How to Find Someone in Custody in Tennessee

Three separate systems hold people in custody in Tennessee, and they don't share one search. State prison inmates are in Tennessee Department of Correction custody. People awaiting trial or serving short sentences sit in county jails. Federal defendants are a third system entirely. Here's how to check each, free.

  • State custody: start with the Tennessee Department of Correction locator (tn.gov) — name or ID number searches, current facility, and in most cases projected release dates.
  • County jails: 7 Tennessee counties post their own jail rosters, linked below — that's where you'll find anyone arrested recently or serving under a year.
  • Federal custody: the Bureau of Prisons locator (bop.gov) covers federal defendants and anyone sentenced in US District Court — a separate population people forget to check.
  • Stay notified: VINELink sends automatic alerts when someone's custody status changes — transfer, release, or escape — in nearly every state.

TDOC's FOIL search (Felony Offender Information Lookup) covers state custody and community supervision both. Content reviewed July 29, 2026 by the SearchSystems editorial team.

Official Tennessee Custody Lookups

Tennessee Department of Correction — Inmate Locator
Official Free
The official Tennessee state-custody search. Current facility, custody status, and release information for people serving state sentences.
🌐 tn.gov
VINELink — Tennessee Custody Alerts
Official Free
Search custody status and register for automatic notification when someone is moved or released. Free, run for victims but open to anyone.
🌐 vinelink.com
Federal Bureau of Prisons — Inmate Locator
Official Free
Everyone in federal custody since 1982, searchable by name or register number. Covers federal sentences, which no state system lists.
🌐 bop.gov

Tennessee Counties With Online Jail Rosters

These counties publish their own booking or in-custody lists — click through for each county records page.

Bradley Giles Hamilton Knox Montgomery Shelby Williamson

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tennessee inmate locator free?
Yes. Every official source on this page is free to search. Sites that charge for 'inmate reports' are reselling public data.
Why can't I find someone arrested yesterday?
Fresh arrests appear in the county jail's booking system first, sometimes hours later. State locators only list people after sentencing and transfer to state custody.
Does a locator listing mean the person was convicted?
No. Jail rosters include people awaiting trial who are presumed innocent. Check the court docket for the case outcome.
How do I send money or arrange a visit?
Each facility sets its own rules — the Tennessee Department of Correction site covers state facilities, and each county sheriff posts local jail policies.

Related Tennessee Records

Custody is one piece: the Tennessee criminal records page covers official background checks, wants & warrants lists who's being looked for, and Tennessee court records hold the cases behind every custody entry.