Police Blotter: DeKalb County Police Blotter Log – View

Police Blotter entries give the public a real‑time snapshot of law‑enforcement activity across DeKalb County, listing each call for service, arrest, traffic stop, or disturbance as it is logged by the department’s Records Division. When you perform a DeKalb County police blotter search, the system pulls data from the Computer‑Aided Dispatch and Records Management System, then displays incident date and time, location, category, and status—whether active, closed, or pending investigation. This transparency helps residents track neighborhood safety trends, supports journalists verifying event timelines, and enables insurance agencies to confirm claim details. By accessing the DeKalb County police blotter online, users can filter results by date, incident number, or specific crime type, such as theft incidents or violent incident reports, making the daily police log a practical tool for anyone needing up‑to‑date public safety information.

Police Blotter also serves as a gateway to deeper records, linking each brief entry to the full DeKalb County police blotter report and the underlying incident database. A DeKalb County police blotter lookup can reveal whether an entry has been updated, corrected, or redacted due to ongoing investigations or privacy protections, and it clarifies the distinction between the blotter and related documents like the police activity log, incident log, or crime blotter. For researchers and community members, the DeKalb County police blotter today provides searchable access to daily police activity, enabling quick incident searches by name, location, or category while respecting legal limits on juvenile and victim information. This blend of immediacy and official accuracy makes the blotter an essential resource for staying informed about public safety in DeKalb County.

How to Search Police Blotter

You can search the Police Blotter in DeKalb County using the official online portal maintained by the Police Services Divisions. The portal displays incident date and time, including warrant records, incident location, incident category, and reporting agency details for events logged by the Computer-Aided Dispatch system. Each blotter entry also shows the current status, such as active police incident, closed police incident, or pending police investigation. The database refreshes regularly and includes the daily police log alongside historical police blotter archives for review.

To begin, open the URL below and follow the listed steps. You will need an incident number, a date range, a location, or a person of interest to filter results. The portal returns public police blotter data that you can view on screen or print for your own records.

Official Search Portal: https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/public-safety/police/police-services-divisions

Steps to Search

• Open the DeKalb County Police online portal by typing the URL above into your browser.
• Select the “Police Blotter” or “Public Records” option from the main menu.
• Choose your search method: by date, by incident number, by location, or by name.
• Enter your criteria, such as a date range, a police incident number, a street name, or a beat number.
• Click the “Search” button to pull matching records from the incident database.
• Read each result carefully and review the incident date and time, incident location, incident category, and reporting agency.
• Click a record for the full blotter entry, which may include notes on police blotter status or recent updates.
• Download or print the entry if you need it for insurance, journalism, research, or personal use.

What Is a Police Blotter? 

A police blotter is the official, chronological log of incidents, calls for service, and law enforcement activity recorded by a police department and made available to the public under state transparency laws. In Georgia, the blotter falls under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), which requires agencies to disclose records of routine law enforcement activity. Each entry serves as a short summary that connects the public to deeper documents such as the full police report, the incident report, or the arrest record when those documents are lawfully accessible.

Police Blotter Definition: The Official Public Record of Law Enforcement Activity

The word “blotter” comes from the large, absorbent paper books that officers used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to blot ink while writing incident entries by hand. Police stations kept these bound journals at the front desk, where dispatchers and officers noted every call as it happened. Over time, the paper journal became a digital record, yet the public still calls the daily log a “blotter” because the function has not changed.

How a Police Blotter Differs From Internal Police Logs

Internal police logs, sometimes called dispatch logs or Computer-Aided Dispatch activity reports, often include sensitive details such as suspect descriptions, informant tips, or officer safety information. A blotter, by contrast, strips those details before publication. The public blotter shows only what can safely be shared under Georgia law, so you see the basic facts of an incident without compromising an active investigation or violating privacy protections.

Legal Classification Under Georgia Public Records Law

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all public records are open to inspection unless a specific exemption applies. The Georgia Open Records Act lists exemptions in § 50-18-72, which covers active investigations, juvenile records, victim identifiers, and certain criminal intelligence files. The DeKalb County Police blotter reflects these rules in real time by redacting sensitive data and labeling preliminary records clearly.

Purpose and Function of a Police Blotter in Modern Policing

The blotter serves a transparency role by letting residents see what is happening on their streets. It also builds community awareness through crime mapping and neighborhood watch programs. By reviewing the daily blotter, you can spot patterns of theft incidents, traffic incidents, or disturbance calls near your home, business, or school.

