Tennessee Arrest Records

Is Tennessee an Open Arrest Records State?

Tennessee is an open arrest records state pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that arrest records, which are documents created by law enforcement agencies when an individual is detained or taken into custody, are accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The Tennessee Public Records Act specifically states that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours unless otherwise provided by state law.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Law enforcement agencies throughout Tennessee are required to submit arrest information to the TBI within established timeframes as mandated by T.C.A. § 38-6-109. This centralized system ensures that arrest records are maintained in a standardized format and are available for authorized access.

Public access to arrest records promotes transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies. However, it is important to note that certain records may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of Tennessee law, particularly those related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records as outlined in T.C.A. § 37-1-153.

How to Look Up Tennessee Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Tennessee arrest records have multiple avenues available to them. The state maintains several official databases and resources that provide access to arrest information. The following methods are authorized for obtaining arrest records in Tennessee:

In-person requests at local law enforcement agencies: Citizens may visit sheriff's offices or police departments to request arrest records. Most agencies require a formal written request and proper identification.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: The TBI provides background check services that include arrest information. Requests can be submitted at:

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 CT
Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL): This online database allows searches for individuals convicted of felonies in Tennessee through the Tennessee Felony Offender Information portal.
County court clerks: Court records related to arrests can be obtained from the clerk of the court where the case was processed. For example:

Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-5601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CT
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts: The Public Case History tool allows users to search for case information in various courts throughout the state.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), government agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days. Fees for copies of records are permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i) but must be reasonable and based on actual costs.

Contents of a Tennessee Arrest Record

Tennessee arrest records contain standardized information as required by T.C.A. § 38-6-109. A complete arrest record typically includes the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and Social Security Number (partially redacted in public records).
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including statute numbers and offense descriptions; classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony); and weapon information if applicable.
Processing Data: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and mugshot photographs.
Court Information: Case number, court of jurisdiction, scheduled court dates, and disposition of charges if available.
Custody Status: Information regarding release on bail or bond, including amount set and conditions of release, or continued detention.

Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee utilize the Tennessee Information Enforcement System (TIES) to record and maintain arrest information in accordance with standards established by the TBI pursuant to T.C.A. § 38-10-101.

Understanding the Tennessee Open Records Act

The Tennessee Open Records Act, codified in T.C.A. § 10-7-503, establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. This legislation is founded on the principle that citizens are entitled to full and complete information regarding governmental operations. Key provisions of the Act include:

Presumption of Openness: All government records are presumed open for inspection unless specifically exempted by state law.
Custodian Responsibilities: Records custodians must promptly make records available during regular business hours and may not require requests to be made in writing, though they may require proof of Tennessee citizenship.
Response Timeframes: Agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a written explanation, or providing an estimated timeframe for production.
Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records based on actual costs, but inspection of records must be permitted at no charge.
Enforcement Provisions: T.C.A. § 10-7-505 provides for judicial review of denied requests, with the burden of proof placed on the agency to justify withholding records.

The Office of Criminal Justice Programs provides guidance to law enforcement agencies regarding compliance with the Open Records Act as it pertains to criminal justice information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Tennessee

Tennessee law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under T.C.A. § 40-32-101. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. The following provisions apply to expungement in Tennessee:

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify 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 by the district attorney
- The arrest was made in error
- The case was settled by pretrial or judicial diversion and the diversion period was successfully completed
Application Process: Petitions for expungement must be filed with the court where the case was handled. The standard form is available from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
Filing Fees: Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)(10), a filing fee of $280 is required for most expungement petitions, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
Effect of Expungement: When an expungement order is granted, all public records of the arrest are removed from public access, and the individual may legally deny that the arrest occurred except in specific circumstances outlined in T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)(15).

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains a process for implementing court-ordered expungements in their central repository pursuant to T.C.A. § 38-6-118. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel to navigate the specific requirements applicable to their situation.

How to Find Local Arrests in Tennessee?

Local arrest information in Tennessee is maintained by various county and municipal agencies. Citizens seeking information about recent arrests may utilize the following resources:

County Sheriff's Offices: Each county sheriff maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction. For example:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
400 Main Street, Suite L165
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2444
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET
Municipal Police Departments: City police departments maintain arrest logs that are typically available for public inspection. For example:

Memphis Police Department
170 N. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 636-3700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
County Jail Inmate Lookup: Many counties provide online inmate search tools that include recent arrest information.
Court Dockets: Daily court dockets listing arraignments for recent arrests are available through local courts and often online through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
Local Newspapers and Media Outlets: Many local news organizations publish police blotters and arrest reports as a public service.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 8-8-201(a)(3), sheriffs are required to maintain records of all persons committed to county jails, which includes arrest information. These records are generally available for public inspection during normal business hours.