Murfreesboro Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Murfreesboro, Tennessee?
Arrest records in Murfreesboro, Tennessee are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection by any Tennessee citizen during regular business hours, unless specifically exempted by state law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Murfreesboro and throughout Rutherford County.
The Murfreesboro Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records supports governmental accountability and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in compliance with privacy laws, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety as outlined in T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
How to Look Up Murfreesboro Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Murfreesboro have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section processes requests in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act. Available methods include:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section during regular business hours to submit a records request form. Proper identification is required.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit a public records request form by mail or in person. The form must include specific information about the requested record, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Online Access: The Murfreesboro Police Department provides limited online access to certain public records through their official website. This service allows for preliminary searches of recent arrest information.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial services aggregate public records, including arrest information. These services may charge fees and cannot guarantee complete accuracy or current information.
Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section
1004 N. Highland Ave.
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-1311
Official Website
Standard fees apply for copies of records pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i). Current fees are $0.15 per page for standard documents, with additional charges for certified copies or specialized formats.
Contents of a Murfreesboro Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Murfreesboro Police Department contain standardized information as required by Tennessee law. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency involved.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Tennessee Code Annotated references and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, bail or bond information, and case outcomes if adjudicated.
Custody Status: Information regarding detention facility, release conditions, or current custody status of the individual.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, personal contact information, and information related to ongoing investigations. Records involving juveniles are subject to additional confidentiality protections under T.C.A. § 37-1-153.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Murfreesboro
The expungement process in Murfreesboro follows Tennessee state law (T.C.A. § 40-32-101) and provides a legal mechanism for removing eligible arrest records from public access. Expungement effectively erases the record from public view, though certain governmental agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Murfreesboro include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
- Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment
- Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
- Nolle prosequi dispositions (prosecution declined to proceed)
- Successful completion of diversion programs under T.C.A. § 40-35-313
- Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Rutherford County Criminal Court. Petitioners must complete the standardized form available from the court clerk's office and pay applicable filing fees. Current filing fees are approximately $280, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Rutherford County Criminal Court Clerk
116 W. Lytle Street, Room 106
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7831
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory requirements. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access.
Successful expungement restores the individual to the status they occupied prior to the arrest or charge. Expunged records cannot be used against the individual in subsequent proceedings, and the individual may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances.
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