Investigative and Crime-Mapping Utility

Investigators and analysts use blotter data to track repeat locations, identify crime hotspots, and forecast where resources are most needed. Crime-mapping platforms rely on police blotter categories to display theft incidents, violent incident reports, and property incidents across beats and zones. The DeKalb County Police Department shares blotter data through the same public portal you use for personal searches.

Journalistic and Insurance Verification Use Cases

Journalists use the blotter to confirm event timelines, fact-check tips, and source stories about local public safety. Insurance adjusters use the blotter to verify claims, especially after a vehicle break-in, a hit-and-run, or a residential burglary. A blotter entry showing the correct incident number can speed up the claim process and prevent fraud.

DeKalb County Police Blotter: Jurisdiction, Coverage, and Boundaries

The DeKalb County Police Department patrols the unincorporated areas of DeKalb County, which include neighborhoods outside city limits. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail, serves civil papers, and provides courtroom security, but it does not patrol neighborhoods or publish a daily blotter of patrol activity. When you look for police incident reports in the unincorporated areas, you search the DeKalb County Police portal, not the Sheriff.

Municipalities Served by the DeKalb County Police Department

The DeKalb County Police Department also serves several smaller municipalities through contract arrangements, including Clarkston, Avondale Estates, Pine Lake, and Stone Mountain. If a call happens in one of these cities, it still appears on the DeKalb County blotter because DeKalb officers respond. Larger cities, however, operate their own departments.

Distinction Between Unincorporated DeKalb and City Police Departments

Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Lithonia, and Tucker operate separate municipal police departments. Each of those departments publishes its own blotter through its own portal. An incident inside the Brookhaven city limits, for example, will not appear on the DeKalb County blotter even though Brookhaven sits inside DeKalb County geographically.

How the DeKalb County Police Blotter Works: Data Fields, Status Codes, and Reporting Lifecycle

The DeKalb County police blotter is generated from Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) entries and Records Management System (RMS) data, then filtered and published by the Records Division. Officers create field reports after each call for service, supervisors review those reports, and the Records Bureau enters the final record into the state criminal database. Once a record clears quality control, it appears on the public portal.

Standard Data Fields Found in a DeKalb County Blotter Entry

Each blotter entry lists the same core fields, which makes searching easy and consistent. The table below lists each field and what it shows you.

Incident Date and Time

The blotter shows the time the dispatcher created the call for service, not always the time the officer arrived or filed paperwork. A record marked 02:14 may show only when the complaint came in, while the officer’s on-scene time may appear in the full police report. Understanding this helps you read the daily blotter without confusion.

Incident Location 

DeKalb County Police divide patrol areas into beats and zones so they can assign officers efficiently. The blotter generally displays the street block of the incident and the beat or zone responsible for response. Knowing the beat helps you identify which precinct serves a given area when escalating a concern.

Incident Category and Nature Code 

The nature code is the shorthand police use to classify an incident, such as “Larceny from Vehicle” or “DUI.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes national codes through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and DeKalb County follows those same categories. This uniformity makes blotter data usable for crime statistics and comparisons across agencies.

Reporting Agency and Officer/Unit Number

Each blotter entry lists the agency that handled the call, such as the DeKalb County Police Department, and the unit number of the responding officer. Officer names are not always shown to protect privacy and to comply with state law. The unit number, however, lets you reference the officer in a follow-up records request when needed.

Incident Number / Case Number Format Explained

The incident number acts like an order number for a specific event. In DeKalb County, it usually includes the year the report was filed, the station code, and a sequence number. If you have the incident number, the Records Bureau can pull the full file within minutes during normal business hours.

Disposition and Status Codes

Disposition and status codes tell you where an investigation stands. “Active” means officers are still working the case, “Closed” means the case is resolved without arrest, and “Pending Investigation” means a supervisor is reviewing it. An “Updated” code signals that the blotter entry has been corrected since publication.

Police Blotter Categories Tracked in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County blotter groups incidents into broad crime and service categories. Knowing these categories helps you filter searches to the data you need, whether you research property crime or want to see when a particular type of call has spiked.

