Knox County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Knox County?
Inmate records in Knox County are official documents maintained by the Knox County Sheriff's Office that contain information about individuals who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in Knox County correctional facilities. These records are part of the county's Justice Information Management System (JIMS) and serve multiple administrative and public safety purposes.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains these records pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, which governs public records in the state. Inmate records typically include:
- Booking information and photographs
- Personal identification details
- Current custody status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Charges and case numbers
- Sentence information when applicable
- Projected release dates
These records are maintained by the Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division located at:
Knox County Sheriff's Office 400 Main Street Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2222 Knox County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office utilizes a comprehensive jail management system to track all inmates within the county's detention facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Knox County?
Inmate records in Knox County are considered public records in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). Members of the public have the legal right to access certain information about individuals in custody, with specific limitations to protect privacy and security interests.
The following aspects of inmate records are generally available to the public:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Current charges and case status
- Custody location
- Scheduled court dates
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Projected release dates
However, certain information within inmate records remains confidential under state and federal law, including:
- Medical and mental health information (protected under HIPAA)
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Juvenile records (except in specific circumstances)
- Information that could compromise facility security
The Knox County Sheriff's Office provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate population database and 24-hour arrest list. For more comprehensive record requests, individuals may submit formal public records requests to:
Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division 400 Main Street, Suite L165 Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2243 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
What's Included Inmate Records in Knox County
Knox County inmate records contain comprehensive information collected throughout an individual's interaction with the county's criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-4-140, which establishes requirements for jail record-keeping.
Standard components of Knox County inmate records include:
- Demographic Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks or tattoos
- Booking Details: Date and time of arrest, arresting agency, booking photographs, and fingerprints
- Criminal Charges: Current charges, case numbers, and court of jurisdiction
- Bond Information: Bond amount, type, and status
- Court Proceedings: Scheduled court dates, hearing outcomes, and sentencing information
- Custody Classification: Security level assignment and housing location
- Disciplinary Records: Documentation of rule violations while in custody
- Visitation Logs: Records of approved visitors and visitation history
- Release Information: Scheduled release date, type of release (e.g., time served, bond, transfer)
The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains these records through their corrections management system, which integrates with other components of the county's justice information system.
Knox County Prison System
The Knox County prison system operates under the authority of the Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division. This comprehensive correctional network manages multiple facilities designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process, from pre-trial detention to post-conviction incarceration.
The system is administered in compliance with Tennessee Corrections Institute standards and operates under the oversight of the Knox County Sheriff. Key components of the Knox County prison system include:
- Intake and booking procedures
- Classification and housing assignments
- Security and supervision protocols
- Inmate programs and services
- Medical and mental health care
- Court transportation
- Release processing
The Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division headquarters is located at:
Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division 400 Main Street Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2245 Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections
The division employs approximately 350 corrections officers and support staff who manage an average daily population of over 1,000 inmates across multiple facilities.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Knox County
Knox County maintains several distinct correctional facilities, each serving specific functions within the county's criminal justice system. These facilities operate under the management of the Knox County Sheriff's Office in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-4-101, which establishes county authority to maintain jails.
The county's correctional infrastructure includes:
Knox County Detention Facility 5001 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 281-6700
- Primary detention center for male inmates
- Houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders
- Contains maximum, medium, and minimum security housing units
- Capacity: approximately 1,036 inmates
Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility 5001 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 281-6700
- Modern facility opened in 1994
- Houses both male and female inmates
- Contains specialized housing for medical and mental health needs
- Capacity: approximately 676 inmates
Knox County Work Release Center 5109 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 281-6900
- Minimum security facility
- Houses non-violent offenders who qualify for work release programs
- Allows inmates to maintain employment while serving sentences
- Capacity: approximately 100 inmates
These facilities operate with varying security classifications and housing arrangements based on inmate risk assessments, as detailed in the corrections operations information provided by the Sheriff's Office.
Who's in Prison In Knox County
The Knox County correctional system houses a diverse inmate population that reflects various stages of criminal proceedings and sentencing statuses. As of 2025, the county maintains custody of approximately 1,200 individuals on an average day, with fluctuations based on arrest rates, court processing, and seasonal factors.
