Free Anderson County Tennessee Public Records: Search Anyone

Free Public Records Search (Anderson County)
Access Anderson County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

Search free Anderson County public records to reveal information about a friend, colleague, neighbor, family member, loved one or anyone one else.

No matter why you’re searching for public information, the records you’re looking for can be access for free in most cases and knowing where to look is key.

Public records are available thanks to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Tennessee Public Records Act, and include records pertaining to background check reports, prisoner information, warrants, arrests, criminal offenses, probation, birth, death, marriage, divorce, court proceedings and more.

This streamlined resource provides guidance to access all sorts of public records through local agencies, making the process quick and easy.

How To Look Up Free Arrest Records & Mugshots in Anderson County Tennessee

There are a number of reputable agencies throughout Anderson County that provide access to arrest records and mugshots.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s usually best to check with county-level agencies first as they allow for broader search, and then move on to the city police departments below after.

The process to find arrests through the Anderson County jail and Sheriff’s Office is outlined below and if that doesn’t yield results municipal jails and police departments can provide more up to date arrest information if it occurred within the last 24 hours, or if a detailed police report is needed.

Note, knowing the inmate’s name and the approximate location of the arrest can help you perform a more focused search.

Find Arrestees Booked in the Anderson County Jail

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate database that makes it seamless for the public to identify arrestees and their whereabouts.

This database lists current inmates by alphabetical order. It also provides basic information about each inmate, including their name, mug shot, date of intake, arresting police department, charges, bond amount and date of release, if applicable.

A screenshot of the Anderson County Online Inmate Database showing blurred mugshots of inmates and details of arrest including full name, age, race and charge information; results are sorted alphabetically.
Source: Anderson County Sheriffs Office1

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office also provides a list of inmates arrested or released within the last 24 hours for searchers seeking this information, such as victims trying to determine if the individual they have a restraining order on was released from jail or made bond.2 These services are available free of charge to all members of the public.

Alternatively, inquirers can request information about a specific inmate by contacting the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at (865)-457-6255 or by visiting the office in person at:

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
101 South Main Street
Clinton, TN, 37716 

Looking for inmates at the county level provides the broadest type of search because it covers all local areas, including Clinton, Norris, Oak Ridge, Rocky Top, Oliver Springs and Andersonville. This allows searchers to locate anyone arrested and booked in Anderson County despite the location of the arrest.

While many online resources offer public arrest logs, others may require you to visit their location in person or call them to access the information you’re looking for.

Requesters may also want to get in touch with the Anderson County Detention Center directly for more details regarding specific inmates. Their phone number is (865)-457-7100. Searchers can also visit them in person at the following address:

Anderson County Detention Facility
308 Public Safety Ln
Clinton, TN 37716

If you need more information, the official Anderson County government website allows citizens to request and view government public records. To access these files, you must submit a public records request via email or regular mail. The Tennessee Public Records Act also requires that you include official proof of Tennessee residency along with your request.

You’ll need to fill out this public records request form before submitting it to the Anderson County Government Office.

If submitting your request via email, please send it to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can mail a copy to the following address:

Anderson County Government
Attn: Public Records Request Coordinator
100 N Main St. Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716

View Arrests & Obtain Public Police Reports via Law Enforcement Agencies in Anderson County

When a county search doesn’t yield results, searchers may be able to obtain arrests information through the local police departments within the county.

Typically, these local departments are the arresting agency and therefore may have information about recent arrests before the county does. The local police department may be able to provide you with the information you need for legal issues, filing complaints and other matters.

The first step is to find the city and corresponding police department based on where the arrest occurred. Below is a list of the local police departments in Anderson County. Use this information to contact the right police department or navigate to their records page to request a police report.

