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Memphis Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Memphis, Tennessee?

Arrest records in Memphis, Tennessee are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This statute establishes that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours, unless specifically exempted by state law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves as the legal foundation ensuring governmental transparency and accountability in public safety operations.

The Memphis Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be subject to redaction or restriction, particularly those involving:

  • Ongoing investigations
  • Juvenile offenders (pursuant to T.C.A. § 37-1-153)
  • Cases sealed by court order
  • Records containing confidential personal information as defined by T.C.A. § 10-7-504

Requestors seeking arrest records must submit proper identification when making requests, as stipulated by departmental policy and state law. Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).

How to Look Up Memphis Arrest Records in 2025

The Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Criminal Court maintain multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:

  • Online Portal Access: The Memphis Police Department maintains a digital records system where citizens may search for basic arrest information. Users must register an account and provide proper identification verification to access these records.

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at:

    Memphis Police Department Records Division
    170 N. Main Street, Suite 207
    Memphis, TN 38103
    (901) 636-3700
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Written Requests: Standard mail requests must include a notarized request form, copy of government-issued identification, and applicable processing fees. Mail to:

    Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
    201 Poplar Avenue, Suite LL-81
    Memphis, TN 38103
    (901) 222-3200

  • Criminal Justice Portal: Law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and authorized legal representatives may access comprehensive arrest data through the secured Tennessee Criminal Justice Portal, subject to proper credentials and authorization.

Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard requests typically require 5-10 business days for completion. Expedited processing may be available for additional fees as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503.

Contents of a Memphis Arrest Record

Memphis arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-3-122. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address of the arrested individual

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and arrest circumstances

  • Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including Tennessee Code citations; classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony); and incident report number

  • Case Processing Data: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, court docket number, arraignment date, and preliminary hearing information

  • Custody Status: Bond amount (if applicable), release conditions, or detention status

  • Identification Records: Mugshot photographs and fingerprint classifications

  • Prior Criminal History: Summary of previous arrests and convictions within Shelby County jurisdiction

The City Court Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Memphis

Tennessee law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101 and removes eligible records from public access. The Criminal Division of Shelby County Courts processes these requests.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Memphis include:

  • Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi
  • Arrests not resulting in indictment or presentment
  • Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
  • Successful completion of diversion programs
  • Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period

The expungement process requires:

  1. Filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction
  2. Payment of filing fees (currently $280, subject to change)
  3. Verification of eligibility by the District Attorney's Office
  4. Judicial review and approval
  5. Distribution of expungement orders to all relevant agencies

Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public databases maintained by the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Criminal Court. However, certain law enforcement and judicial entities may retain limited access to expunged records for specific statutory purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that federal records, including those maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, may require separate expungement procedures. Additionally, private data aggregators may continue to display outdated information until notified of official expungement.

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