Bartow County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Bartow County?
Inmate records in Bartow County are official government documents maintained by the Bartow County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's custody status, criminal charges, and institutional history while under the supervision of county correctional authorities.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions maintained by the Bartow County Clerk of Court, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and institutional management of detainees. This distinction is established under Georgia Code § 42-4-7, which mandates sheriffs to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to county jails.
The creation of an inmate record begins during the booking process, when an individual is first taken into custody. The record typically includes:
- Biographical information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening information
- Initial charge information
Throughout an individual's incarceration, their inmate record is continuously updated to reflect:
- Housing assignments
- Disciplinary actions
- Court appearances
- Visitation logs
- Medical treatments
- Program participation
- Release information
The Bartow County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules as mandated by the Georgia Records Act. Upon an inmate's release, their record is closed but typically retained for a period determined by state law and departmental policy.
Are Inmate Records Public In Bartow County?
Inmate records in Bartow County are generally considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. According to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer based or generated information, data, data fields, or similar material prepared and maintained or received by an agency."
The Bartow County Sheriff's Office, as the custodian of inmate records, makes certain information publicly accessible, including:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Facility housing location
However, not all information contained in inmate records is publicly available. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, certain information is exempt from disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Social security numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers
- Information that would compromise security
- Records that would disclose confidential informants
- Juvenile records (in most cases)
Members of the public seeking access to inmate records must submit requests in accordance with established procedures, and the Sheriff's Office must respond within three business days as required by state law. The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records as permitted under GORA.
What's Included Inmate Records in Bartow County
Inmate records maintained by the Bartow County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or known nicknames
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- State identification number
- Booking number/inmate ID
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer
- Reason for arrest
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant numbers
- Case numbers
- Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
- Charge descriptions
- Statute citations
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Bonding company (if applicable)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court dates
- Court appearance history
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
- Special conditions of sentence
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Agency assuming custody (if transferred)
The comprehensiveness of inmate records ensures proper management of the jail population and facilitates coordination between law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities throughout the criminal justice process.
Bartow County Prison System
The Bartow County prison system operates under the authority of the Bartow County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the county's detention facilities. This system primarily consists of the Bartow County Jail, which serves as the central holding facility for individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences of less than 12 months, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities.
It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in Georgia's correctional system. The Bartow County Jail houses:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses (typically up to 12 months)
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to Georgia Department of Corrections facilities
- Individuals held on probation/parole violations
- Detainees awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
By contrast, state prisons operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections house individuals convicted of felony offenses serving sentences longer than 12 months. Once sentenced to state custody, Bartow County inmates are transferred to a state diagnostic facility for classification and assignment to an appropriate state correctional institution.
The Bartow County Sheriff's Office maintains full operational control of the county jail system:
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff, as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, is responsible for ensuring the jail operates in compliance with state standards established by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Bartow County
Bartow County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations:
Bartow County Jail
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050
Bartow County Jail
The main detention facility serves as the primary holding facility for most inmates in county custody. This medium-security facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants with a capacity of approximately 600 inmates. The facility includes separate housing units for male and female inmates, medical isolation, and administrative segregation.
Bartow County Work Release Center
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
This minimum-security facility houses low-risk, non-violent offenders who qualify for work release programs. Inmates housed here maintain employment in the community during the day and return to custody during non-working hours. This program facilitates rehabilitation while allowing inmates to maintain employment, support dependents, and pay restitution.
Bartow County Detention Center Annex
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
This auxiliary facility provides additional housing capacity during periods of overcrowding and specialized housing for inmates requiring separation from the general population. The annex typically houses minimum to medium-security inmates.
Bartow County does not operate long-term state prison facilities. Inmates sentenced to state custody for felony convictions are transferred to the Georgia Department of Corrections after sentencing. The Georgia Department of Corrections determines placement based on security classification, program needs, and available bed space within the state prison system.
All Bartow County correctional facilities operate under the standards established by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding inmate housing, safety, and welfare.
Who's in Prison In Bartow County
The Bartow County detention facilities house several categories of individuals under various legal statuses. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals arrested and charged with crimes who have not yet been convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- These individuals maintain the legal presumption of innocence
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of 12 months or less
- Individuals serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences that may total more than 12 months
- Offenders sentenced to probation who violated terms and are serving a portion of their sentence in custody
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Convicted felons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals serving a portion of a split sentence (part jail, part probation)
- Felony probation violators serving a sanction in the county jail
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals held on civil commitments
- Persons detained on immigration holds
- Inmates awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
- Weekend or intermittent sentence servers (serving time on weekends only)
Work Release/Work Detail Participants:
- Low-risk offenders who work in the community or on county projects
- Trustees who perform services within the jail facility
- Participants in community service programs
According to data from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Bartow County Jail population fluctuates but typically maintains an average daily population of 400-500 inmates. Demographic analysis indicates the population is predominantly male (approximately 85%), with an average age of 34 years. The racial composition generally reflects the county demographics with some disproportionate representation consistent with national incarceration trends.
