Clayton County Public Records /Clayton County Inmate Search

Clayton County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Clayton County?

Inmate records in Clayton County are official government documents maintained by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office that document the custody, care, and control of individuals detained in county correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court
Inmate records are maintained by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking process, where identifying information is collected pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-7, which mandates sheriffs to maintain records of all persons committed to county jails. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, and program participation.

The Georgia Open Records Act, codified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including certain components of inmate records maintained by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.

Are Inmate Records Public In Clayton County?

Inmate records in Clayton County are partially public under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) establishes that public records, including certain inmate information, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia. However, specific exemptions exist to protect sensitive information.

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

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
Charges filed
Mugshots/booking photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Facility housing location (general)

Certain information is explicitly exempt from public disclosure under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, including:

Medical and mental health records
Social security numbers
Personal identifying information that could lead to identity theft
Information that would compromise institutional security
Records that would disclose confidential sources or investigative techniques

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to basic inmate information in compliance with state transparency laws while protecting information deemed confidential under statutory exemptions.

What's Included Inmate Records in Clayton County

Inmate records in Clayton County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Housing assignment within facility
Classification status (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Participation in jail programs or work details

Charge Information:

Criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant numbers
Arresting agency case numbers
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Charge severity level

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, property, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bonding company information (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Magistrate, State, Superior)
Case numbers
Scheduled court dates
Court disposition information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/work time credits earned
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Release type (bond, time served, transfer)
Release to agency (if transferred)
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in accordance with Georgia Department of Corrections standards and Clayton County Sheriff's Office policies.

Clayton County Prison System

The Clayton County correctional system operates under a bifurcated structure that distinguishes between county detention facilities and state prison facilities. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office administers the county jail system, which primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of 12 months or less for misdemeanor offenses.

The county jail system serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:

Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
Incarceration for misdemeanor sentences (typically up to 12 months)
Temporary holding of individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Housing for individuals held on probation/parole violations
Detention of individuals held on immigration detainers

Individuals sentenced to felony offenses with terms exceeding 12 months are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, not the county. This distinction is important for understanding which agency maintains custody records for a particular inmate.

The Clayton County jail system is administered by:

Clayton County Sheriff's Office
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff, as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, is responsible for the administration of the jail facilities and the welfare of all inmates in county custody pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-4.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Clayton County

Clayton County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific function within the county's detention system:

Clayton County Jail (Main Facility)
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

The main detention facility houses the majority of the county's inmate population. This medium to maximum security facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving misdemeanor sentences. The facility includes specialized housing units for various classification levels and maintains 24-hour medical services.

Clayton County Detention Center (Annex)
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

The annex facility provides additional housing capacity and typically houses minimum to medium security inmates. This facility often accommodates work release programs and inmates participating in educational or rehabilitative programming.

Clayton County Pretrial Detention Facility
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

This facility specializes in housing individuals awaiting trial who have not been convicted of any crime. The facility processes new arrests and conducts initial classifications before inmates are transferred to appropriate housing units.

Clayton County Work Release Center
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

This minimum security facility houses non-violent offenders who qualify for work release programs. Inmates housed in this facility may leave during the day for employment and return to custody during non-working hours.

These facilities operate under the authority of the Clayton County Sheriff and in accordance with standards established by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Who's in Prison In Clayton County

The Clayton County jail system houses several distinct categories of individuals under various legal statuses. Understanding these classifications helps clarify why someone might be in county custody and which records might be available:

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, preliminary hearings, or trial
These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the county jail population

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 12 months
Persons serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences that may exceed 12 months total
Individuals serving sentences for ordinance violations or contempt of court

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Certain felony offenders serving sentences in county facilities through intergovernmental agreements
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony conviction
Persons returned to county custody for court appearances from state facilities

Probation/Parole Violators:

Individuals alleged to have violated terms of probation awaiting revocation hearings
Persons serving short sanctions for technical violations of probation or parole
Probationers ordered to serve a portion of suspended sentences in county custody

Federal Detainees:

Individuals held under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service
Immigration detainees held under agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Federal pre-trial detainees awaiting proceedings in federal court

Specialized Populations:

Individuals in custody for failure to pay court-ordered child support
Persons held on material witness warrants
Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences

The demographic composition of the Clayton County jail population generally reflects arrest patterns within the jurisdiction, with the majority of inmates being male (approximately 85-90%) and predominantly between the ages of 18-45.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Clayton County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Clayton County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple search options to accommodate different needs and technological capabilities:

Online Inmate Search Portal:

Visit the Clayton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search website
Enter the inmate's last name in the required field
Optionally enter first name or first initial to narrow results
Click "Search" to view matching records
Review the results showing current inmates matching search criteria
Note that only active inmates currently in custody will appear in search results

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Clayton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Complete an inmate information request form
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID required)
Specify the exact records being requested
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Allow processing time as specified by records personnel

Telephone Information:

Contact the Clayton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at (770) 477-4400
Provide the full name and date of birth of the inmate (if known)
Request basic custody status information
Note that detailed record information may not be available by telephone

Court Case Information:

Access the Clayton County Court Case Inquiry system
Search by defendant name or case number
Review case information including charges and court dates
Note that certain case types (adoptions, juvenile cases) are not accessible

For inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query system should be utilized instead of county resources.

