inmates to develop work skills while providing labor for county projects.

Dougherty County Diversion Center
304 N. Jefferson Street
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-5175
Dougherty County Diversion Center

This alternative sentencing facility provides non-violent offenders with structured rehabilitation programs while allowing them to maintain employment in the community. Residents typically return to the facility during non-working hours and participate in counseling, substance abuse treatment, and life skills training.

Dougherty County Juvenile Detention Center
1012 Oglethorpe Boulevard
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-3100
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Operated by the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, this facility houses juvenile offenders awaiting court proceedings or serving short-term detention sentences. The center provides educational services, counseling, and age-appropriate programming for youth in custody.

Each facility operates under specific security protocols and administrative guidelines established by their respective governing authorities and in compliance with Georgia state regulations for correctional facilities.

Who's in Prison In Dougherty County

The Dougherty County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Approximately 60-70% of the jail population typically consists of pre-trial detainees

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 12 months
Common offenses include DUI, simple assault, petty theft, and minor drug possession
These inmates may participate in work release or community service programs

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Individuals recently convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state facilities
Those serving split sentences with a portion in county custody
Probation violators with short-term confinement as a sanction

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
Federal detainees held through intergovernmental agreements
Individuals held on immigration detainers

Demographic Composition:

The inmate population reflects the demographic makeup of Dougherty County with some disproportionate representation
Age ranges typically from 17 (charged as adults) to senior citizens
Both male and female inmates are housed, though in separate facilities
Various security classifications based on offense severity and behavior

The Dougherty County Correctional Institute specifically houses state inmates who are typically:

Medium to minimum security classifications
Eligible for work details and community service
Serving sentences for non-violent offenses
Approaching their release dates or parole eligibility

Population levels fluctuate based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors, with the facilities operating at or near capacity during most periods.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Dougherty County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Dougherty County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate data and provides multiple search options:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
Review the results, which typically include booking photo, charges, and custody status
Note that online records are updated regularly but may not reflect very recent changes

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
225 Pine Avenue, Suite 900
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 431-3259
Complete an inmate record request form
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Records staff will process the request according to Georgia Open Records Act requirements

Telephone Inquiries:

Call the Dougherty County Jail at (229) 431-3259
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if available
Basic information such as custody status and next court date may be provided
Detailed record requests may require written follow-up

Written Requests:

Submit a formal written request citing the Georgia Open Records Act
Include specific information about the inmate and records sought
Provide contact information for response
Mail to:

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
225 Pine Avenue, Suite 900
Albany, GA 31701
Expect a response within three business days as required by Georgia law

For historical inmate records or those no longer in custody, the Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains archives that can be searched upon request. These searches may require additional processing time and fees.

All record requests are processed in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act and applicable privacy laws.

How To Find an Inmate in Dougherty County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Dougherty County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:

Access the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the inmate search function
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
Review search results showing current inmates
This service is provided at no cost to the public

Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:

Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
Enter the inmate's information in the search fields
This database includes state prisoners who may have been transferred from Dougherty County
The service is free and available 24/7

Telephone Information:

Call the Dougherty County Jail directly at (229) 431-3259
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Basic custody information is typically provided without charge
Available during regular business hours

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):

Access the VINE service online
Select Georgia from the state dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's name
This free service provides custody status and facility information
VINE also offers notification services for custody changes

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office during public hours

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
225 Pine Avenue, Suite 900
Albany, GA 31701
Request basic inmate location information at the front desk
No fee is charged for simple status inquiries
Bring identification and be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate

When using these free resources, be aware that the information provided may be limited to basic custody status, charges, and facility location. More detailed information may require formal records requests that could involve processing fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Dougherty County

Visitation with inmates at Dougherty County correctional facilities follows established protocols to maintain security while facilitating important family connections:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial processing
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
All visitors are subject to security screening and searches
Visitors with outstanding warrants may be detained

Visit Schedule:

Dougherty County Jail: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dougherty County Correctional Institute: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
Schedule is subject to modification during holidays or facility lockdowns

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Visitor registration confirmation if pre-registered
Small clear plastic bag for authorized items
Quarters for vending machines (where available)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Electronic devices including cell phones, smartwatches, or cameras
Food or beverages
Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No clothing resembling inmate attire (solid orange, white, or striped patterns)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shoes must be worn at all times
Religious headwear is permitted but subject to search

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for minimum security inmates at the Correctional Institute
Non-contact visits: Standard at the County Jail (through glass partition)
Video visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility
Special visits: May be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Maximum of two adult visitors per inmate per session
Children count toward the visitor limit
Inmates on disciplinary status may have restricted visitation
Special housing units have modified visitation schedules
Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
Inappropriate behavior will result in visit termination

Visit Rules:

Physical contact is limited to brief embraces at beginning and end of contact visits
Visitors must remain seated during the visit
Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
All conversations may be monitored and recorded
Passing items to inmates is prohibited unless specifically authorized

These regulations are established pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-5-56, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish visitation policies.