Oak Ridge Police Department — If you wish to view the inmate roster or search for a specific offender, be sure to visit the Oak Ridge Police Department’s contact page. To speak to the police department over the phone, please call (865)-425-4399. You can also visit them at the following address:

Oak Ridge Police Department
200 S Tulane Ave
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

The Records Department at ORPD allows you to request a copy of a police report. There are multiple ways you can do this. First, you can opt to fill out the records request form on their website and email it to [email protected].3 Alternatively, you can mail it to this address:

Police Records
P.O. Box 1
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Make sure to include the name, date of birth and incident date or location along with the request form. Another option is to make an in-person request at the Records window at the ORPD. Finally, you can call the Records Department at (865)-425-3512 to obtain a report.

Clinton Police Department — To get more information on an inmate, scroll down to visit the Clinton Police Department’s contact page.

You can also request a copy of a police report Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. It’s important to make the request at the police department to receive a copy of the report. Remember to bring an official form of government I.D. if you’re seeking an arrest records check.

To ensure the report you receive is as accurate as possible, be prepared to offer the following information:

  • Date and location of incident
  • Type of incident
  • Name and address of complainant & victims involved (if applicable)
  • Motor vehicles involved in incident (if accident report)

To speak with the Clinton Police Department over the phone, call them at (865)-457-3112. The CPD’s mailing address is as follows:

Clinton Police Dept.
125 West Broad St
Clinton, TN 37716

Norris Police Department — The Norris Police Department’s contact information can be located on the City of Norris contact page. You can use this information to find out more about a current inmate. To locate a public record, contact the Records Clerk by calling (865)-494-7645.

You can also put in a request for a report by sending an email to [email protected]. If requesting a public record via email, you must fill out the official request form online.4

A screenshot of the 'Public Records Request Form A' for the City of Norris Police Department requires requestors to fill out their full name and address and select what type of request.
Source: City of Norris4

You can then email the form or mail a printed copy to the following address:

City Recorder
City of Norris City Office
20 Chestnut Dr.
Norris, TN 37828

To contact the Norris Police Department, call them at (865)-494-0880 or (865)-494-0881. The NPD’s address is as follows:

Norris Police Department
9 West Circle Drive
Norris, TN 37828

Rocky Top Police Department — You can contact the Rocky Top Police Department directly for more information on inmates and police reports. To submit a request for a police report, send an email to the Chief of Police at [email protected].

Alternatively, you can speak to the RTPD directly by calling them at (865)-426-7402. If you wish to visit the police department in person to find the specific information you’re looking for, stop by their office at the following address:

Rocky Top Police Department
104 Lawson Street
Rocky Top, TN 37769

Oliver Springs Police Department — If you want to get in touch with the Oliver Springs Police Department, you can reach them at (865)-435-7777. You can also visit them in person if you’re looking for more information on inmate records or if you wish to obtain a police report. To speak to an officer, visit the police department address below:

Oliver Springs Police Department
701 Main Street
Oliver Springs, TN 37840

How To See Someone’s Criminal Record for Free in Anderson County Tennessee

There are numerous types of criminal records that you can search for. These include background check reports, warrants, probations, charges and sex offender registries, among others.

Familiarizing yourself with the various types of records can help ensure that you find what you’re looking for. Once you know which types of criminal reports you need, you can seek out the appropriate agency to access this information.

There are several criminal record custodians to be familiar with. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department holds various types of public records, namely criminal records, background checks and arrest warrants.

However, the Anderson County Clerk of Courts is the record custodian for all civil, criminal and family court proceedings held in the county. Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation allows you to make a public record request to access the information you need.

Find Out If Someone Has a Criminal History by Utilizing the Anderson County Online Search Tool

The Anderson County Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining records for general court sessions in Clinton and Oak Ridge.6 This court makes it convenient for individuals to assess this information through its online search tool.

Interested parties can search this database by name, alias, date of birth and case number. These services are available to anyone and are free of charge.

A screenshot of the Criminal Case Search results from the Anderson County Circuit Court page shows information such as Case no., parties involved, judge, status, filing date and disposition date.
Source: Anderson County Circuit Court5

Inquirers should input as much information as possible to obtain the most accurate search results. For instance, only using a person’s name could inadvertently provide information for the wrong person. However, if the requester uses both the name and date of birth, the results will more likely be accurate. However, using the general information available can still generate results.

