Tennessee County Inmate Search

We are glad you are here. We will do our best to help you with your Tennessee County Inmate Search. This page aims to be a full guide. It can help you find the facts you seek. We want to make your search clear and easy.

If you wish to begin your Tennessee County Inmate Search right now, please visit https://tennesseeinmaterecords.com/county-inmate-search/. This site offers a quick way to look for individuals in county jails. It can be a good place to start. They aim to provide fast and comprehensive search tools. You may find the data you need there. This can save you some time as you look.

Tennessee County Inmate Search: Locating Individuals in Local Jails

When you seek an inmate, know where they might be. Not all people in jail are in the same type of place. A Tennessee County Inmate Search will look at local facilities. These are run by the county. They are not state prisons.

Understanding County Jails vs. State Prisons

County jails and state prisons serve distinct roles in the justice system. You need to know this to search well. It guides where you will look for a name.

Jurisdiction: Who is Housed in County Jails? Most people in county jails are there for short times. They may be new to the charge. Or they may wait for a court date. Some are there for small crimes. These are called misdemeanors. The time they serve is less than a year. If a crime is more serious, it is a felony. Those individuals often go to state prisons. But, some with short felony terms might be in a county jail too. So, a Tennessee County Inmate Search can find both types at times.

Typical Stay Duration The stay in a county jail can be a few hours. It can be a few days. Or it can be up to one year. Those who get bond can leave soon. Those who do not have bond stay until their case is done. Or they serve out their short term. This is not like state prisons. There, terms are much longer. So, the list of names in a county jail can change fast. It is key to check often if you look for someone.

How to Initiate a Tennessee County Inmate Search

There are a few ways to do a Tennessee County Inmate Search. You can use the web. You can call. Or you can go in person. Each way has its own steps.

Online Search Portals (General Approach) Most people start their Tennessee County Inmate Search on the web. It is fast. It is often free. You need to find the website for the Sheriff in that county. Not all sites are the same. Some are easy to use. Some are not. To find the right site, use a search engine. Type the county name. Add "Sheriff's Office inmate search." This should get you close. Once on the site, look for a link. It may say "inmate lookup," "jail roster," or "who's in jail." You will need some facts to search. A last name is key. A first name helps too. If you know the date of birth (DOB), that makes the search more sure. Some sites let you search with an ID number. This is if the person has been in that jail before. The goal is to give the site all you know. This helps find the right person.

Contacting County Jails Directly by Phone If you cannot find info on the web, call the jail. This way to do a Tennessee County Inmate Search works well. It is good if the website is down. Or if the person was just booked. The jail staff can look up names. They can tell you if someone is there. When should you call? Call during work hours if you can. But most jails have staff 24 hours a day. They should be able to help at any time. Have the person's full name. Know their date of birth too. This will help the staff find them fast. Be calm. Be clear. Ask what you need to know. They can tell you if the person is there. They may give bond facts too.

In-Person Inquiries at Sheriff's Offices/Jails You can also go to the Sheriff's Office. Or go to the jail. This is a sure way for a Tennessee County Inmate Search. You can ask face to face. This is good if you live near. Or if you need forms filled out. You need to know where the office is. You need to know when they are open. Some large counties have this on their website. You may need an ID card to ask. This is to show who you are. Be set to wait. They may be busy. This method is not as fast as the web. But it can get you the facts you need.

Information You Can Typically Find

A Tennessee County Inmate Search can show lots of facts. What you see can change by county. But some things are seen most of the time. This helps you know what to look for.

• Booking Details: This shows when the person came to jail. It has the date and time. It will have a booking number. This number is just for that stay in jail.

• Mugshots: Some jails put up a photo. This is the picture taken at booking. Not all jails show this on the web. It helps make sure you found the right person.

• Charges: This lists why the person is in jail. It will show the crime(s) they are charged with. It might show if it is a misdemeanor or a felony.

• Bond/Bail Information: This tells if bond has been set. It shows how much it is. It may say if it can be paid. Or if the person must stay in jail.