• Theft incidents, including larceny, shoplifting, and motor vehicle theft.
• Burglary and unlawful entry reports, including residential and commercial break-ins.
• Traffic incidents, including DUIs, hit-and-run crashes, and reckless driving reports.
• Disturbance calls and disorderly conduct reports from both residential and commercial areas.
• Suspicious activity reports filed by officers or reported by residents.
• Violent incident reports, including assault, robbery, and homicide investigations.
• Calls for service, such as welfare checks, alarms, and civil standby requests.

The Blotter Reporting Lifecycle: From 911 Call to Public Portal

When a 911 call comes in, the dispatcher creates a CAD entry with the location, time, and nature of the complaint. CAD automatically assigns a priority level and dispatches the closest available unit. The CAD entry is the first record of the incident, and it feeds the rest of the blotter pipeline.

Officer Response and Field Report Documentation

The responding officer arrives on scene, interviews witnesses, gathers evidence, and writes a field report. The officer’s report captures details that never appear on the public blotter, such as suspect descriptions, statements, and evidence lists. The field report is the backbone of the eventual RMS record.

Records Bureau Review and NCIC/GCIC Entry

The Records Bureau reviews the field report for completeness and accuracy, then enters the data into the Records Management System. Serious offenses are also sent to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). GCIC compliance is required by Georgia law for any crime that crosses state lines or qualifies for a federal database query.

Reclassification and Quality Control

Quality control is where the blotter category can change. An incident may start as a “disturbance call” and later be reclassified as “assault” once the supervisor reviews the evidence. Reclassification explains why a blotter entry may look different at 9:00 AM than it does at 5:00 PM.

Publication to the Public Portal and Daily Roll-Up

Once the record clears review, it moves to the public portal. The portal lists the daily police blotter along with newly published police incidents from previous days. The Records Division also generates a daily roll-up that news agencies and crime-mapping platforms pull automatically each morning.

How to Search the DeKalb County Police Blotter Online

You have four methods to search the DeKalb County police blotter today: the online portal, an in-person visit to the Records Division, a written Open Records Act request, and third-party public records platforms. Each method serves a slightly different need, from a quick spot-check of daily activity to a deep records request for insurance or legal use.

Search via the Official DeKalb County Police Online Portal

The official portal is the fastest, most accurate source for blotter data. You can search by date range, incident number, location, or category, and you can print results directly from the page. The portal updates each morning and is the same tool the Records Division uses internally to track pending investigations.

Search by Date Range 

Date range searching is useful when you want today’s blotter, the last week’s incidents, or a custom window for a research project. The portal accepts both calendar dates and pre-set filters. A custom range lets you pull the exact period you need, which helps insurance claims that depend on a specific incident date.

Search by Incident Number / Case Number

If you already have a case number from a citation, a card left by an officer, or a previous request, type it into the incident number box. This returns the single matching entry and skips every other record in the system. The Records Division also uses this method to confirm a report exists when you call the office.

Search by Location 

Location search works well for neighborhood watch groups and journalists covering a specific area. You enter a street name, intersection, or beat number, then add a date range. The results list every blotter entry at that location during the chosen window, which helps you identify recurring incidents such as auto break-ins on a single block.

Search by Incident Category / Nature Code

You can filter by category, such as theft, burglary, traffic, or assault, when you want to compare specific crime types. Researchers often combine category filters with location filters to study crime trends. Combining filters narrows the results so you see only the incidents relevant to your search.

Request Records In Person at the DeKalb County Police Department

An in-person visit works when you need certified copies of a police report, want to pay a small records fee with cash or card, or need help clarifying a complex request. Records staff can pull files from the archive while you wait, depending on staff workload and the age of the record.

Records Division Address and Location

The Records Division sits at 1960 W. Exchange Place, 2nd Floor, Room 210, Tucker, GA 30084. The building has on-site parking and is accessible from I-285 and US-78. Visitors typically enter through the lobby and pass a security checkpoint before reaching Room 210.

Required Identification and Request Form

Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and complete a short records request form at the front desk. Staff will use your ID to confirm your identity before releasing any non-public information. If you are requesting records on behalf of another person or entity, bring a signed authorization letter.

Processing Times and Same-Day vs. Standard Turnaround

Simple blotter searches are often completed while you wait. Certified copies or older archived reports may take three to five business days, depending on staff workload. Complex case search that require pulling archived records can take longer, but the Records Division will give you an estimated pickup date before you leave.

