Request Police Arrest Records - New South Memphis TN

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, individuals seeking police arrest records usually make a public records request to the City of Memphis or consult the Memphis Police Department records unit. This guide explains when arrest records are public, how to request them online, what documentation or identity verification may be required, and which official offices handle release or denial of records. Use the official city open records portal to submit requests and the police records division for case-specific questions. For detainee or booking status you may also check the county detention roster as an immediate source.

Processing times and availability depend on case status and any court seals or ongoing investigations.

How to request arrest records online

Follow these steps to request arrest records originating in New South Memphis. If the record originates from the Memphis Police Department (MPD), direct requests to the MPD Records Division; if the record is held by Shelby County detention staff, use the county roster link below.

  • Start a formal open records request via the City of Memphis Open Records portal: City Open Records[1].
  • For MPD-specific arrest or incident reports, contact the Memphis Police Department Records Division: MPD Records Division[2].
  • If you need current booking or inmate status for arrests processed through county detention, consult the Shelby County inmate search: Shelby County inmate search[3].
  • Prepare to pay any published reproduction or certification fees as listed on the official request portal or department page.
  • Provide a detailed description: names, dates, incident numbers, and your contact information to avoid processing delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Release and misuse of arrest records are governed by the City of Memphis open records procedures and applicable state law where posted on the official pages cited above. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, and precise statutory penalty values are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the City Legal Office or the Records Division when alleging misuse or unlawful withholding.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to redact, court injunctions, forfeiture of unlawfully obtained records, or other court remedies may apply; specific actions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Memphis Police Department Records Division and the City of Memphis Open Records Coordinator handle requests and initial enforcement; appeals or disputes may be adjudicated in state courts or by the applicable reviewer—see the official open records page for contact details.
  • Appeals/review and time limits: specific statutory time limits and appeal procedures are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed on the official portal or with the City Legal Office.

Applications & Forms

The City of Memphis maintains an online open records request form and guidance on submission; the Memphis Police Department may provide an MPD records request or incident report form. Where a published form name or number exists it appears on the official pages cited above; if no form is required the portal accepts written requests via the online submission tool.[1]

Some records may be redacted or withheld for active investigations, juvenile records, or sealed court files.

FAQ

Who can request arrest records?
Any member of the public can file a request under the City of Memphis open records procedures, subject to exemptions and redactions described by law.
How long does it take to receive records?
Processing times vary by case complexity and whether records require redaction; exact processing timeframes are not specified on the cited page.
Is there a fee to get certified copies?
Reproduction and certification fees may apply as published on the City Open Records portal or the MPD Records Division pages.
Ask for an incident number or report number when available to speed the request.

How-To

  1. Visit the City of Memphis Open Records portal and complete the online request form (include names, dates, incident number).[1]
  2. If the record is MPD-specific, contact the MPD Records Division with the report number or incident details.[2]
  3. If seeking booking status, check the Shelby County inmate search for immediate detention information.[3]
  4. Pay any required fees and request certification if you need an official certified copy for court or administrative use.
  5. If your request is denied, follow the appeal instructions on the city portal and consider contacting the City Legal Office.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit requests through the City of Memphis Open Records portal for records originating within Memphis.
  • Use the MPD Records Division for police report copies and Shelby County inmate search for booking status.
  • Expect redactions for sealed or juvenile records and consult the official pages for fee information.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Memphis - Open Records
  2. [2] Memphis Police Department - Records Division
  3. [3] Shelby County Sheriff - Inmate Search