• Housing Location within the Jail: Some search tools show where in the jail the person is. This is a cell block or pod number. This helps if you want to visit. Or send mail.

Key County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search Resources

Each county in Tennessee runs its own jail. So, your Tennessee County Inmate Search must focus on the right place. Here are some key counties. We list how to search for them. These are just a few. There are 95 counties in the state.

Davidson County Sheriff's Office Davidson County is where Nashville is. It is a large jail system. * Online Search: They have an "Active Inmate Search." You can find it on the Davidson County Sheriff's Office website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/sheriff/inmate-information/active-inmate-search * Phone Number for Jail Information: For the Correctional Development Center (Male), call (615) 862-8122. For the Correctional Services Center (Female & Male), call (615) 862-8279. * Address for In-Person Inquiries: Main jail complex is at 5113 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211. * Business Hours: Admin offices are usually Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Jail operations are 24/7.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office Shelby County includes Memphis. It is the state's most populous county. * Online Search: Use their inmate lookup tool. It is on the Shelby County Sheriff's Office website. The general information page for SCDC Inmate Records is https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/3541/SCDC-Inmate-Records. A more direct county inmate lookup can often be found via https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/579/Inmate-Lookup. * Phone Number for Jail Information: (901) 222-4700 for the main jail. For the Shelby County Division of Corrections (Penal Farm), call (901) 222-8592. * Address for In-Person Inquiries: The main jail is at 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. The Penal Farm is at 1045 Mullins Station Rd, Memphis, TN 38134. * Business Hours: Admin offices are Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Jail operations are 24/7.

Knox County Sheriff's Office Knox County is where Knoxville is. This is a large city in East Tennessee. * Online Search: Look for the "Current Inmate Population" link. It is on the Knox County Sheriff's Office website: https://www.knoxsheriff.org/inmate-search/ * Phone Number for Jail Information: (865) 215-2444. Choose the option for inmate facts. * Address for In-Person Inquiries: Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. * Business Hours: Admin offices Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Jail operations are 24/7.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Hamilton County is home to Chattanooga. It is in southeast Tennessee. * Online Search: Their website has an "Inmate Lookup." You can find it at https://www.hcsheriff.gov/hcso_public_modules/hcso_inmate_lookup/start.php. * Phone Number for Jail Information: (423) 209-7050 for the Silverdale Detention Center. * Address for In-Person Inquiries: Hamilton County Jail, 600 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Silverdale is at 7609 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. (Note: Primary jail operations largely utilize Silverdale. Always check their site for current details on locations for inquiries.) * Business Hours: Admin offices Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Jail operations are 24/7.

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Rutherford County has Murfreesboro. This area has grown fast. * Online Search: Their website has a "Current Inmates" list: https://rcso.ruthgov.com/current-inmates/ * Phone Number for Jail Information: (615) 898-7774 for the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. * Address for In-Person Inquiries: 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. * Business Hours: Admin offices Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM. Jail operations are 24/7.

Using VINElink for County Inmate Status (Tennessee SAVIN)

If you are a victim of a crime, there is a tool for you. It is called TN SAVIN. This is part of a national system known as VINElink. It helps keep you safe and informed. A Tennessee County Inmate Search can be for this purpose too.

What is VINElink/TN SAVIN? VINE means Victim Information and Notification Everyday. TN SAVIN is the Tennessee part of this. It is a free service. It is also kept private. It lets crime victims know if an offender's jail status changes. This can be for people in county jails. It can also be for state prisons. This helps victims plan for their safety. It gives them peace of mind. The system is there 24 hours a day. It is there 365 days a year. For more information, you can visit the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association page on TN SAVIN: https://tnsheriffs.com/tn-savin/.

How to Register for Notifications You can sign up for TN SAVIN in two ways. * Online: Go to www.vinelink.com. Pick Tennessee. Then search for the offender. You will need their name or booking number. Then you can sign up for calls or emails. * By Phone: Call them at 1-888-TNVINE1. That is 1-888-868-4631. An operator can help you sign up. Or you can use the automated phone system. You will need to make a PIN. This is a 4-digit number. You use it to get the calls or to stop them.