This database provides information about the specific charges, if the case is still pending and what the final verdict and punishment were. It’s important to note that this database only includes crimes committed in Anderson County. For a more comprehensive check, a state or federal search may be necessary.

If you prefer you can also conduct an in-person search at the Anderson County Courthouse:

Anderson County Courthouse
100 North Bowling Street
Clinton, TN 37716

Phone: (865)-457-5400

Anderson County Clerk
Courthouse
100 North Main Street, Room 205
Clinton, TN 37716

Note: Residents can also execute a free public criminal record check through the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department. The department offers these services as a public service. These reports include all pertinent information, including prior arrests, potential warrants and court case details. Interested parties can visit the sheriff’s department at the address listed below or contact the office at (865)-457-6255.

How To Determine Who or if Someone Has a Warrant Out for Their Arrest in Anderson County Tennessee

Anderson County does not have an online search for outstanding warrants. Therefore, the best way to find out if there is an active warrant for someone is to contact the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department directly via phone call or an in-person visit:

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
101 South Main Street
Clinton, TN, 37716

Phone: (865)-457-6255

Interested parties can also contact the local police departments in Anderson County at the address or phone numbers listed above.

If a searcher is unable to find active warrant information in Anderson County, they can request background checks through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s background check search form.7

A screenshot of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation webpage where the process for Background Check Requests is being described and a red arrow is pointing to the link for the Online Request Form.
Source: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation7

These reports will include warrant details (more on background checks can be found below).

How To Search Probation Records & Determine Who’s on Probation in Anderson County

Anderson County does not offer an online search for individuals on probation. However, interested parties can find an individual’s probation status through the Anderson County Circuit Court online search tool.

The Department of Correction search tool provides details about felony offenders in the state.8

A screenshot of the Felony Offender Search by name page provided by the Tennessee Department of Corrections requires users to offender's full name and complete the captcha to search.
Source: Tennessee Department of Corrections8

You can search this database by only entering the individual’s last name, but if you have the first name and race, you can obtain better results. This database includes a brief description of the offender’s name and alias names, their various offenses, current status, parole hearing results and release eligibility date along with other basic information.

For more information about a specific individual, interested parties should check with the closest of the Department of Corrections field office locations by calling (865)-220-4001 or visiting the address listed below:9

Department of Corrections, District 21
110 East Centre Stage Business Park
Clinton, TN 37716

Performing a Background Check in Anderson County

Anyone can conduct a criminal background check search for any reason using these provided agencies or third-party resources, and consent from the subject of the search isn’t required. It is unlawful to use the information found in these searches for illegal purposes, such as stalking or intimidation.

Criminal background checks can be necessary for a number of personal and professional reasons, such as employment, firearm licensure, housing, and more.

To complete a background check, contact the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department at (865)-457-6258 or fax your request to (865)-264-6286. Be sure to include as much information about the individual as possible, such as name, address and date of birth, when faxing your request. The department maintains a database and offers background checks as a public service for employment and volunteer work, among other reasons.

The cost for a criminal background check is $5, which must be paid in cash when picking up the report.10

Searchers can also check with local police departments (listed above) to inquire whether they perform background checks for individuals in their areas.

Finally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers a background check service to the general public for the cost of $29.00.11 This background check only covers crimes committed in Tennessee.

Interested parties can also order a more comprehensive nationwide background check. This type of criminal background check requires fingerprints and costs $59. Record seekers can request a criminal background check through the Bureau’s online portal or by completing the appropriate Criminal History Information Request Form and mailing it to the address below.

If fingerprinting is required, the individual must schedule an appointment through the online portal.12 It’s important to note that these background checks are for personal use only and not for employment or licensing.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Road
Nashville, TN 37216

Phone: (615)-744-4057

How To Obtain Tennessee Criminal Records Through State & Federal Agencies

In addition to the county based resources above, there are a number of registries across Tennessee that offer statewide and federal criminal records/ These agencies and databases include:

  • Tennessee Courts: The Tennessee Courts Public Case History tool allows users to check the history of cases held before the state Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Appeals. This online tool is free and available to anyone.
  • Department of Correction: The Department of Corrections provides information pertaining to felons who are currently or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction for a felony offense.13 Interested parties can use the online search tool free of charge.
  • Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation can conduct statewide criminal background checks. The agency can also conduct nationwide background checks, but this process requires the individual to complete the fingerprinting process with the bureau. Criminal background check requests can be made through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s online portal.

