Knox County Public Records / Knox County Arrest Records

Knox County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Knox County in 2026

KnoxCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Knox County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case filings, and inmate roster entries. Access to specific records may vary depending on the requesting party, the nature of the case, and applicable state law.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online search tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that members of the public may access through the Knox County Sheriff's Office inmate search. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The search function allows queries by name or booking number.

2. Local Police Departments

The Knoxville Police Department publishes press releases and arrest logs through its official communications channels. Members of the public may review recent arrest information through the Knoxville Police Department's official website. The department serves the City of Knoxville, which is the primary municipality within Knox County.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. Members of the public may search for associated court cases through the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's case lookup portal. Searching by the arrestee's name will return any associated criminal case numbers, charge descriptions, and scheduled court dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Information database. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the TBI Criminal History Records portal. A standard public request currently carries a fee of $29.00 per search. The database includes arrest and conviction records from jurisdictions across Tennessee.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
400 W. Main Street, Suite 228
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2243
Knox County Sheriff's Office

The Records Division accepts in-person requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copies of records are available for a standard fee per page.

Police Departments:

Knoxville Police Department
800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37915
Phone: (865) 215-4010
Knoxville Police Department

Records requests at the Knoxville Police Department are processed through the Records Unit. Requestors must submit a written public records request and provide valid identification. Fees apply for copies of records.

Clerk of Court:

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 W. Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2395
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk

The Criminal Court Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may inspect case files at the public access terminals located in the clerk's office. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of $0.50 per page, with a certification fee of $5.00 per document.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 400 W. Main Street, Suite 228, Knoxville, TN 37902. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return address. Payment for copies must be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks.

By Phone:

The Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (865) 215-2243. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and advise on the appropriate method for obtaining copies. Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court orders and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Knoxville PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County

Arrest records in Knox County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state and local government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exception applies. Arrest records fall within this presumption of openness because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Tennessee law and are not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are not disclosed
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific statutory exceptions to the Public Records Act. First Amendment principles support press access to arrest records as a matter of public accountability.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers conducting background screening (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Knox County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Tennessee statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and credit history

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Knox County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge at public access terminals located at the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's office and the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.15 per page (Sheriff's Office)
Certified court document copies	$0.50 per page + $5.00 certification fee
TBI criminal history search	$29.00 per search
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency

Tennessee law, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Fees may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Inspection of records in person is available at no charge.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Check payable to the applicable agency (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (accepted at some offices; confirm availability before visiting)

Fee Waivers:

Indigent requestors and certain nonprofit organizations may request a fee waiver. Waiver requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to agency discretion. Media organizations conducting newsgathering activities may also request reduced fees in appropriate circumstances.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster searches through the Knox County Sheriff's Office website
Online case status searches through the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk portal
In-person inspection of public records at government offices

How To Delete Arrest Records in Knox County

Under Tennessee law, the process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement results in the legal erasure of eligible records, meaning the records are destroyed or removed from public databases. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records while allowing law enforcement and certain agencies to retain access. Tennessee primarily uses expungement rather than sealing for eligible criminal records.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, the following categories of arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Tennessee:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Charges on which the defendant was acquitted (found not guilty)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a specified waiting period
Certain low-level felony convictions after a specified waiting period, subject to eligibility criteria
Diversion program completions where charges were dismissed

Ineligible Records:

Records involving serious violent offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, DUI convictions, and certain other categories are not eligible for expungement under current Tennessee law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Confirm eligibility by reviewing the case disposition with the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
Obtain the petition for expungement form from the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's office or the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
Complete the petition with the case number, charge information, and disposition details
File the completed petition with the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for most expungement petitions; no fee for arrests that did not result in charges)
Serve a copy of the petition on the Knox County District Attorney General's Office
Attend any scheduled hearing if the court requires one
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the TBI and relevant law enforcement agencies to update their records

Contact Information for Expungement:

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 W. Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2395
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk

Knox County District Attorney General's Office
400 W. Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2515
Knox County District Attorney General

Knox County Public Defender's Office
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2200
Knoxville, TN 37929
Phone: (865) 215-2440
Knox County Public Defender

Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may contact the Knox County Public Defender's Office or Tennessee legal aid organizations for assistance with expungement petitions.

What Happens After Arrest in Knox County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Knox County, the arrested individual is transported to the Knox County Detention Facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.

Knox County Detention Facility
5001 Maloneyville Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
Phone: (865) 215-2600
Knox County Sheriff's Office Jail Division

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the TBI and FBI databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Bond or bail is determined
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Rights are explained

The Knox County General Sessions Court handles initial appearances. Court schedules are available through the Knox County General Sessions Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or clerk's office. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the total bond amount in Tennessee.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and their personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Knox County Public Defender's Office
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2200
Knoxville, TN 37929
Phone: (865) 215-2440
Knox County Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel may contact the Knoxville Bar Association for a referral to a private criminal defense attorney.

Charging Decision:

The Knox County District Attorney General's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets future hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment regardless of the ultimate resolution of the case.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and either party may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial before a jury or judge. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within three to twelve months
Felony cases: resolved within six to twenty-four months
Tennessee's constitutional speedy trial provisions apply throughout

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Knox County Sheriff's Office (Jail Division)
5001 Maloneyville Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
Phone: (865) 215-2600
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 W. Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2395
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk

Knox County District Attorney General's Office
400 W. Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2515
Knox County District Attorney General

Knox County Public Defender's Office
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2200
Knoxville, TN 37929
Phone: (865) 215-2440
Knox County Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Knox County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Knox County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes minimum retention periods for records maintained by state and local government agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk, the TBI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the court clerk
Retained by local law enforcement for a minimum of ten years
Retained permanently in the TBI state repository

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged
TBI repository retains the record unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases until an expungement order is entered

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
Records are eligible for expungement at no cost under Tennessee law
Individuals may petition for immediate expungement following confirmation that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained permanently in most cases. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not subject to government retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Knox County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum five years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for conviction-related arrests
Arrest reports: minimum five years
Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (865) 215-2243

Knoxville Police Department:

Arrest records: minimum five years
Incident reports: minimum five years
Contact: (865) 215-4010

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk:

Felony case files: permanent
Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
Electronic records: permanent

TBI State Repository: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the state criminal history repository. Retention policy follows state law and includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Tennessee. Members of the public may access information about the TBI's records through the TBI Criminal History Records portal.

FBI Database: The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in local and state databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. An expungement order directs local law enforcement, the court clerk, and the TBI to destroy or seal the applicable records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement while restricting public access. Processing time for removal following an expungement order is typically thirty to ninety days for state and local records.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records under state law. Third-party background check companies and commercial mugshot websites are not required to update their records following an expungement unless they receive direct notice and are subject to FCRA compliance obligations.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (865) 215-2243 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.