Gibson County Tennessee Inmate Jail Records

Jail Records – Accessibility and Legality

Criminal justice websites and agencies around the United States have access to public jail records, a detailed report of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. These public reports help law enforcement officials, probation officers, parole officers, bureaus that regulate the probation system, FBI agents, and sheriffs to identify offenders. These criminal justice organizations and systems use the information provided to them to serve their communities, protect the public, and prevent crime.

Each state may keep its own records or may access these data bases at different times. Most states today maintain a database that provides access to public jail records. These data bases can be accessed from state and local criminal justice agencies through the Internet. There is usually a small fee associated with accessing state and local jail records through online databases.

Jail records are maintained in multiple locations. Generally, they are maintained in state correctional facilities such as prisons, jail cells and juvenile facilities. However, local sheriff’s offices also maintain these records. These local correctional facilities are responsible for distributing these records to the designated recipient(s). In most counties, these designated recipients are courts, law enforcement agencies, public record providers and other licensed private agencies.

Jail records, while not available to the general public, are not considered part of public record. This means it may not be freely available over the Internet. If you need this information for any purpose such as checking a friend’s background, hiring a cleaner or nanny, or enrolling your child in a school or daycare program, you must first obtain a court order or present the information to a judge for approval. For information such as marriages, divorces, felonies and minor offenses, you will still need to go through the same steps as in accessing records for the general public. State laws vary and are specific to each jurisdiction.

In states where jail records are available for free, you have to abide by certain rules and regulations. To gain access to these records, you will usually have to fill out an application and pay a nominal fee. Many states require that you call or visit the clerk’s office to apply for jail records. Some even post a required waiting period before you can apply or make a request. Others have a 30-day waiting period. Those who are denied can appealing the decision to several courts within the state.

State laws also dictate that you cannot use jail records as real estate or personal identification. This means that if you want to use jail records in an attempt to secure a job, you will need to show proof of your current address. jail records can be helpful if you have concerns about a new business neighbor or potential romantic partners. The courts, however, do not allow access to jail records for anyone under the age of 18. Jail records are considered a private record and are not supposed to be released publicly.