Arrest records are public in Davidson County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and upholds principles of governmental accountability.
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory obligations. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals charged with criminal offenses within the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests through established channels, subject to certain limitations regarding confidential information as defined in T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
Davidson County Sheriff's Office Records Division
One Jerry Newson Way
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Phone: (615) 862-8123
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as mandated by state law. The custodian of records must respond to requests promptly, typically within seven business days as required by statute.
Davidson County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office provides an Active Inmate Search database that allows public access to current booking information. This resource is updated regularly to reflect recent arrests and inmate status changes.
The Criminal Court Clerk of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County maintains an online case information system where members of the public may search for criminal case records, including information related to arrests. This system provides access to court dockets, case status updates, and scheduled court appearances.
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same legal framework that applies to physical records, with certain limitations to protect sensitive information. Users of these online systems should be aware that:
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department also publishes a Daily Booking List on its official website, providing information about recent arrests. This resource is typically updated each business day, with weekend and holiday bookings posted on the next business day.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Davidson County. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:
Online Public Records Search: The Criminal Court Clerk's Public Case Search provides electronic access to case information, including arrest details. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate relevant records.
Sheriff's Office Records Request: The Davidson County Sheriff's Office processes public records requests for arrest information. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated electronic channels.
Criminal Court Clerk's Office: Located in the Justice A.A. Birch Building, this office maintains court records related to criminal cases, including arrest information.
Criminal Court Clerk's Office
408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5601
Criminal Court Clerk
Davidson County General Sessions Court
Justice A.A. Birch Building
408 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-8317
General Sessions Court
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
1 Public Square, Suite 302
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5181
Circuit Court Clerk
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other relevant details that may assist in locating the correct records.
Davidson County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. These records typically include the following elements:
The format and specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the maintaining agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Davidson County Sheriff's Office adhere to standards established by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal history documentation.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, including:
The expungement process in Davidson County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101 establishes the legal framework for expungement eligibility and procedures.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court where the case was handled. In Davidson County, expungement petitions are typically filed with the Criminal Court Clerk's Office. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized forms for this purpose.
Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
Justice A.A. Birch Building
408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5601
Criminal Court Clerk
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. This includes the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and any other agencies maintaining the record.
Expunged records are not destroyed but are sealed from public view. Law enforcement agencies may retain access to these records for limited purposes as permitted by law. Individuals who have received an expungement may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications.