Tennessee Arrest Records

Tennessee Public Records /Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tennessee?

Yes, arrest records in Tennessee are generally public under the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503 et seq.), which guarantees citizens the right to access most state and local government records. This means that basic arrest information—such as the person’s name, date and place of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency—can usually be obtained from law enforcement offices or county jail websites. Many sheriff’s departments in Tennessee provide daily arrest logs or inmate rosters that the public can access online.

However, some restrictions apply. Arrest records that involve juveniles, sealed or expunged cases, or records connected to ongoing criminal investigations are not open for public release. Additionally, while arrest information is available, complete criminal history reports are maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) through its Criminal History Information Request system. These reports are more limited in access, require payment of fees, and sometimes fingerprint verification. This balance allows Tennessee to ensure government transparency while protecting individual privacy and law enforcement integrity.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Tennessee?

Access to arrest records in Tennessee is primarily governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), which establishes the right of Tennessee citizens to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. This law operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by state law.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records in Tennessee include:

Tennessee Criminal History Information Act (T.C.A. § 38-6-120) - Regulates the dissemination of criminal history information
Tennessee Open Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-501 et seq.) - Provides the framework for public access to government records
Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure - Governs court procedures related to criminal cases
Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101 - Addresses expungement of criminal records

These laws collectively establish the legal framework for how arrest records are maintained, accessed, and in some cases, restricted from public view. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state and operates under these statutory guidelines when processing requests for arrest records.

What Information Is Included in a Tennessee Arrest Record?

A typical arrest record in Tennessee contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including statute numbers)
- Arrest circumstances
Case Processing Information:
- Court docket number
- Court appearance dates
- Bail/bond information
- Plea information
- Case disposition (if available)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
Incarceration Details (if applicable):
- Detention facility
- Inmate number
- Custody status
- Release date (if applicable)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific agency maintaining the record. Records maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation typically contain the most complete criminal history information, while local law enforcement agencies may maintain more detailed information about specific arrests within their jurisdiction.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Tennessee in 2025

Tennessee offers several methods to obtain arrest records, depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking:

In-Person Requests

For official criminal history records, you can visit:

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

For local arrest records, visit the relevant law enforcement agency or courthouse where the arrest occurred. Bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a request form and pay any applicable fees.

Mail Requests

To request records by mail from the TBI:

Download and complete the official request form
Include a check or money order for the applicable fee
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail to:
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Attn: TORIS Unit
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216

Phone Requests

Most agencies do not accept phone requests for official arrest records due to identity verification requirements. However, you can call agencies to inquire about the proper procedures:

TBI Criminal Records Unit: (615) 744-4057
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security: (615) 251-5166

Third-Party Background Check Services

Tennessee allows certain approved vendors to access criminal history information for background check purposes. These services typically require the subject's consent and may involve additional fees.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Tennessee

Tennessee offers several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information:

Official Government Websites

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Request System - Allows authorized users to request criminal history information online.
Tennessee Department of Correction Felony Offender Information Search - Provides information on current and former inmates in the state prison system.
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts Public Case Search - Offers access to court records, including criminal cases, from participating counties.
[County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup Tools] - Many county sheriff's offices maintain online databases of current inmates. For example:

Search Requirements

When searching online databases, you typically need:

Full name of the individual (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth (for more accurate results)
Case number or booking number (if available)

Most online systems provide only basic information, with more detailed records requiring formal requests and applicable fees.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, different individuals and entities have varying levels of access to arrest records:

Public Access

General public can access basic arrest records and court documents
Media organizations have the same access rights as the general public
Researchers and educational institutions can access records for academic purposes

Enhanced Access

Law enforcement agencies have complete access to all arrest and criminal history information
Courts and prosecutors have full access for case processing
Probation and parole officers have access for supervision purposes
State licensing boards for professions requiring background checks
Authorized government agencies for employment screening

Restricted Access

Some records have limited accessibility:

Juvenile records (under 18) are generally confidential
Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
Records involving certain victims (e.g., sexual assault) may have identifying information redacted

Employers in Tennessee must comply with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act when using arrest records for employment decisions.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee agencies typically charge fees for providing arrest records and criminal history information:

State-Level Fees

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation:
- $29 for a standard criminal history check
- $42 for fingerprint-based background checks
- Additional fees may apply for expedited service
Tennessee Department of Correction:
- Free online inmate searches
- $5-15 for certified copies of incarceration records
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts:
- $0.50 per page for court documents
- $5-10 for certified copies of court records

Local Agency Fees

Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically include:

County Sheriff's Offices: $5-25 per record
Municipal Police Departments: $5-20 per record
County Clerk's Offices: $1-5 per page for court documents

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances:

Indigent individuals may request fee waivers for court records
Government agencies may be exempt from fees for official purposes
Certain non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced fees

Payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit/debit cards for in-person or online requests.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tennessee

Tennessee maintains arrest records for extensive periods, following specific retention schedules:

Arrest Records: Generally kept permanently by the arresting agency and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Court Records: Maintained permanently for felonies; misdemeanors are typically kept for 10 years after case disposition
Incarceration Records: Retained permanently by the Tennessee Department of Correction
Juvenile Records: Generally sealed when the individual turns 18, but maintained by agencies with restricted access

These retention periods are governed by the Tennessee Public Records Commission and the Records Management Division of the Secretary of State's office.

Certain serious offenses, such as violent felonies, sex crimes, and homicides, have records that are never destroyed. Even expunged records are typically archived with restricted access rather than physically destroyed.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Tennessee Arrest Records?

When providing arrest records to the public, Tennessee agencies typically redact or restrict certain sensitive information:

Commonly Redacted Information

Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Medical and mental health information
Victim identifying information in sensitive cases
Information about confidential informants
Home addresses and phone numbers of law enforcement officers
Juvenile information in adult records
Information related to ongoing investigations

Fully Restricted Records

Some records are entirely restricted from public access:

Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
Records that have been legally expunged or sealed
Records related to certain victims (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault)
Records involving national security matters
Adoption records that may appear in criminal cases

These restrictions are implemented pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which outlines specific confidentiality provisions for certain records and information.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Tennessee

Tennessee law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances:

Expungement Eligibility

Under T.C.A. § 40-32-101, individuals may be eligible for expungement if:

Charges were dismissed
A "no true bill" was returned by a grand jury
A verdict of not guilty was rendered
The case was nolle prosequi (dropped by prosecutor)
The person completed a diversion program
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period

Expungement Process

Obtain a certified copy of disposition from the court clerk
Complete an Expungement Request Form
File the form with the court where the case was handled
Pay the filing fee (approximately $280, though fee waivers may be available)
Attend any scheduled hearings
If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expungement

Partial Expungement

Tennessee also allows for partial expungement in cases with multiple charges where some qualify for expungement and others do not.

Certificate of Employability

For those not eligible for expungement, Tennessee offers a Certificate of Employability which doesn't seal records but may help with employment opportunities.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Tennessee?

Tennessee law places several restrictions on how arrest records can be used:

Employment Limitations

Under Tennessee law and federal regulations:

Employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when conducting background checks
Employers generally cannot consider expunged records
Some industries have specific regulations regarding criminal history (healthcare, education, financial services)
Public employers must follow "Ban the Box" policies that delay criminal history inquiries

Housing Limitations

Landlords and property managers:

Must follow fair housing laws when using criminal history information
Cannot implement blanket bans on all applicants with criminal records
Should consider the nature, severity, and recency of offenses

Licensing Limitations

Professional licensing boards:

Must consider rehabilitation and relevance of criminal history
Cannot deny licenses solely based on arrest records without convictions
Must provide appeal processes for license denials

Penalties for Misuse

Misuse of arrest records can result in:

Civil liability under privacy laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Potential discrimination claims under state and federal law

Lookup Arrest Records in Tennessee

State Repositories

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 251-5166
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security

Tennessee Department of Correction
320 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1000
Tennessee Department of Correction

State Court System

Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
511 Union Street, Suite 600
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 741-2687
Tennessee Courts

Tennessee Supreme Court
401 7th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 741-2681
Tennessee Supreme Court

County Sheriff's Offices

Davidson County Sheriff's Office
506 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-8170
Davidson County Sheriff's Office

Shelby County Sheriff's Office
201 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-5500
Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Knox County Sheriff's Office
400 Main Street, Suite L165
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2444
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
600 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 209-7000
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7770
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

Williamson County Sheriff's Office
408 Century Court
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 790-5560
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
120 Commerce Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 648-0611
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Sumner County Sheriff's Office
117 West Smith Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 452-2616
Sumner County Sheriff's Office

Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
140 Blountville Bypass
Blountville, TN 37617
(423) 279-7500
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Sheriff's Office
112 West Jackson Boulevard
Jonesborough, TN 37659
(423) 788-1414
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
200 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-8600
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Memphis Police Department
170 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 636-3700
Memphis Police Department

Knoxville Police Department
800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37915
(865) 215-7000
Knoxville Police Department

Chattanooga Police Department
3410 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(423) 698-2525
Chattanooga Police Department

Murfreesboro Police Department
1004 North Highland Avenue
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-1311
Murfreesboro Police Department

Federal Agencies in Tennessee

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Knoxville Field Office
1501 Riverview Bend Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 544-0751
FBI Knoxville

U.S. Marshals Service - Middle District of Tennessee
801 Broadway, Room 1170
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 736-5417
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FCI Memphis
1101 John A. Denie Road
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 372-2269
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee
801 Broadway, Room 800
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 736-5498
U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee