> >Kingsport Arrest Records

Kingsport Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kingsport, Tennessee?

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.

How to Look Up Kingsport Arrest Records in 2025

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.

In-Person Requests

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.

Sullivan County Courthouse

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.

Online Access Systems

The Kingsport municipal government has implemented digital solutions for accessing public records:

The Kingsport Police Department website provides a portal for requesting certain records electronically.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes Kingsport arrests, accessible for authorized purposes with appropriate fees.

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.

Contents of a Kingsport Arrest Record

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:
- Full legal name
- Known aliases or nicknames
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be partially redacted)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed
- Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) citations for alleged violations
- Narrative description of the incident
- Witness information (may be redacted)
Case processing information:
- Booking number and facility
- Court docket number
- Bond amount and conditions
- Initial appearance date
- Disposition of charges (if available)

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Kingsport

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, individuals may qualify for expungement of Kingsport arrest records under the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed
A no true bill was returned by a grand jury
A verdict of not guilty was rendered
The case was nolle prosequi by the district attorney
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The individual successfully completed a judicial diversion program
The conviction was for certain non-violent misdemeanors or Class E felonies after specified waiting periods

Application Process

The expungement procedure for Kingsport arrest records requires:

Filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction
Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $280, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants)
Verification of eligibility by the District Attorney's Office
Judicial review and approval

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.