The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 23 days, while sentenced misdemeanants serve an average of 90-120 days. These statistics are subject to variation based on court caseloads, plea agreement rates, and other factors affecting case processing times.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Bartow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Bartow County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Bartow County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate data and provides multiple search options:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is typically required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically display:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Select an individual record for more detailed information
In-Person Record Request:
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050 - Complete a records request form
- Provide identification (government-issued photo ID required)
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
- Allow time for processing (simple requests may be fulfilled while you wait)
Written Request:
- Submit a formal written request citing the Georgia Open Records Act
- Include specific information about the inmate (full name, approximate booking date)
- Provide your contact information
- Mail the request to:
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121 - Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Bartow County Jail at (770) 382-5050
- Request inmate information from the booking officer
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Note that limited information may be provided by phone
When requesting records, be aware that certain information may be redacted pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, which exempts specific categories of information from public disclosure. The Sheriff's Office currently processes requests during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
How To Find an Inmate in Bartow County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Bartow County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:
Bartow County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Bartow County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which include current custody status, charges, and bond information
- This service is available 24/7 and provides real-time information on current inmates
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections website
- Select "Offender Search" from the main menu
- Enter the inmate's name or GDC ID number
- This database includes inmates who have been transferred from Bartow County to state custody
- The search provides information on current location, sentence details, and release eligibility
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Bartow County Jail directly at (770) 382-5050
- Request to speak with the booking department
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Inquire about custody status, charges, and visiting hours
- This method is particularly useful for confirming recent arrests not yet updated in online systems
Court Records Search:
- Access the Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court website
- Use the public access terminal at the courthouse located at:
Bartow County Courthouse
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120 - Search by the defendant's name to locate case information
- Court records will indicate if the person is in custody and the status of their case
- This method helps track inmates through the court process
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):
- Visit VINE Link
- Select Georgia from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's name
- This free service provides custody status and location information
- Users can register for automated notifications about changes in an inmate's status
When using these free resources, it's advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Be aware that very recent arrests (within 24-48 hours) may not immediately appear in online databases as processing and data entry require time to complete.
How To Visit an Inmate In Bartow County
Visiting an inmate at the Bartow County Jail requires adherence to specific protocols established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security and order within the facility. All visits are conducted according to policies developed pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-13, which authorizes sheriffs to establish rules for jail operations.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
- Each inmate is permitted up to 5 approved visitors
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or on probation/parole may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General Population Visits:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday-Monday: No visitation
- Special Housing Units:
- Schedule varies; contact the facility for specific times
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
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 (must be declared and approved)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Food or beverages
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply with prior approval)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, probation officers)
- Video visitation available for certain housing units
Visit Rules:
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time
- All visitors are subject to search
- No physical contact permitted during visits
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
- Visitors must remain seated throughout the visit
- Conversations may be monitored and recorded
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied entry
- Persons who provided false information on visitor application forms
- Individuals who have been disruptive during previous visits
- Former inmates released within the past 12 months
- Current employees of the Sheriff's Office
For additional information or to schedule special visits (such as those requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act), contact:
Bartow County Jail Visitation Office
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050 ext. 6087
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Bartow County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Bartow County Jail have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for certain services within the facility.
Approved Money Transfer Methods:
-
Online Deposits
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Services" or "Commissary"
- Follow the link to the third-party payment processor
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID)
- Complete the payment using credit/debit card
- Processing fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
- Funds are generally available within 24 hours
-
Kiosk Deposits
- Visit the kiosk located in the Bartow County Jail lobby
- Bartow County Jail
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121 - Available 24/7
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use credit/debit card
- Obtain receipt for transaction
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
- Lower processing fees than online deposits
-
Money Order by Mail
- Purchase money order from post office or authorized vendor
- Make payable to "Bartow County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
- Do not send personal checks or cash
- Mail to:
Bartow County Jail
Inmate Accounts
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121 - No processing fee
- Funds available within 3-5 business days after receipt
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00
Processing Fees:
- Online deposits: 5-8% of deposit amount
- Kiosk deposits (cash): $2.00 flat fee
- Kiosk deposits (credit/debit): 3% of deposit amount
- Money orders: No fee
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bond payments
- Fine payments
- Restitution payments
- Attorney fees
- Outside purchases
- Transfers to other inmates
Approved Inmate Expenditures:
- Commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Video visitation sessions
- Electronic messaging (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds (money returned upon release)
The Bartow County Sheriff's Office monitors all inmate accounts for suspicious activity. Large or frequent deposits may trigger review under anti-money laundering protocols. Attempts to circumvent deposit limits by using multiple accounts or methods may result in disciplinary action for the inmate and possible criminal investigation of the sender.
For questions regarding inmate accounts or money transfers, contact:
Bartow County Jail Inmate Accounts
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050 ext. 6090
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Jail Mail In Bartow County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Bartow County detention facilities must comply with specific guidelines established by the Sheriff's Office. These regulations ensure facility security while maintaining inmates' rights to communicate with family, friends, and legal representatives as provided under Georgia Code § 42-4-13.
General Mail Guidelines:
-
All incoming mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service
-
Address mail clearly with inmate's full name and inmate ID number:
Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known)
Bartow County Jail
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121 -
Include complete return address with sender's full name
-
Mail lacking proper addressing will be returned to sender
-
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
-
Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays
Approved Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Hardcover books or magazines
- Newspapers or newspaper clippings
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or lipstick-marked letters
- Cash or personal checks
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items containing threats or criminal conspiracy
- Contraband or unauthorized items
Books and Publications:
- Books must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
- Soft-cover books only
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Religious texts are permitted subject to security review
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
- Opened in the presence of the inmate
- Not subject to content inspection, only checked for contraband
- Privileged communication is protected
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Available through approved third-party vendor
- Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Character limits apply
- Fees charged per message
- Photos may be attached for additional fee
Mail Rejection Procedures:
- Sender will receive notification of rejected mail
- Reason for rejection will be provided
- Appeal process available through written request to jail administrator
- Rejected mail may be:
- Returned to sender
- Placed in inmate's property
- Destroyed if contraband
- Retained as evidence if criminal in nature
For questions regarding mail policies or to report issues with inmate correspondence, contact:
Bartow County Jail Mail Room
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
(770) 382-5050 ext. 6085
Bartow County Sheriff's Office