Frequently Asked Questions

Dial 911 immediately!

Residents can request extra patrol by contacting the sheriff’s office directly. This service is often used for areas experiencing increased criminal activity or for homes that will be vacant during vacations.

To handle a state court traffic citation, you may pay the fine online or in person at the Emanuel County Clerk of Courts Office at 125 South Main Street, Swainsboro.

The clerk's office will accept a money order, cashier’s check, or cash in the exact amount of the fine. 

To obtain a private property accident or incident report, visit the sheriff's office.

If the accident was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol Post 19, you will need to contact their office directly at 478-289-2599 to request the report.

Please note: if you are not directly involved in the accident or incident, you may not have access to the report. The Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office follows the Georgia Open Records Act, and fees may apply for research and reproduction of records as permitted by law.

If you believe there are inaccuracies in a report prepared by the sheriff's office, reach out to the deputy who authored the report. The deputy can correct errors if a material mistake is identified but cannot change facts as originally recorded unless there was an error. The final decision regarding any changes lies with the deputy who created the report. Reports that are factually accurate cannot be altered.

To request a copy of your criminal history for employment, visit the sheriff's office and complete the necessary consent form. You will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport at the time of your request.

In the context of the sheriff’s office, these legal tools serve different purposes and involve varying levels of enforcement:

A warrant is issued by a judge to authorize law enforcement, like the sheriff’s office, to take specific actions such as arresting a person (arrest warrant) or searching property (search warrant). Warrants are tied to criminal investigations and are executed by deputies based on probable cause presented by law enforcement.

A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a civil order intended to protect individuals from family violence, stalking, or harassment. While the sheriff’s office doesn’t issue TPOs, deputies serve these orders on the respondent as part of their enforcement duties. Violations of a TPO may lead to criminal charges, at which point the sheriff’s office becomes involved in investigating or arresting the offender.

A restraining order is another type of civil court order often used in broader disputes, such as divorce or property issues. Like a TPO, the sheriff’s office may serve the order but does not issue it. Violations may result in law enforcement involvement, depending on the circumstances.

In summary, the sheriff’s office enforces warrants and serves protective orders but does not issue them. Deputies are responsible for ensuring compliance and addressing any violations that may lead to criminal charges.

To obtain a warrant, you’ll need to contact Emanuel County Magistrate Court. Provide evidence and details about the alleged offense to the court. If the court finds probable cause, it will issue the warrant, which deputies will execute.

To request a TPO, file a petition with the clerk of superior court. The petition must detail the acts of family violence or stalking. A judge will review your request and may grant a temporary order. The sheriff’s office will then serve the TPO to the respondent.

To secure a restraining order, you’ll need to file a request through the appropriate civil court, often as part of a broader legal case like a divorce or property dispute. The court will review the request and issue the order if warranted. Deputies may serve the order to the respondent once issued.

For details about the requirements for low-speed vehicles like golf carts and ATVs, refer to the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s DPS-34 guidelines.

There are restrictions on where firearms can be carried, even with proper licensing. Firearms are not permitted in the following locations:

• School buses, school functions, or school safety zones

• Public or private school properties, including elementary, secondary, technical, or post-secondary institutions

• Secured areas of airports

• Courthouses

• Government buildings where security personnel restrict access

• Churches or places of worship

• Jails or prisons

• State mental health facilities

• Nuclear power facilities

• Within 150 feet of polling places during elections

• Any location prohibited by federal law

Always ensure you comply with state and federal firearm regulations.

Fingerprinting services are available for background checks, employment, and licensing purposes. Contact the sheriff's office for service hours, requirements, and fees.

If you encounter a stray or potentially dangerous animal, who you need to contact depends on where the encounter happens. Staff of the Betty Gambrell Animal Shelter handle animal crises in the City of Swainsboro. Emanuel County Code Enforcement responds elsewhere. Deputies with the sheriff's office assist as needed.

Report suspicious calls or texts to the sheriff’s office, especially if they involve threats, fraud, or scams. Deputies can advise you on protective measures and may initiate an investigation if necessary.

Evictions are a legal process, and the sheriff’s office assists with court-ordered evictions. Ensure you have the appropriate paperwork from the magistrate court before contacting the sheriff’s office for assistance.

The procedure for handling noise complaints varies depending on where you live. If you reside within city limits, local law enforcement may enforce a city-specific noise ordinance, and you should contact your city’s police department. For those living in unincorporated areas of Emanuel County, noise complaints can be reported to the sheriff’s office. Deputies will investigate and take action in accordance with county ordinances, particularly for incidents occurring during late hours.