How To Send Money to a Dougherty County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates in Dougherty County detention facilities have several authorized methods for transferring funds:

Electronic Deposits:

TouchPay kiosks located in the lobby of the Dougherty County Jail
Online transfers through Access Corrections
Mobile app deposits via the ConnectNetwork app
Telephone deposits by calling (866) 345-1884
Processing fees range from $2.95 to $6.95 depending on deposit amount
Funds are typically available in inmate accounts within 24 hours

Money Orders:

Must be made payable to "Dougherty County Inmate Trust Fund"
Include inmate's full name and booking number on money order
Mail to:

Dougherty County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Accounts
1302 Evelyn Avenue
Albany, GA 31705
No personal checks or cash accepted through mail
Processing time is typically 3-5 business days
No fee charged by the facility (postal money order fees may apply)

In-Person Cash Deposits:

Available at the Dougherty County Jail lobby
Exact amount required (no change provided)
Receipt issued for all transactions
Available during normal business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Maximum single deposit: $300

Amount Limits:

Maximum weekly deposit: $300 per inmate
Maximum monthly deposit: $900 per inmate
Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Special approval required for larger deposits

Deposit Fees:

TouchPay kiosk: $2.95 fee for deposits up to $100
Online deposits: $3.95 fee for deposits up to $100
Mobile app: $3.95 fee for deposits up to $100
Fees increase incrementally for larger deposit amounts
Money orders: No processing fee from the facility

Prohibited Transactions:

Transfers between inmate accounts
Deposits from other incarcerated individuals
Funds from unidentified sources
Deposits from crime victims related to the inmate's case
Deposits intended for illegal purposes

Authorized Fund Uses:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays for requested services
Restitution and court-ordered payments
Release funds upon completion of sentence

Prohibited Fund Uses:

Payment for contraband
Transfers to outside individuals
Gambling or betting activities
Payment for unauthorized services from other inmates

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review by facility staff. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially result in disciplinary action or criminal charges if found to violate facility rules or state law.

How To Send Jail Mail In Dougherty County

Correspondence with inmates in Dougherty County detention facilities follows specific guidelines to ensure security while maintaining important connections:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and booking number
- Sender's complete name and return address
- Mail without proper identification will be returned
Address letters to:

Inmate Full Name, Booking Number
Dougherty County Jail
1302 Evelyn Avenue
Albany, GA 31705
For Correctional Institute inmates:

Inmate Full Name, GDC Number
Dougherty County Correctional Institute
2047 Newton Road
Albany, GA 31701

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, maximum size 5"x7")
Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit 5 per envelope)
Money orders (following financial transaction guidelines)
Legal documents (marked "Legal Mail" on envelope)
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages without prior authorization
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Polaroid photographs
Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cash or personal checks
Sexually explicit materials
Items containing gang references
Correspondence containing threats or criminal planning

Mail Processing Procedures:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Contraband items are documented and either returned to sender, destroyed, or held as evidence
Mail may be photocopied with originals stored in property

Electronic Messaging Options:

SmartJailMail service available for electronic messages
Requires account creation and inmate's booking information
Fees apply per message (typically $0.50 per message)
Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
Photos may be attached for additional fees

Publications and Books:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books, magazines, and newspapers only
Subject to content review by facility staff
Religious texts permitted with certain size restrictions
Educational materials related to approved programs generally accepted

Mail Restrictions:

Inmates in disciplinary status may have limited mail privileges
Correspondence with other incarcerated individuals requires approval
Communication with victims may be prohibited by court order
Excessive mail volume may be limited (over 10 letters per week)
Mail suspected of containing coded messages may be rejected

All mail procedures comply with Georgia Code § 42-5-18, which establishes guidelines for inmate correspondence while maintaining institutional security.