Arrest records are public documents in Kingsport, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Kingsport Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most information contained in arrest records is available for public inspection, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile information as specified under T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are public, the process of obtaining them follows specific protocols established by the Kingsport Police Department and relevant Tennessee statutes.
The Kingsport municipal government provides multiple channels through which citizens and interested parties may access arrest records. Each method offers varying levels of detail and convenience depending on the requester's specific needs.
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the Kingsport Police Department Records Division in person:
Kingsport Police Department Records Division
200 Shelby Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 229-9427
Records Division
Operating hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters must complete a standard records request form and provide valid identification. Processing times vary based on the complexity and volume of the request.
Arrest records may also be accessed through:
Sullivan County Courthouse
140 Blountville Bypass
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 279-2715
Court records related to arrests are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Kingsport municipal government has implemented digital solutions for accessing public records:
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), records custodians must respond to requests within seven business days. Fees for copies are assessed according to the schedule established by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel.
Kingsport arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Tennessee law and local protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Subject identification information:
Arrest details:
Case processing information:
The Kingsport City Court maintains records of proceedings for cases within its jurisdiction, which may supplement information contained in the initial arrest record.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including details that would compromise ongoing investigations, confidential informant identities, juvenile information, and certain personal identifying information.
Tennessee law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively seals or destroys records, removing them from public access.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, individuals may qualify for expungement of Kingsport arrest records under the following circumstances:
The expungement procedure for Kingsport arrest records requires:
Applications for expungement must be submitted to:
Sullivan County Criminal Court Clerk
140 Blountville Bypass
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 279-2752
Upon approval of an expungement order, the Kingsport Police Department and all other agencies maintaining the record are required to remove it from their databases and physical files. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will also purge the record from state databases.
Individuals should be aware that certain federal agencies may retain records despite state-level expungement, and that expunged records may still be considered for certain licensing, employment, or security clearance purposes as permitted by law.