Submit a Georgia Open Records Act (ORA) Request

A formal Open Records request is the right path when you need records that are not posted on the public portal, such as 911 audio, body camera footage (where releasable), internal communications, or full investigative files. The ORA gives you a legal right to those records, with specific timelines the agency must follow.

Legal Basis: O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.

The Georgia Open Records Act gives every citizen the right to request public records held by state and local agencies. The act is found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 18, with disclosure rules starting at § 50-18-70. Agencies must respond within three business days, either by providing the records or by citing a specific legal exemption.

How to File a Request with the DeKalb County Police Records Bureau

You can submit a written request by mail, email, or in person. Include your name, contact information, the records requested, and the date range you need. Be as specific as possible about the type of record, such as “all 911 audio for incident number 2026-XXXXX on June 14, 2026.” Specificity speeds up the search and lowers the cost.

What Records Are Exempt From Disclosure

Not every record is open. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 and related statutes, the following categories are typically exempt from disclosure:

• Active investigation files where disclosure would hinder law enforcement.
• Juvenile records, including any blotter entry that identifies a minor.
• Victim identifiers, especially in sex offense and domestic violence cases.
• Confidential informants, undercover officers, and criminal intelligence files.
• Medical, mental health, and certain personnel records tied to the incident.
• Surveillance footage tied to an ongoing operation or private property.

Fee Structure and Reasonable Search Cost Limits

Georgia law caps the search and retrieval fee for records at the hourly salary of the lowest paid employee qualified to do the search, with no markup. Copy fees are similarly controlled, and agencies cannot charge for redacting exempt material beyond actual labor costs. If a fee seems unreasonable, you may ask the agency in writing for an itemized estimate before they begin.

Third-Party Aggregators and Commercial Blotter Databases

Third-party platforms pull data from public sources and present it in a search-friendly format. They are useful for casual users and small-scale research, but they have real limits compared to the official portal.

Comparison of Free vs. Paid Public Records Search Platforms

Free platforms often show only basic blotter snapshots and may not update daily. Paid platforms offer additional data such as background checks, nationwide criminal searches, and arrest record aggregation, but they pull from the same public sources, so they are rarely more accurate than the official DeKalb County portal.

Limitations and Accuracy Concerns of Third-Party Sites

Third-party sites can lag by several days, miss newly published police incidents, or carry old corrections that have since been updated. They also cannot access records that are exempt from disclosure. Treat any third-party blotter result as a starting point, and confirm critical facts against the official portal or the Records Division.

When to Use Official vs. Third-Party Sources

Use the official DeKalb County Police portal for any legal, insurance, or journalistic purpose. Use third-party tools only for casual research or when you want a quick cross-reference. When in doubt, always trust the source that publishes the records, not the one that reprints them.

Police Blotter vs. Police Report vs. Incident Report vs. Arrest Record

The terms police blotter, police report, incident report, arrest record, criminal record, court record, and jail record often get used interchangeably, but each document carries a different level of detail and legal weight. A police blotter is a brief public summary of an incident, while the other documents go deeper into who did what, when, and how the case was resolved. Knowing the differences saves you time and helps you pick the right document for your purpose.

The Six Major Law Enforcement Record Types

Which Record Do You Need? Decision Framework by Use Case

For an insurance claim, start with the blotter entry to confirm the incident number and basic facts. Then request the full police report so you have the officer’s narrative, witness list, and evidence inventory. The combination of the two gives the adjuster everything needed to validate the claim.

For Background Checks: GCIC Criminal History 

A background check should use the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) criminal history record, not the blotter. The blotter only shows events; it does not confirm convictions or case outcomes. Under federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules and Georgia law, only an authorized channeling agency may pull a GCIC record for employment or tenant screening.

For Tenant Screening: Blotter + Arrest Records (Where Lawful)

Tenant screening may combine a blotter review of the target address with arrest record searches, but only where state and local landlord-tenant law allows. Some cities and states restrict how landlords use arrest records that did not lead to conviction. Always check local rules before relying on either source for a housing decision.

For Journalists and Researchers: Blotter + FOIA for Incident Reports

Journalists and researchers should use the blotter for trend stories, then file an Open Records Act request for incident reports and supplementary materials. A well-crafted ORA request, with specific incident numbers and date ranges, gives you the underlying documents that turn a surface story into a deep one.

Police Blotter Limitations, Accuracy Issues, and Search Problems

Police blotter entries are preliminary and unverified. They are subject to reclassification, redaction, correction, and reporting delays. Knowing these limits up front helps you interpret blotter data accurately and avoid drawing conclusions from incomplete information.