All record requests must comply with the Georgia Open Records Act provisions and may be subject to redaction of confidential information pursuant to statutory exemptions.

How To Find an Inmate in Clayton County for Free?

Clayton County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody. These free resources are available to the general public without requiring payment of fees or subscription services:

Clayton County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:

Navigate to the official Clayton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
Enter the inmate's last name (required field)
For more precise results, include first name or first initial (optional)
Submit the search query
Review the list of current inmates matching the search criteria
Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
This service is available 24/7 and updates regularly as custody status changes

Jail Information Telephone Line:

Call the Clayton County Sheriff's Office at (770) 477-4400
Follow automated prompts for inmate information
Provide the full name of the person you are seeking
Basic custody information is available via this method
This service is available during normal business hours

Jail Docket Book:

Visit the Clayton County Sheriff's Office in person
Request to view the public jail docket book
The docket contains information on recent bookings and current inmates
This resource is available during normal business hours at:

Clayton County Sheriff's Office
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

Court Records Search:

Access the Clayton County Court Case Inquiry system
Search by defendant name
Review case information which may indicate custody status
Note that this system shows court case status, not necessarily current custody status

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query provides a free statewide inmate locator service.

These free resources provide basic custody information in compliance with Georgia's public records laws while protecting confidential information from disclosure.

How To Visit an Inmate In Clayton County

Visitation with inmates housed in Clayton County detention facilities is governed by specific policies established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating important family connections. Prospective visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit up to 5 names for their approved visitor list
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors must pass security screening before each visit
Visitors with outstanding warrants or on probation/parole may be denied entry

Visit Schedule:

Regular visitation hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays
Visits are scheduled by inmate housing unit and last name
Maximum visit duration is 30 minutes
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication needed during visit time (must be declared)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one diaper, one bottle)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No gang-related attire or colors
No clothing with offensive language or images
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats, hoods, or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply)

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
In-person non-contact visits (through glass partition)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Special visits (approved by facility administration)

Visit Restrictions:

Maximum of two visitors per inmate per visit session
Former inmates released less than 6 months may not visit
Persons with felony convictions require special approval
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
Three rule violations may result in visitation privileges suspension

All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility security needs and public health considerations. Current visitation information can be verified by contacting the Clayton County Sheriff's Office at (770) 477-4400.

How To Send Money to a Clayton County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Clayton County detention facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items and pay for services within the facility:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the Sheriff's Office website
Create an account or proceed as guest
Enter the inmate's full name and inmate ID number
Select payment amount (minimum $5.00, maximum $300 per transaction)
Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
Service fees apply: 3.5% for credit/debit cards, $1.50 for electronic checks
Funds typically post to inmate accounts within 24 hours

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the Clayton County Jail lobby during normal business hours
Locate the TouchPay kiosk near the main entrance
Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
Insert cash or use credit/debit card for deposit
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
Service fees apply: $2.00 per cash transaction, 3.5% for credit/debit cards
Funds typically post to inmate accounts within 1-4 hours

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "Clayton County Inmate Trust Fund"
Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
Do not send personal checks or cash
Mail to:

Clayton County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Trust Fund
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236

No service fees for money orders
Funds typically post to inmate accounts within 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single transaction: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Permitted Fund Uses:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Restitution or fine payments

Prohibited Fund Uses:

Transfer to other inmates
Payment for prohibited services
Withdrawal as cash upon release (balances are provided by check)
Payment to outside vendors or individuals

All deposits are subject to a 10% administrative fee deduction for inmate welfare fund pursuant to Georgia law. Remaining funds are applied to any outstanding debts before becoming available for inmate use.

How To Send Jail Mail In Clayton County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Clayton County detention facilities must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All incoming mail is subject to inspection and must comply with the following requirements:

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address envelopes clearly with:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Clayton County Detention Facility
- 9157 Tara Boulevard
- Jonesboro, GA 30236
Include complete return address with sender's full name
Use standard white envelopes only
Write in blue or black ink only
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt and processing

Permitted Mail Items:

Personal letters (maximum 5 pages)
Legal correspondence
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Black and white photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no Polaroids)
Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or colored envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or pre-stamped envelopes
Stickers or labels
Crayon or marker writings
Perfumed or lipstick-marked items
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Items containing threats or contraband

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must include attorney bar number and return address on law firm letterhead
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening

Publications:

Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to content review for security concerns
Magazines must be sent via subscription directly from publisher

E-Messages (if available):

Create account on approved third-party messaging service
Purchase message credits
Compose message (subject to character limits)
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after review
Service fees apply per message

All mail items are subject to inspection for contraband and security concerns. Items that violate mail policies will be returned to sender, destroyed, or placed in the inmate's property. Repeated violations may result in mail restrictions.