Information Provided (Release, Transfer, Escape) When you sign up, TN SAVIN will tell you things. It will call or email you if the offender:

• Is let out of jail (released)

• Is moved to a new jail or prison (transferred)

• Gets out of jail without leave (escapes)

• Dies while in jail

• Is put in a work-release place This gives victims quick facts. It is a key tool for safety.

Searching for Inmates in State Prisons: Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC)

If the person you seek is not in a county jail, they may be in a state prison. This is for more serious crimes. These are felonies. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) runs these. Your Tennessee County Inmate Search would then shift to state tools.

Who is Housed in TDOC Facilities? (Felony Offenders)

TDOC houses men and women. They have been found guilty of felony crimes. Their terms are usually for more than one year. These are state-run prisons. They are not the same as county jails. Jails are for short terms or those waiting for court. TDOC has facilities all over Tennessee. They aim for safety for the public. They also try to help inmates change for the better. A search for these individuals needs TDOC tools.

TDOC Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL)

The main tool for a state-level Tennessee County Inmate Search is FOIL. This means Felony Offender Information Lookup. TDOC gives this service to the public free of charge. It helps you find people in their care.

Accessing FOIL Online You can get to FOIL on the web. There are two main links. * The main TDOC page for FOIL is https://www.tn.gov/correction/agency-services/foil.html. This page tells you about the tool. * The search page itself is at https://foil.app.tn.gov/foil/search.jsp. Here you type in the name or ID to find someone. To use it, you need the person's name. A last name is a must. A first name helps. You can also search by their TDOC ID number. Or by their State ID (SID) number. These numbers are best if you know them. They make the search more exact. You may also need to type some letters you see. This is to show you are not a robot.

Using the MyTN Mobile App You can also use FOIL on your phone. You need the MyTN app. This app has lots of Tennessee state services. First, download the MyTN app. It is free. Look for it in your phone's app store. Once you have the app, open it. Look for a part called "Public Safety." In there, you should find the FOIL search. This is a good way to search when you are not at a desk. The app may not show photos. But it gives the same main facts as the website.

Information Available via FOIL

The FOIL system for your Tennessee County Inmate Search at the state level gives good details. This tool is for felons in TDOC care. It shows current and past inmates.

Here is what you can find:

• Inmate's Name and Aliases: Full name of the person. It also lists other names they may have used.

• TDOC ID Number: This is a six-digit number. TDOC gives it to each inmate. It is a key way to track them.

• Race, Gender, Date of Birth: These facts help make sure you have the right person.

• Current Status: This tells if the person is now in prison. Or if they are on parole. Or on probation.

• Facility Location: If in prison, it names the TDOC place where they are.

• Sentence Information: This lists the crime(s). It shows how long the term is. It gives start and end dates if known.

• Parole Eligibility and Hearing Dates: FOIL tells when an inmate might first be up for parole. For full parole hearing dates and facts, FOIL links to the Tennessee Board of Parole. Their site is https://www.tn.gov/bop/. The Board decides on parole.

• Available Photos: FOIL on the web usually shows a booking photo if they have one. This can help check who it is.

Requesting Archived or Historical Inmate Records from TDOC

FOIL shows current data well. But what if you need old records? Or data on an inmate let out long ago? For this part of a Tennessee County Inmate Search, you need to ask TDOC. You cannot get this from the online FOIL tool.

Who to Contact: TDOC Records Management The TDOC Records Management office keeps these old files. * Phone: You can call them at (615) 253-8079. * Mailing Address: Write to them at: Tennessee Department of Correction Records Management 2nd Floor, Rachel Jackson Building Nashville, TN 37243-0465 When you call or write, be clear. Tell them you need old inmate records. They can guide you on how to ask.