There is a fee of $25 for statewide criminal background checks and $50 for nationwide checks. Qualified organizations may receive a discount on these costs.

  • Federal Bureau of Prisons: The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers a free online inmate search tool for finding inmates in any federal prisons. This database includes all inmates convicted in or after 1982. Requesters can search by the inmate’s name or assigned BOP number, and there is no cost for using these services.
  • Tennessee Sex Offender Registry: This online registry includes all the known sex offenders living in Tennessee. The list includes the full name, brief description and photo of each offender. It also provides the last known address, specifics about their charges and past criminal records. Those who committed a sex crime against a child are highlighted in red. Anyone can have access to this registry free of charge.
  • Tennessee Drug Offender Registry: This online registry includes a list of all those convicted of a methamphetamine-related crime in the state of Tennessee. The data is collected from individual county clerk offices and compiled. This registry began in 2014, and offenders remain on the list for up to 10 years. Anyone can use this online drug offender registry free of charge.14
  • National Sex Offender Registry: The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) allows anyone to search for convicted sex offenders by name or location, at no cost.
A screenshot of list of offenders from the National Sex Offender Public Website with their mugshots, age, full name, aliases and address.
Source: DRU SJODIN National Sex Offender Public Website15

How To Perform an Anderson County Tennessee Court Case Lookup

Federal and state laws pertaining to FOIA requests and access to Anderson County public records give individuals access to court records, including court case documents, reports and docket information.

When searching for court case records, it’s important to identify what type of court handled the case.

In Anderson County, there are several types of court cases, including the Circuit Court, Chancery Court, Juvenile Court and General Assembly courts in both Clinton and Oak Ridge. Anderson County is also home to several municipal courts, including ones in Clinton, Norris, Oak Ridge, Oliver Springs and Rocky Top.

Perhaps the easiest way to search for these records is through the Anderson County Circuit Court’s online database. Document seekers can also visit or contact individual courts using the contact information below to request this information:

Office Location Address Phone Number
Anderson County Circuit Court 100 North Main Street, Suite 309
Clinton, TN 37716
(865)-457-6205
Anderson County Chancery Court 100 North Main Street, Room 302
Clinton, TN 37716
(865)-457-6205
Anderson County General Sessions Court – Division I 100 North Main Street, Suite 309
Clinton, TN 37716
(865)-463-6821
Anderson County General Sessions Court – Division II 101 Bus Terminal Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865)-463-6821
Anderson County Juvenile Court 101 South Main Street, Suite 200
Clinton, TN 37716
(865)-264-6351
Clinton City Court 100 North Bowling Street
Clinton, TN 37716
(865)-259-1110
Norris City Court 20 Chestnut Drive, PO Box 1090
Norris, TN 37828
(865)-494-7302
Oak Ridge City Court 200 South Tulane Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865)-425-3536
Oliver Springs City Court 717 Main Street
Oliver Springs, TN 37840
(865)-435-5946
Rocky Top City Court 195 South Main Street
Oliver Springs, TN 37840
(865)-426-8990

State Records — The Tennessee Court System also makes their court records readily available to the public through its online case search portal.

A screenshot of the Tennessee Public Case History Online Portal's Appellate Case Search with a red arrow pointing to the search bar where you may input the case number.
Source: Tennessee State Courts16

This database includes court records from the Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Criminal Court of Appeals. You can search the database by case number, case style or name of individual or business. Interested parties who cannot find the information they’re looking for online can contact the Appellate Court of Clerk’s Office directly using the details below:

Appellate Court Clerk’s Office
Supreme Court Building
4001 7th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615)-741-2681

Federal Records — Record seekers can also access federal records, including appellate, district and bankruptcy court records, through the U.S. government’s Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) online portal.17 If the requestor knows what court the case was through, they can use this online database to find the right information immediately.

Otherwise, interested parties can search the entire database and then narrow their search down.

Individuals can also make in-person requests for paper records at any Federal Records Center, use the Voice Case Information System or contact the federal court where the case was filed. There is a $0.10 fee for each page accessed through the portal with a maximum fee of $3.00, but this fee is waived if the total amount is under $3.00.18

How To Access Anderson County Vital Records Surrounding Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death

Vital records are those that pertain to specific life events, such as a birth, death, marriage or divorce.

These records are typically maintained at the county level through the local department of health, county clerk of court office or the area’s department of archives and records. The state of Tennessee also maintains a database of these records and can provide both copies and certified copies upon request.19

Typically, in order to obtain these records, the requester must be related to the person on the record, such as self, spouse, child or parent. In some cases, other parties may be able to obtain these records. Vital records are not covered under the Public Records Act.20 Birth records are not made public until 75 years after the date of birth, whereas death, marriage and divorce records are made public after 50 years.

There are several reasons why someone may request these records, such as:

  • Proof of marriage, divorce, birth or death
  • Genealogy purposes
  • Proof of citizenship
  • To obtain a driver’s license or state ID card
  • To enroll in school
  • To secure inheritance

Search Marital Records (Marriage, Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage) Through the Anderson County Clerk of Court

Record seekers have several options for finding marital records in Anderson County. The most convenient option for residents seeking a copy of a marriage certificate may be to make this request through the Clerk of Court Office.

Interested parties can visit the Anderson County Clerk of Court Office in Clinton at the address below, or make this request by mail by sending a request to the Clerk’s office along with a check or money order for $5.00.21

Anderson County Clerk
Courthouse
100 North Main Street, Room 205
Clinton, TN 37716

Interested parties who only want marital records without a copy of the certificate can use the county’s convenient online search tool.22 Searchers must know the first and last names of both parties on the marriage certificate.

A screenshot of the Tennessee Marriage Lookup Online Portal with two red arrows pointing to where it says Applicant 1 and Applicant 2, referring to both spouses in the marriage.
Source: Tennessee County Clerk22

Inquirers can also go through the Department of Archives & Records in Clinton to access copies of not only marriage licenses and divorce decrees but also probate court records, estate records and wills.

This department is responsible for preserving permanent records from 1811-present for Anderson County and interested parties can make requests for marital records in person or by mail at the address listed below.

The department does charge a fee of $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for all subsequent pages or $2.00 for the first page of a certified copy and $0.50 for all subsequent pages. All requests by mail should include appropriate fees and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Record seekers can contact the department at (865)-457-6242 for more information, or visit:

Anderson County Department of Archives & Records
100 North Main Street, Room 307
Clinton, TN 37716

An alternative option is to request these records directly through the Tennessee Vital Records Office.23 Inquirers can make this request in person, by mail or online.

  • In Person: Individuals can make requests for marital records in person at the address listed below. Interested parties must complete the appropriate application for a marriage certificate or divorce certificate,24,25 show proof of identification and pay a $15.00 fee.
  • By Mail: Interested parties can also request both marriage certificates and divorce decrees by mail. To do so, the requester must complete the corresponding application for a marriage certificate or divorce decree, and submit it along with a check or money order for $15.00 and proof of identification to the address listed below.
  • Online: While Tennessee doesn’t directly provide online services for records requests, it does work with a third-party vendor, VitalChek, to handle these requests. Interested parties can follow the online instructions to obtain a marriage certificate or divorce decree record.

Tennessee Vital Records
First Flr., Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Retrieve Birth & Death Records in Anderson County Tennessee via the Department of Health

The simplest way for residents of Anderson County to obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate is through the local department of health office.26 The Anderson County Health Department can provide copies of birth and death certificates for anyone who was born or died in Tennessee, even if in another county.

Requesters must be related to the person whose name is on the birth or death certificate, including self, parent, child or spouse, complete an application and pay a fee of $15.

