Knoxville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Arrest records are public in Knoxville, 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 accessible to the public for inspection. The Tennessee Public Records Act operates under the presumption that government records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by state law. This statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations, particularly in law enforcement activities, and upholds the public's right to information regarding arrests made within the jurisdiction.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office and the Knoxville Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including governmental accountability, public safety awareness, and the facilitation of informed community engagement with the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Knoxville Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Knoxville arrest records have several official channels through which these documents may be accessed. The Tennessee Public Records Act guarantees access to these records through the following methods:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Knoxville Police Department Records Division located at 1650 Huron Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a records request form and present valid identification.
Knox County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of county arrests. Requests may be submitted at 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902. The records division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office: Located at 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902. This office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (865) 215-2385.
Online Access Systems: The City of Knoxville Record Search portal provides limited access to public records. Additionally, the Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a 24-hour arrest log on their official website.
Third-Party Vendors: Commercial background check services may provide access to Knoxville arrest records, though these services typically charge fees and may not contain the most current information.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), records custodians must promptly make requested records available for inspection during regular business hours. Requestors should note that while inspection is free, reproduction of records may incur reasonable fees as established by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel.
Contents of a Knoxville Arrest Record
Knoxville arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Tennessee state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency (e.g., Knoxville Police Department or Knox County Sheriff's Office); names and badge numbers of arresting officers; and the specific circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) statutory references, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and degree of charges.
Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the case, date and time of booking, fingerprint classification data, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, if applicable; detention facility location; and current custody status (released or detained).
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court (e.g., Knoxville City Court or Knox County General Sessions Court), and case number.
Prior Criminal History: In some instances, the record may reference previous arrests or convictions within Knox County jurisdiction.
It should be noted that pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, personal telephone numbers, and information pertaining to ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Knoxville
The expungement process in Knoxville allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by Tennessee law. T.C.A. § 40-32-101 establishes the legal framework for expungement eligibility and procedures within Knox County.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
- Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment by a grand jury
- Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
- Nolle prosequi dispositions (prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges)
- Successful completion of diversion programs
- Certain non-violent offenses after specified waiting periods
The expungement process requires the following steps:
- Filing a petition for expungement with the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office at 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902.
- Payment of the statutory filing fee (currently $280.00), unless waived by the court due to indigency.
- Judicial review of the petition by a Knox County Criminal Court judge.
- Upon approval, issuance of an expungement order to all relevant agencies, including the Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g), certain violent offenses, sexual offenses, and driving under the influence convictions are statutorily ineligible for expungement. Additionally, the Knox County District Attorney's Office may contest expungement petitions if they determine the petitioner does not meet statutory requirements.
Upon successful expungement, all public records of the arrest are removed from public access, though law enforcement agencies may retain non-public records for internal purposes as permitted by T.C.A. § 40-32-101(c)(3).
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