Information Required for a Request To help them find the right files, give them all you know. * Requestor's Contact Information: Your full name, address, and phone number. An email too, if you have one. * Inmate's Full Name, DOB, TOMIS ID: Give the inmate's full name. And their date of birth. If you know their Tennessee Offender Management Information System (TOMIS) ID, that is best. This is their TDOC number. * Reason for Request: They might ask why you need the records. Be honest. * Specific Information Sought: Say just what facts you hope to find. For example, dates they were in prison. Or where they were kept. A clear ask helps them help you.

Potential Fees There might be a fee to get copies of old records. The cost can change. It depends on how much work it is. And how many pages you need. TDOC will tell you if there is a fee. And how to pay it. This is part of the Tennessee Public Records Act. It lets them charge for copies.

Public Access to Inmate and Arrest Records in Tennessee

The laws in Tennessee say much about who can see public records. This is key for any Tennessee County Inmate Search. The Tennessee Public Records Act is the main law here. It guides what you can ask for. And how to ask.

Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) - Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501 et seq.

This act, TPRA, states that records made by state and local government are open. This means people can look at them. This helps keep government clear and known. Inmate and arrest records are often part of these public records. You can learn more from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Office of Open Records Counsel: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/open-records-counsel/open-meetings/frequently-asked-questions/tennessee-public-records-act-faqs.html.

Citizen's Right to Access The TPRA gives Tennessee citizens the right to view and get copies of public records. This is a strong right. It helps people know what their government is doing. This right is not just for some. It is for all citizens of the state. Even those in jail can ask for records. This shows how broad the law is.

Who Can Request Records (Tennessee Citizens) Only citizens of Tennessee have a right by law to ask for these records under the TPRA. If you are not a citizen of Tennessee, the law does not make them give you records. But, a government office can choose to give records to non-citizens. It is up to them. They may ask you to show an ID. This ID should prove you are a Tennessee citizen. A driver's license with a Tennessee address works well.

What Constitutes a Public Record Public records are things made or kept by a government body. This can be papers, maps, books, or photos. It can also be files on a computer. Or sound records. If it was made or received by a state or local office as part of their job, it is likely a public record. Some things are not public. For example, the safety plans for a jail. Or health records of an inmate. The law lists these exceptions.

Submitting a Public Records Request To ask for public records, you need to find the right office. This is the "custodian of records." Each government body has someone who handles these asks. * Your ask must be clear. It needs to help them find the specific records you want. You cannot just ask for "all files on John Doe." That is too wide. Be as specific as you can. Give dates if you know them. * Some offices have a form to fill out. Some may ask for your ID. Check the public records policy of the office you ask. * The Office of Open Records Counsel can give help. They tell you about the law. But they do not get records for you. Their website is https://www.comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/open-records-counsel.html.

Accessing Arrest Records

Arrest records are part of a Tennessee County Inmate Search. They show when and why someone was taken in by law enforcement. These are usually public records in Tennessee.

Sources: Arresting Law Enforcement Agency The best place to get an arrest record is from the group that made the arrest. This could be the local police. Or the county Sheriff's Office. They make these records. They keep them. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) also has some arrest data. This is part of their state crime history files.

Information Typically Found in Arrest Records An arrest record usually shows:

• The person's full name.

• The date and time of the arrest.

• The charges. These are what law enforcement says the person did.

• Where the arrest took place.

• The name of the officer who made the arrest.

• A case number. It may also have more details. This depends on the form used by that law group.

How to Request (In-Person, Mail, Online if available by agency) To ask for an arrest record: * In-Person: Go to the police or Sheriff's office. Ask their records desk. Call first to check their hours. And to see what you need to bring. * Mail: Some groups let you mail in a form. You can often find this form on their website. Fill it out. Mail it to the address they give. * Online: Some law groups now put arrest logs or press releases on their websites. These may give some facts. But for a full official arrest record, you may still need to ask in person or by mail. Check the specific agency's website for how they do it.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Resources

The TBI is a state law group. They have some key tools for a Tennessee County Inmate Search. And for checks on crime history.

