Rutherford County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Rutherford County?
Inmate records in Rutherford County are official government documents maintained by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office that chronicle an individual's incarceration history within the county detention system. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, these records document the official custody status of individuals held in county detention facilities.
Inmate records differ from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the Rutherford County Clerk of Courts
- Inmate records document custody status and are maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- Court records focus on case disposition while inmate records focus on physical custody details
The creation and maintenance of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during booking/intake when an individual enters custody
- Information is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Records are completed upon release but maintained in archives according to state retention schedules
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records, maintaining them in accordance with Tennessee state law and county regulations.
Are Inmate Records Public In Rutherford County?
Inmate records in Rutherford County are generally considered public information under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 establishes that "all state, county and municipal records shall, at all times during business hours... be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state." This statute creates a presumption of openness for government records, including those pertaining to inmates in county custody.
The following inmate record components are typically accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster showing individuals in custody
- Basic booking information including name, age, and physical description
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility information
However, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
- Information protected by other state or federal privacy laws
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic inmate information. For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit formal records requests to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Rutherford County
Inmate records in Rutherford County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, held for other jurisdiction)
- Current housing assignment within facility
- Classification level and special housing needs
- Disciplinary incidents during incarceration
- Scheduled court appearances
Charge Information:
- Current charges with statute citations
- Case numbers for pending cases
- Warrant information if applicable
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge disposition if resolved
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court dates
- Court orders pertaining to custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/behavior credits earned
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Conditions of release if applicable
- Post-release supervision requirements
These records are maintained in the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office records management system and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration.
Rutherford County Prison System
The Rutherford County correctional system operates under the authority of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention of individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year. The system is distinct from the Tennessee Department of Correction, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year.
The county detention system primarily consists of the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, which serves multiple functions:
- Housing pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Incarcerating individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (up to 11 months, 29 days)
- Temporarily holding individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Housing state inmates under contract with the Tennessee Department of Correction
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of all detention operations within the county. For inquiries regarding inmate status, visitation, or other detention-related matters, members of the public may contact:
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7770
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office operates according to standards established by the Tennessee Corrections Institute and maintains accreditation through compliance with state detention facility requirements.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Rutherford County
Rutherford County maintains several distinct correctional facilities to accommodate various inmate populations and security needs:
Rutherford County Adult Detention Center
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7770
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
This is the primary detention facility in Rutherford County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates various security classifications and includes:
- Maximum security housing units
- Medium security housing units
- Minimum security housing units
- Special needs housing for inmates requiring medical or mental health observation
- Administrative segregation for inmates requiring separation from the general population
Rutherford County Correctional Work Center
1720 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7858
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
This minimum-security facility houses:
- Non-violent offenders serving misdemeanor sentences
- Inmates participating in work release programs
- Trustees who perform various labor functions for county departments
Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center
1710 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7877
Rutherford County Juvenile Court
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are:
- Awaiting adjudication in Juvenile Court
- Serving juvenile detention sentences
- Awaiting transfer to state juvenile facilities
Each facility maintains specific security protocols, visitation policies, and programming options appropriate to its inmate population and security classification.
Who's in Prison In Rutherford County
The Rutherford County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals who fall under county jurisdiction. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 11 months and 29 days
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Those participating in work release programs while serving sentences
- Offenders sentenced to county time as part of probation requirements
State Inmates (Limited Circumstances):
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- State inmates housed in county facilities under contract with Tennessee Department of Correction
- Individuals returning from state custody for local court appearances
Special Populations:
- Individuals held on federal detainers or for immigration authorities
- Persons awaiting competency evaluations or treatment
- Those serving contempt of court sentences
- Individuals held for other jurisdictions under inter-agency agreements
The demographic composition of the Rutherford County inmate population fluctuates daily, with an average daily population that has grown significantly in recent years due to county population growth and changes in criminal justice policies. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information database provides additional information about individuals who have been convicted of felonies in Tennessee, including those who may have connections to Rutherford County.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Rutherford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Rutherford County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Detention Center" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or booking number)
- Review the results, which generally include basic custody information
- Note that online records typically show only current inmates, not historical records
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the inmate record being requested
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (typically $0.15 per page)
Written Records Request:
- Submit a written request to:
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Records Division
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129 - Include the following information:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific records being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Time period covered by the request
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office at (615) 898-7770
- Request to speak with the Records Division or Detention Center
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Note that only basic custody status information is typically provided by telephone
For more comprehensive criminal history information, interested parties may access the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Search maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
How To Find an Inmate in Rutherford County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Rutherford County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup:
- Visit the Tennessee Felony Offender Information website
- Enter search criteria (name, date of birth, or TOMIS ID if known)
- Review results for custody status and location information
- Note that this database only includes felony offenders, not those held on misdemeanor charges
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office at (615) 898-7770
- Request inmate verification from the detention center staff
- Provide the full legal name and date of birth of the person you're inquiring about
- Receive basic custody confirmation and visitation information
Rutherford County Court Docket Review:
- Visit the Rutherford County Courthouse during business hours
- Request to view public court dockets at the Clerk's Office
- Search for the individual's name to locate case information
- Court records often indicate custody status for defendants
Jail Information Line:
- Call the dedicated Rutherford County Detention Center information line at (615) 898-7877
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the requested identifying information
- Receive automated updates on custody status and basic case information
These free resources provide basic verification of an individual's custody status, current location, and limited case information. For more detailed records, formal public records requests may be necessary.