The inmate population in Knox County facilities typically consists of:
- Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals awaiting trial who either have not been granted bail or cannot afford to post bond
- Sentenced Misdemeanants: Offenders serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
- State Inmates Awaiting Transfer: Felony offenders sentenced to state prison who remain in county custody pending transfer
- Federal Detainees: Individuals held under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service
- Probation/Parole Violators: Persons detained for violating terms of community supervision
Demographic analysis of the Knox County inmate population indicates:
- Approximately 80% male and 20% female inmates
- Average age range of 20-45 years
- Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds reflecting county demographics
- Varying educational and socioeconomic backgrounds
Current inmate population information is updated daily and can be accessed through the Knox County Sheriff's Office inmate population database.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Knox County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Knox County have multiple methods available to access this information. The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains several platforms for inmate record searches in compliance with Tennessee public records laws.
To search for inmate records in Knox County, individuals may utilize the following methods:
Online Search Options:
- Visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Population database
- Search by inmate name, booking number, or date of birth
- Access the 24-Hour Arrest List for recent bookings
- Review basic custody status, charges, and court information
In-Person Search Options:
- Visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division 400 Main Street, Suite L165 Knoxville, TN 37902 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections Information Line (865) 215-2245 Available 24 hours daily
- Provide inmate name and date of birth for basic custody verification
When searching for inmate records, requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the individual in question to ensure accurate results.
How To Find an Inmate in Knox County for Free?
Knox County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently in custody within the county's detention facilities. These free resources are available to family members, legal representatives, and members of the general public.
The following methods can be used to locate an inmate in Knox County without incurring any fees:
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Online Inmate Locator: The Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Population database provides free, 24-hour access to current inmate information. Users can search by name, booking number, or date of birth.
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Recent Arrest Information: The 24-Hour Arrest List displays individuals booked into custody within the previous 24 hours, updated hourly.
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Telephone Verification: The Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at (865) 215-2245 provides basic custody verification at no cost.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available in the lobby of the Knox County Sheriff's Office (400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902) provide free access to the inmate database during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
When using these resources, searchers should note that information is typically limited to:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Current facility location
- Pending charges
- Scheduled court dates
- Projected release date (when available)
How To Visit an Inmate In Knox County
Visitation with inmates housed in Knox County correctional facilities follows established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with policies set forth in the Knox County Sheriff's Office Corrections FAQ.
Visitation requirements and procedures include:
Visitation Schedule:
- Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Knox County Detention Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Visits are scheduled in 30-minute increments
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Visitor Registration:
- All visitors must pre-register at least 24 hours in advance
- Registration can be completed online or by calling (865) 281-6900
- Visitors must provide government-issued photo identification
- Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult guardian
Visitation Rules:
- Maximum of two visitors per session
- Appropriate dress code strictly enforced
- No personal items allowed in visitation area
- All visitors subject to security screening
- Physical contact limited according to facility policies
Visitation Facilities:
- Video visitation available at both detention facilities
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) conducted in non-contact booths
- Special accommodations available for disabled visitors with advance notice
For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:
Knox County Sheriff's Office Visitation Center 5001 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 281-6900 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
How To Send Money to a Knox County Inmate
Knox County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, and communication services.
Authorized methods for sending money to Knox County inmates include:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the Knox County Sheriff's website
- Create an account and enter the inmate's information
- Make deposits using credit/debit cards or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Use the automated kiosks located in the lobby of both detention facilities
- Available 24 hours daily
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Provide immediate deposit confirmation
- Service fees apply
Mail Money Orders:
- Send money orders (no personal checks) to: Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Trust Fund 5001 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918
- Include inmate's full name and booking number
- No service fees for money orders
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
Telephone Deposits:
- Call the Inmate Trust Fund at (865) 281-6770
- Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Credit/debit card payments accepted
- Service fees apply
All deposits are subject to a 10% deduction for the Inmate Welfare Fund as authorized by Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-4-142. Maximum account balances and deposit limits may apply according to facility policies.
How To Send Jail Mail In Knox County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Knox County detention facilities must follow specific guidelines established to maintain security and efficient mail processing. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with Tennessee Department of Correction policies.
Guidelines for sending mail to Knox County inmates include:
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Knox County Detention Facility
5001 Maloneyville Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter)
- Photographs (maximum 5, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents
Prohibited Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon or marker writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Any items with adhesives
- Publications not sent directly from publisher
Mail Processing Information:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected
- Legal mail is opened in the inmate's presence
- Contraband items will be returned to sender or discarded
- Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 48 hours of receipt
- There is no limit on the volume of mail an inmate may receive
For questions regarding mail policies, contact:
Knox County Sheriff's Office Mail Room 5001 Maloneyville Road Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 281-6750 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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