Official Criminal History Checks The TBI lets the public get a Tennessee adult crime history check. This is on any person. You can do this online or by mail. It costs $29. This check shows Tennessee arrests and if they were found guilty. It does not need fingerprints if you just want Tennessee records. * Find how to do this at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/divisions/cjis-division/background-checks.html. * The TBI Headquarters is at: 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216. Phone: (615) 744-4000. This is not the same as an FBI check. That looks at all states. And it needs fingerprints.

Public Registries Maintained by TBI The TBI also keeps some lists of offenders. These are free to look at on their website: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/. * Sex Offender Registry: Lists people found guilty of some sex crimes. You can search by name or by address. * Drug Offender Registry: Lists people found guilty of some drug crimes. This can be for making or selling drugs. * Animal Abuse Registry: Lists people found guilty of cruelty to animals. These lists are to help keep the public safe. They let people know if such offenders live near them.

Court Records as a Source of Information

Court records can add more to your Tennessee County Inmate Search. When someone is arrested and charged, their case goes to court. The court keeps files on this.

Circuit Court Clerks: Maintain criminal case records. In Tennessee, the Circuit Court Clerk in each county keeps the records for state crime cases. This is where felony cases are heard. General Sessions Courts hear misdemeanors and first steps of felony cases. Their clerks also keep records. You need to find the clerk for the court where the case was.

Online Access (Varies by County) Some counties now put court records online. This makes it much easier to search. For example, Montgomery County has a website for this. Their site is https://montgomerytn.gov/circuit/online-court-records. You can log in with a guest name and password. Not all counties do this. For some, you still need to go to the clerk's office. Or call them. Check the website for the Circuit Court Clerk in the county you need.

Information in Court Records Court records can show a lot. They can have:

• The first charges.

• Names of lawyers.

• Court dates.

• What the judge or jury decided (disposition). For example, guilty or not guilty.

• The term given, if guilty (sentencing). This data gives a full view of what happened in court. It goes past just the arrest.

Important Considerations for Your Tennessee County Inmate Search

As you do your Tennessee County Inmate Search, keep some things in mind. This will help you get the best facts. And use them in the right way.

Information Accuracy and Updates

The facts you find in a Tennessee County Inmate Search can change. Jails and prisons are always in flux. People come in. People go out. So, what you see online may not be the very latest word.

Timeliness of Online Databases Most online jail rosters or state lookups are updated often. Some change each day. Some change each hour. But there can be a lag. A person might be booked in. But their name may not show up on the web for a few hours. Or even a day. This is just how the system works. Also, a person might be let out. But the site might still show them in jail for a short time. So, be aware of this.

Verifying Information with Official Sources If you need to be 100% sure about someone's status, check it. The online search is a good start. But if it is very important, call the jail. Or call TDOC. They can give you the most up-to-date facts. This is key if you plan to visit. Or send money. Or make plans based on their being in jail. Do not just trust the first thing you see. Cross-check it if you can.

Differences in Information Availability

Not all Tennessee County Inmate Search tools are the same. What you can find for a county jail may not be what you find for a state prison. And what is online may not be all that is known.

Some county jails have great websites. They show lots of facts. Others have very little online. For some, you must call. Or go there. State prisons (TDOC) have the FOIL tool. This is the same for all state prisons. But it may not show things like bond, as it is for those already found guilty and given a long term. Be ready for these differences. You may need to use more than one way to find what you seek.

Rights and Restrictions Regarding Inmate Information

While much inmate data is public, some is not. The law tries to balance the public's right to know with a person's right to privacy. And with the need for safety in jails.

Juvenile Records (Generally not public) If the person is under 18, their records are usually not public. This is to protect young people. There are some rare times when a juvenile's case might be in adult court. If they are charged with a very serious crime. But most of the time, you will not find juvenile names in a public Tennessee County Inmate Search.

Confidential Information Some facts about inmates are kept private. This can be their health records. Or things told to a lawyer. Or plans for jail safety. The Tennessee Public Records Act lists these things that are not open. So, you can get lots of facts. But not everything. The goal is to be open, but also to keep people safe. And to guard rights.