What are Harris County Public Records?
Per the Georgia Open Records Act, Harris County public records are documents, letters, papers, tapes, books, photographs, or similar materials used, maintained, received, or prepared by a government agency while conducting official business. Public records in Harris County also include computer-based information or data held by a private entity on behalf of a government agency. However, a record may be exempt from a public record search if it:
- Contains details of a government agency’s deliberative process
- Contains personal information
- It reveals information about active or pending investigations
- It involves incidents or cases with juveniles
- It discloses information protected by the attorney-client privilege
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Harris County Crime Statistics
Georgia’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program collates and publishes reports of criminal activities within the state. Per the 2017 report, Harris County had 19 violent crimes, 220 property crimes, and no arson. The violent crimes include two rape cases, five robberies, and 12 aggravated assault incidents. Recorded property crimes consist of 61 burglary cases, 140 larceny-theft offenses, and 19 motor vehicle thefts.
Meanwhile, the 2016 crimes report for Harris County showed 50 violent crimes, 280 property crimes, and two arson. A breakdown of the violent crimes revealed one rape incidents, two robberies, and 47 aggravated assault cases. On the other hand, property crimes consist of 100 burglaries, 158 larceny-theft cases, and 22 motor vehicle thefts. Between 2017 and 2016, crime activity in Harris County reduced by 28%.
Are Harris County Criminal Records Public?
Harris criminal records are not public. These documents are only available to individuals named on the records and selected employers of labor. Interested individuals can contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to obtain criminal history information.
Harris County Sheriff's Office
9825 SR 116
P.O. Box 286
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4211
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
How to Obtain Harris County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Requestors can obtain Harris County police reports and arrest records at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals interested in Harris police reports and other law enforcement-related documents must submit requests in person or by mail and include current and valid photo identification. Parties should submit requests to:
Harris County Sheriff's Office
9825 SR 116
P.O. Box 286
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4211
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Harris County
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online sex offender registry that provides access to sex offender information in the county. Requestors can find Harris County sex offender records using the following search criteria:
- Area
- Name
- City
- Non-compliance
- Internet Names or Email
- Phone Number
Available information includes each offender’s full name, alias, registration number, level, physical description, location details, offense type, and booking photograph.
How to Find Harris County Inmate Records
Interested persons can obtain copies of Harris County inmate records from the Sheriff’s Office. Requestors must provide all known information, including names, charge information, and booking details. Parties may also visit the Sheriff’s Office during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.
Harris County Sheriff's Office
9825 SR 116
P.O. Box 286
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4211
Harris County Court Records
Harris County court records are public records obtainable upon request. The trial court system in Harris County includes Superior Courts, Juvenile Courts, Probate Courts, Magistrate Courts, and Municipal Courts. The Superior Courts oversee all types of civil and criminal cases, especially those above the jurisdiction of other courts. Individuals interested in Harris court records can find them at the courthouse where the case is filed. Below are the courthouse locations in Harris County:
Harris County Superior Court
102 North College Street
P.O. Box 528
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4944
Fax: (706) 628-7039
Harris County Juvenile Court
102 North College Street
P.O. Box 528
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4944
Fax: (706) 628-7039
Probate Court of Harris County
102 North College Street
Room 116
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-5038
Fax: (706) 628-7322
Harris County Magistrate Court
102 North College Street
P.O. Box 347
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4977
Fax: (706) 628-5416
Municipal Court of Hamilton
210 Walton Street
P.O. Box 112
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-5321
Fax: (706) 628-9520
Municipal Court of Pine Mountain
P.O. Box 8
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Phone: (706) 663-2213
Municipal Court of Shiloh
1175 Main Street
P.O. Box 811
Shiloh, GA 31826
Phone: (706) 846-3814
Municipal Court of Waverly Hall
P.O. Box 357
Waverly Hall, GA 31831
Phone: (706) 582-2345
Are Harris County Court Records Public?
Most Harris County court records are considered public and are obtainable from the overseeing court. However, state law considers some records confidential and therefore closed to public access. Examples include juvenile court information and sealed records.
How to Obtain Harris County Civil Court Case Records
Harris County civil court case records are obtainable from the Harris County Clerk of Court. Individuals interested in Harris civil court case records can submit requests in person or use the Case Search on the Clerk of Court’s website. For in-person requests, parties should visit the following address between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on Mondays through Fridays:
Harris County Clerk of Court
102 College Street
P.O. Box 528
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4944
Fax: (706) 628-7039
How to Obtain Harris County Criminal Court Records
Interested individuals can get copies of Harris County criminal court records from the Harris County Clerk of Court. Record seekers can use the Clerk of Court’s online Case Search or visit the office in person. All requests must contain information relevant to the requested record. Applicants should submit requests using the following details:
Harris County Clerk of Court
102 College Street
P.O. Box 528
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4944
Fax: (706) 628-7039
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
What are Harris County Vital Records?
Harris County vital records are documents about important life events, such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Government agencies maintain and issue copies of Harris vital records in compliance with state law. Interested individuals can access these documents in person, by mail, fax, or online from the government agency in charge.
Divorce Records
Harris County divorce certificates are obtainable at the Harris County Clerk of Court. Requestors can inspect or obtain copies of divorce records in person or online. Interested persons must provide a clear description of the desired document, including the case number, date range, names of parties involved, and other details. Record seekers may obtain Harris County divorce decrees and related records from the courthouse at:
Harris County Clerk of Court
102 College Street
P.O. Box 528
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-4944
Fax: (706) 628-7039
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Marriage Records
The Harris County Probate Court provides access to marriage certificates issued by the court. Interested individuals who wish to obtain copies of Harris County marriage records can search online via the Probate Court’s website or visit the court. All requests for Harris County marriage certificates should contain the couple's names, date of marriage, and place of marriage. Requestors should submit details to:
Harris County Probate Court
102 North College Street
P.O. Box 569
Hamilton, GA 31811
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Birth Records
The Harris County Health Department keeps and issues copies of birth certificates to interested individuals upon request. However, only authorized individuals can obtain Harris County birth records. Eligible persons include the person named on the certificate, parents, and siblings. Requestors must present valid identification (government-issued) and pay applicable fees. The department charges $25.00 for each certified copy and an additional $5.00 for each extra copy ordered with the first. Record seekers can obtain Harris County birth certificates by submitting copies of the birth certificate application form in person, mail, or fax using the following details:
Physical Address:
Harris County Health Department
210 Forest Hill Drive
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-5037
Fax: (706) 628-7196
Mailing Address:
Harris County Health Department
Vital Records
P.O. Box 265
Hamilton, GA 31811
Death Records
Requestors can find Harris County death certificates at the Harris County Health Department. Interested persons may inspect or obtain them in person, by mail, or fax. However, death records are only available to certain eligible persons, including the decedent’s parents, siblings, legal spouse, or legal representative. All requests require current and valid identification.
A certified copy of a death record costs $25.00. Additional copies of the same record cost $5.00 each. Each individual interested in Harris County death records must submit a completed death certificate application form by fax, mail, or in person to:
Physical Address:
Harris County Health Department
210 Forest Hill Drive
Hamilton, GA 31811
Phone: (706) 628-5037
Fax: (706) 628-7196
Mailing Address:
Harris County Health Department
Vital Records
P.O. Box 265
Hamilton, GA 31811