How To Visit an Inmate In Rutherford County
Visitation with inmates housed in Rutherford County detention facilities is governed by specific policies established by the Sheriff's Office. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
- Each inmate is permitted up to 5 approved visitors
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
Visit Schedule:
- General population visitation occurs Wednesday through Sunday
- Specific visitation times are assigned based on inmate housing unit
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled visitation time
- Late arrivals may result in denial of visitation
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby care items if visiting with an infant (limited to one bottle, one diaper)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Food or beverages
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or lighters
- Medications (unless medically necessary and approved)
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms that resemble staff attire
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation (available for a fee through third-party provider)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Contact visits (limited to special circumstances with prior approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges
For current visitation schedules and updates to visitation policies, visitors should contact the Rutherford County Detention Center directly at (615) 898-7770 or visit the Sheriff's Office website.
How To Send Money to a Rutherford County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Rutherford County detention facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. The following options are currently available:
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Available in the Rutherford County Detention Center lobby
- Accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Service fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Receipts provided for all transactions
- Available during normal lobby hours (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily)
Online Deposits:
- Processed through the approved third-party vendor
- Accessible through the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
- Accepts credit cards and debit cards
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Service fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Telephone Deposits:
- Call the automated system at 1-866-345-1884
- Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
- Accepts credit cards and debit cards
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Service fee: $3.50 per transaction
- Requires inmate ID number and date of birth
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Must be made payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
- Mail to:
Rutherford County Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129 - Personal checks and cash are not accepted
- No service fee for money orders
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
- Maximum amount: $500.00
Amount Limits:
- Maximum weekly deposit limit per inmate: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit limit per inmate: $1,500.00
- Deposits exceeding these limits may be returned or held pending investigation
Funds Usage Regulations:
- Funds may be used for commissary purchases
- Funds may be used for telephone services
- Funds may be used for medical co-pays
- Funds may be used for haircuts and other approved services
- Funds may NOT be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds may NOT be transferred to other inmates
- Funds may NOT be used to purchase prohibited items
Upon release, inmates receive any remaining balance in their accounts via debit card or check, depending on the amount and circumstances of release.
How To Send Jail Mail In Rutherford County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Rutherford County detention facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established by the Sheriff's Office. The following regulations govern all mail sent to and from inmates:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and ID number
- Sender's full name and complete return address
- Mail should be addressed to:
Rutherford County Detention Center
Inmate Name, ID# (if known)
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129 - All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 24-48 hours of receipt
- Mail without proper return address will be rejected
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no larger than 5"x7")
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents (unlimited pages for attorney correspondence)
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Gang-related content or symbols
- Any items containing perfume, lipstick, or unknown substances
- Homemade arts and crafts
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Religious texts are permitted subject to security review
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
- Must come from a verifiable attorney or legal organization
- Opened in the presence of the inmate
- Not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening
E-Messages:
- Available through the approved third-party vendor
- Accessible via the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
- Fee-based service ($0.50 per message)
- Maximum length: 2,000 characters
- Subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered within 24 hours
Violation of mail policies may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges. For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Rutherford County Detention Center at (615) 898-7770.
Lookup Inmate Records in Rutherford County
Rutherford County official website