Known Limitations of DeKalb County Police Blotter Data

The DeKalb County portal labels blotter data as preliminary, unverified information. An entry may show only the starting facts, not the final outcome. Treat each record as a snapshot in time rather than a final report, and check back for updates as the investigation progresses.

Reporting Delays Between Incident Date and Publication Date

Reporting delays are common. A weekend incident, for example, may not appear on the portal until the following Tuesday because the Records Bureau processes reports in batches. Holidays and major weather events can also slow publication. Plan a buffer of several business days when you search for very recent incidents.

Incomplete Information in Initial Entries

Initial entries often lack full addresses, suspect details, or final categorization. Officers sometimes file an incomplete report when a call ends quickly, and staff update the record later. The first time you see an entry, it may be less complete than the version you see a week later.

Redaction of Victim, Juvenile, and Sensitive Identifiers

Victim identifiers, juvenile identifiers, and certain sensitive personal data are redacted under Georgia law to protect privacy. A blotter entry may read “juvenile” or “redacted” instead of naming a person. These redactions are required, not optional, and they reflect both state statute and department policy.

Corrections, Updates, and Newly Published Police Incidents

Corrections happen whenever the Records Bureau or a supervisor finds an error or new information. The portal flags updated entries, and the new data replaces the old. The original incident number stays the same, so you can search by that number and see the latest version of the record.

Reclassification From “Active” to “Closed” Status Transitions

An active case may be reclassified as closed once investigators finish their work, a suspect is arrested, or the case is referred to another agency. The blotter status changes to reflect the new state. Closed does not always mean an arrest, so read the disposition field for full context.

Delayed Police Incident Reports and Retroactive Entries

Some incidents appear on the blotter days or weeks after they actually happened. These retroactive entries usually result from late reports, follow-up investigations, or warrant-based arrests that close an older case. Always look at the original incident date, not the publication date, when researching a closed matter.

Search Problems: “Incident Not Found” and Missing Records

An incident may not show up for several reasons. It may still be in the review queue, it may be exempt from publication, or it may fall under a city police department instead of the DeKalb County Police Department. If a record is missing for over a week, call the Records Division to ask about the specific case.

Jurisdictional Confusion: DeKalb PD vs. Municipal PD vs. Sheriff

Jurisdictional confusion is the most common reason for a “no result” search. If the incident happened inside Brookhaven, Dunwoody, or another city, it appears on that city’s blotter, not DeKalb County’s. The Sheriff’s Office runs the jail, so jail bookings appear on a separate log. Always confirm which agency patrols the address before you search.

Time-Lag Issues for Recent Incidents

Time-lag issues are common for events within the last 48 to 72 hours. The Records Division typically processes reports the next business day, so an early-morning incident may not appear until the following afternoon. If you need real-time information, contact the agency’s non-emergency line instead of waiting for the blotter to refresh.

How to Escalate and Resolve Search Discrepancies

If you believe an entry is wrong, missing, or wrongly redacted, submit a written correction request to the Records Division. Include the incident number, the date, and a clear explanation of the issue. The Records Division will review the file and either correct the record or explain why a redaction was applied.

Legal Framework, Jurisdiction, and Governing Authorities

The Records Division is the primary agency responsible for blotter publication and records requests in unincorporated DeKalb County and contracted cities. The Division enforces department retention rules and serves as the point of contact for Open Records Act requests. Its staff reviews every record before publication.

Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and CJIS Compliance

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) is the state repository for criminal history and is part of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The DeKalb County Police Department submits qualifying reports to GCIC under Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security rules. Those rules also limit which criminal records can be released to the public and which require a channeling agreement.

Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70)

The Georgia Open Records Act sets the legal baseline for what you can request, when, and at what cost. Agencies must respond within three business days, and they must cite a specific exemption when withholding records. Knowing the act helps you frame your request and gives you a path to challenge wrongful denials.

Federal FOIA Interaction with Local Blotter Records

The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers federal agencies, not local police departments. You would file a FOIA request with a federal body only when the matter involves a federal task force, a federal officer, or a cross-jurisdictional investigation. For purely local matters, the Georgia Open Records Act applies instead.

