How to Get Police Arrest Records - Memphis
In Memphis, Tennessee, police arrest records are held by city and county law enforcement and by the state for criminal-history checks. This guide explains where to request arrest and booking information, how to order certified criminal-history reports, typical forms and fees, and what to do if a record is incorrect or withheld. Use the Memphis Police Department Records Division for MPD incidents, the Shelby County Sheriff for jail bookings, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for statewide criminal-history checks. Follow the steps below and contact the listed offices for the official request procedures and any applicable fees.
Where to request arrest records
The main routes to obtain arrest information for Memphis are:
- Request MPD incident or arrest reports from the Memphis Police Department Records Division via the city records request page Memphis Police Records[1].
- Search recent jail bookings and inmate status through the Shelby County Sheriff inmate search or booking lookup Shelby County inmate search[2].
- Order statewide criminal-history or fingerprint-based background checks from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for certified records used in employment or licensing TBI background checks[3].
Start with the agency that made the arrest for fastest access to incident reports.
Penalties & Enforcement
Access to arrest records is governed by public-records law and by agency procedures; enforcement and penalties for misuse or improper release are managed by the responsible agency and by state remedies.
- Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page Memphis Police Records[1].
- Escalation for repeat or continuing violations: not specified on the cited pages cited above Shelby County inmate search[2].
- Non-monetary sanctions and remedies: agencies may withhold exempt records, correct records, or face administrative review; criminal or civil proceedings may follow where state law is violated.
- Enforcers and complaint pathways: the Memphis Police Department Records Division and the Shelby County Sheriff are initial contacts for record requests and complaints; statewide criminal-history services are handled by the TBI TBI[3].
- Appeal and review: requesters may seek internal review with the producing agency and may pursue judicial remedies; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
If you believe a record was released improperly, contact the producing agency immediately.
Applications & Forms
Typical forms and procedures:
- Memphis Police Records request form or online portal: see the Records Division page for submission instructions and any downloadable forms Memphis Police Records[1]. If a specific form number or fee is required, it is not specified on the cited page.
- Shelby County booking/inmate requests: use the online inmate search for immediate booking data; certified disposition or court documents may require a separate request to the sheriff or the court clerk Shelby County inmate search[2].
- TBI fingerprint-based background check application: follow the TBI instructions and fee schedule on the TBI site; specific fee amounts or form numbers are not specified on the cited page TBI[3].
How to request arrest records - action steps
- Identify the arresting agency (Memphis Police for city arrests; Shelby County Sheriff for jail bookings).
- Search Shelby County inmate records for recent bookings online to get booking numbers and dates Shelby County inmate search[2].
- Submit a records request to the Memphis Police Records Division for incident or arrest reports; include name, date, location, and any case number Memphis Police Records[1].
- If you need a certified criminal-history or fingerprint-based report for employment or licensing, order through the TBI following their application and payment instructions TBI[3].
- If a record is withheld or incorrect, request agency review in writing, and prepare to pursue administrative review or court remedies if necessary.
Keep copies of all requests, case numbers, and correspondence for appeals.
FAQ
- Can I get an arrest report online for free?
- Some recent booking information is available online via the Shelby County inmate search; incident or arrest reports from MPD usually require a records request and may involve fees as listed by the producing agency.
- How long does it take to receive a records request response?
- Response times vary by agency and request complexity; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited pages and depend on processing backlog and whether the request requires redaction.
- Can I obtain a certified criminal-history for employment?
- Yes. Certified, fingerprint-based criminal-history checks are provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; follow the TBI application process for certified results.
How-To
- Locate the arresting agency and collect identifying details (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date).
- Use the Shelby County inmate search to confirm recent bookings and get booking numbers Shelby County inmate search[2].
- Submit a records request to the Memphis Police Records Division with required identification and payment method if fees apply Memphis Police Records[1].
- For certified statewide criminal histories, apply through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and follow fingerprinting instructions TBI[3].
- If the record is incorrect or withheld, file a written review request with the producing agency and retain all correspondence for possible appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Start with the arresting agency: MPD for city incidents, Shelby County Sheriff for jail bookings.
- Use TBI for certified, fingerprint-based criminal-history reports required for official purposes.
Help and Support / Resources
- Memphis Police Department Records Division
- Shelby County Sheriff
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
- City of Memphis government - Public Records