How to Request Records from Lowndes County Sheriff's Office (Valdosta, GA) — Form, Fees, and Timeline
Need a report or other public records from the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office? Using their official Open Records Request form and sending it to the right place keeps your request moving. Here's where to send it, what timelines to expect, and how fees work.
Use the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Open Records Request form. The form identifies the agency, lists Ashley Paulk as Sheriff, and provides the main phone number: (229) 671-2900. Mailing your request? Send it to 120 Prison Farm Rd., Valdosta, Georgia 31601-0667. Using the correct form and contact details helps avoid delays that happen when requests end up at the wrong department.
How to Submit
- ✓ Email: send the completed request form to sorecords@lowndescounty.com
- ✓ Fax: send the completed request form to (229) 333-5141
- ✓ Mail: send the completed request form to 120 Prison Farm Road, Valdosta, GA 31601
The form lets you choose how quickly you want access. One option: request to review documents or receive copies within three business days (if records are available). If the office can't produce records that fast, they'll provide a timetable for release. Not in a rush? The form includes a second option where you can write in a different timeframe that works better for you.
Tip: Include clear contact information and your preferred way to receive updates (email or mail). This helps the office reach you quickly if they need to confirm details or send a timetable.
Standard paper copies cost 10 cents per page for letter- or legal-sized documents. Non-standard documents or electronic media may be charged at actual cost. Some requests cost more by design. Certified copies and other specialized records carry higher fees as provided by law, so expect those to be priced differently than basic photocopies.
Prepayment can come into play for larger requests. The form states that if the estimated cost to produce the records exceeds $500, you will be asked to prepay all costs associated with retrieving the records before the request will be processed.
Beyond copying, there's an administrative fee based on staff time. The hourly rate is set by the lowest-paid employee with the skills and training needed to handle your request. Good news for small requests: the first fifteen minutes of staff time are free.
- Describe the records as specifically as you can: A detailed description can reduce administrative time and copying charges. If you are searching by name, include identifying details such as date of birth and any other identifying information, and include a case number and address if you have it.
- Ask for only what you need: Narrowing the scope (specific dates, a specific case number, or a specific incident) can reduce search time and page counts.
- Choose your timeline on the form: If you do not need access within three business days, use the option to write in a desired timetable. That can make expectations clearer on both sides.
- Make it easy to reach you: Put accurate contact information on the form so the office can send a timetable, cost estimate, or questions without slowing the request down.
After you submit the completed form (by email or mail), the Sheriff's Office works from the timeline you selected. If you requested access within three business days and records can't be produced that fast, you'll receive a timetable for release. Costs can also affect timing. If the estimated cost exceeds $500, you'll need to prepay before processing continues. If the office needs clarification, they'll reach out using the contact details you provided.
Find an Inmate at Lowndes County Sheriff, MS
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