Historical Police Blotter Archives: Accessing Older DeKalb County Records

You can access older DeKalb County police blotter entries through the portal’s date filters, but records older than the current system may require a special request. The state publishes retention schedules that determine how long police data stays available, and the Records Division can pull legacy files when needed.

Georgia Records Retention Schedules for Police Blotter Data

Georgia retention rules, set by the Secretary of State, define how long each type of record must be kept. Minor incident reports are typically retained for at least two years, while felony case files are retained for much longer, often indefinitely after final disposition. The full retention table is published by the Georgia Secretary of State.

How to Request Historical Records Older Than Five Years

For records older than five years, submit an Open Records Act request that names the year, the type of record, and the incident or address if you have it. The Records Division may need extra time to retrieve archived files from off-site storage, so plan a window of two to four weeks for very old material.

Using Blotter Data for Crime Trend Analysis and Neighborhood Research

Mapping incidents by beat and zone helps you see where each crime type clusters. You can compare the daily police blotter for regarding criminal history and one beat against another to identify hotspots. Many third-party crime-mapping platforms use the same beat boundaries the DeKalb County Police Department uses, which keeps the data aligned.

Time-of-Day and Day-of-Week Pattern Analysis

Time-of-day and day-of-week patterns reveal when certain crimes spike. Burglary calls often peak during weekday daytime hours when residents are at work, while disturbance calls peak on weekend nights. Researchers can sort blotter data by incident date and time to surface these patterns and share them with neighborhood associations.

Ethical Considerations for Public Blotter Data Use

Use blotter data ethically. Avoid publishing identifying details about victims, juveniles, or people who were arrested but never charged. Remember that the blotter shows events, not guilt. Treating the data responsibly protects the privacy of the people named in the records and keeps public trust intact.

Contact Details 

Use the contact card below to reach the Records Division for in-person service, phone questions, or online portal help. The information matches what the DeKalb County Police Department publishes on its official website as of September 2026.

Department: DeKalb County Police Department, Records Division

The Records Division handles all blotter publication, record requests, and incident search support for unincorporated DeKalb County and its contracted municipalities.

Address: 1960 W. Exchange Place, 2nd Floor, Room 210, Tucker, GA 30084

The Records Division is on the second floor in Room 210 of the Public Safety building at Exchange Place. Free visitor parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Bring a photo ID, because security will check it before you can enter the office.

Phone: (770) 724-7740

Call (770) 724-7740 during business hours to confirm office hours, ask about a specific incident number, or verify which records require a written Open Records Act request. The line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. Plan your visit during standard business hours to ensure a Records Division staff member is available to help you on the spot.

Pre-Visit Checklist for In-Person Records Requests

Bring the items below to make your visit quick and successful.

• A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
• A printed or written list of specific dates, incident numbers, or locations you want to search.
• A signed authorization letter when requesting records on behalf of another person or business.
• Payment method for any copies or certified records fees, since some fees cannot be billed later.
• At least 15 to 30 minutes of free time, in case the Records staff needs to retrieve older archives while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about accessing and using the DeKalb County police blotter.

How can I view the DeKalb County police blotter online?

The blotter is accessible through the official portal on the DeKalb County public safety website. Visit the police services divisions page and click the blotter link. The site displays a searchable list of incidents logged by the Computer‑Aided Dispatch system. No login is required for public viewing. The page refreshes several times each day, showing the latest entries for the county.

What details are shown for each blotter entry?

Each entry lists the incident date and time, the location of the event, and the category such as theft, traffic, or disturbance. It also identifies the reporting agency and indicates the current status—active, closed, or pending investigation. This information helps users understand what happened, where, and how law enforcement is handling the case.

How do I search the blotter by incident date?

On the online blotter page, locate the date filter field near the top of the list. Enter the desired day, month, or range and press the search button. The results narrow to incidents that match the entered dates. You can combine the date filter with other criteria, such as location or category, to refine the results further.

Why might a recent incident not appear in the blotter?

New reports can take several hours to appear because the data must be entered into the dispatch system and then verified by the department. Some incidents are initially marked as pending and are added later once details are confirmed. If an event is still under investigation, it may be delayed before public posting.

Can I request a copy of a specific blotter record?

Yes. Contact the DeKalb County Police Records office at 770‑724‑7740 during business hours. Provide the incident number, date, or location to help staff locate the entry. They will guide you through the request process, which may involve a written request or an online form. Fees may apply for copies, and certain details could be redacted for privacy or ongoing investigations.