Tennessee State Departament Of Corrections Inmate Search

Tennessee’s 838 per 100,000 person incarceration rate is one of the highest in the US and across most democratic societies in the world. The state locks up inmates in immigrant detention centers, jails, prisons, and juvenile justice facilities. Over 117,000 individuals are booked into Tennessee’s local jails for crimes ranging from petty to more significant crimes. Tennessee’s imprisonment rate has increased dramatically in the last four decades.   

Tennessee Inmate Records  

Tennessee inmate records contain information about individuals incarcerated in Tennessee’s jails and prisons. The records include the inmate’s personal information, such as name, race, gender, date of birth, religion, mugshot (if any), case status, and upcoming events regarding the case. The public can access this information according to the Tennessee Public Records Act. 

Traditional government agencies and independent third-party websites can access inmate records because US laws regarding such records are public. Third-party sites offer a quick search option because their services are not bound to geographical constraints, unlike most government agencies.  

However, information obtained from these third-party websites may differ from official channels. It’s helpful to provide the following information if you’re searching for inmate records through third-party aggregate websites: 

• The inmate’s location information, including their state, county, and city of residence  
• The inmate’s name, except for juveniles  

Tennessee Inmate Lookup Tool

Tennessee prisons’ inmate search is open and accessible to the interested public. You can run a free inmate search using the Felony Offender Information Locator (FOIL). Tennesse Department of Corrections manages the FOIL inmate lookup tool that allows friends, family, legal professionals, crime victims, and other parties to access inmate information.  

The search tool helps you to locate an inmate by entering their name. You can refine the search results by adding the person’s race and aliases. 

Search results display inmates’ information, including the TDOC ID, name, thumbnail mugshot (if any), date of birth, case status, and current correctional facility. Click on the TDOC for additional details, such as the inmate’s full description, incarceration date, and parole.  

The database accessible through the lookup tool is restricted to individuals incarcerated for a felony in Tennessee. Information on individuals convicted of minor or petty crimes is often unavailable. However, you can access such information by contacting the Department of Corrections. 

Tennessee’s Prison & Jail System  

Tennessee has 14 state correctional facilities owned and managed by the Tennessee Department of Correction and four private prisons under the management of Corecivic. The state also has two federal correctional facilities run through the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ mid-Atlantic regional offices.  

The correctional facilities are divided into three regions, including: 

• Middle Tennessee region 
• East Tennessee region  
• West Tennessee region  

The state has an additional 122 county jails spread across 95 counties under the management of counties and local towns. These local facilities hold short sentences for inmates and individuals awaiting trial.  

The state prisons in Tennessee hold about 30,000 inmates, while county jails have approximately 19,000 inmates. Tennessee’s two federal prisons, FCI Memphis and Memphis prison camp, have a combined population of 8,100 inmates.  

Here’s a summary of Tennessee’s jail system: 

• Two federal prisons  
• Twelve state-owned prisons  
• Seven privately-owned facilities  
• 26 juvenile detention centers  
• 113 county jails  
• One youth correctional facility  

How To Contact An Inmate In Tennessee 

The Tennessee Department of corrections allows incarcerated persons to receive packages and mail from family members and friends. Prison authorities inspect the packages and mail before giving them to an inmate. Letters that don’t adhere to guidelines are returned to the sender or destroyed. Inmates can contact the loved ones on the approved list. You can buy talk time for an inmate by following the instructions here.  

Visiting An Inmate  

Tennessee Department of Correction encourages family and friends to visit inmates as an essential part of rehabilitation. However, you must be an eligible visitor and follow the rules, including filling out a visitation form. Learn more about visitor requirements here.  

Sending Money To An Inmate In Tennessee  

Inmates can keep temporary accounts to access funds to purchase toiletries and snacks from the prison canteen. However, an inmate can’t hold physical money. TDOC has collaborated with JPay to allow inmates to receive funds through money orders. Approved family members and friends can deposit money into inmate accounts.