A screenshot of the Application For Copy Of A Tennessee Birth Certificate Form; the department's logo at the top and corresponding fees ($15) for request copies of the document are displayed.
Source: Tennessee State Government27

Interested parties can apply for a copy of a birth or death certificate by visiting the Anderson County Health Department in person at the address listed below or call for more information at (865)-425-8800.

Anderson County Health Department
710 North Main Street
Clinton, TN 37716

Residents of Anderson County can also obtain copies of birth certificates at the Oak Ridge Clerk of Court Office. This office can print short-form birth certificates for births after 1949. It’s important to note that birth certificates dated between 1949 and 1976 do not include parents’ names.

Interested parties can visit the office in person at the address listed below or contact the office at (865)-483-0541 for more information. Searchers must complete an application and pay a $20 fee.

Oak Ridge Clerk of Court Office
728 Emory Valley Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Alternatively, inquirers can request original copies of a birth or death certificate through the Tennessee Vital Records office. Interested parties can make this request online, in person or by mail.

  • Online: The state does not directly handle online records requests. Instead, the state works with an approved third-party vendor, VitalChek, to handle these requests. This vendor handles both birth certificate and death certificate requests. Record seekers can follow the online instructions to process their request.
  • By Mail: Individuals can also request birth and death certificates by mail. Interested parties must complete the corresponding application for either a birth certificate or death certificate. They can mail this application, along with a copy of proper identification and a check or money order for $15 made payable to Tennessee Vital Records, to the address listed above.28
  • In Person: Interested parties can also make in-person requests at the Tennessee Vital Records office in Nashville (address can be found in previous section). Inquirers must complete the corresponding application for a birth certificate or death certificate, show proper identification and pay a $15 fee when ordering any type of vital records.

Note: Tennessee birth records are considered protected (confidential) for 75 years after the event, while death records are sealed for 50 years after someone has passed. During those time frames, only authorized individuals can obtain a certificate.

How To Figure Out Who Owns Anderson County Property & if There Are Unpaid Taxes

Requesters do not have to live in Anderson County to access information about various properties and delinquent property taxes. In fact, the Anderson County Assessor of Property Office makes this information readily available through its online property search database.

The Anderson County Online Property Search Tool screenshot shows a map of the county and live navigation buttons; the Assessor's logo is on the left.
Source: Anderson County Assessor of Property29

Interested parties can search this database by owner name, address or parcel ID number. This online database provides the property owner’s name, the property ID number, use descriptions, assessment value and other pertinent information.

Interested parties can also visit the Anderson County Assessor of Property office in person at the address below to request this information, or contact the office at (865)-457-6225 or (865)-457-6219.

Anderson County Assessor of Property
Anderson County Courthouse
100 North Street, Room 202
Clinton, TN 37716

An Overview of Citizens’ Rights & Using Anderson County Public Records Responsibly

While the state of Tennessee and Anderson County make many criminal, vital and property records available to the public, the expectation is that those requesting the information handle it appropriately.

When seeking these records for personal reasons, such as gaining information about a family member or potential partner, gathering information prior to purchasing a home or requesting information to obtain a state ID card, it’s crucial that requesters not use this information for malicious practices.

For example, inquirers cannot use the information found on public records to harass, stalk or intimidate another individual or for identity theft purposes. Using these details for these purposes is a crime, and the requester can be arrested and charged. When using online services, searchers typically must agree to use the available information only for personal reasons and not for malicious activities.

Employers must also adhere to a variety of laws designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with prior criminal records. Two laws in particular impact employers, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Ban-the-Box law.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law impacting employers across the country, including those in Anderson County.30 While this act does not prohibit employers from running background checks on employees and candidates, it does require employers to obtain written consent before conducting a background check.

If this information on this background check causes an adverse action impacting the employee or candidate, the employer must notify the individual in person and in writing and provide a copy of the report where the information was obtained.

The governor of Tennessee signed the Ban-the-Box Law in 2016.31 This law prevents employers from using criminal background checks when making initial hiring decisions. Once a job offer is made to a candidate, the employer can then obtain the individual’s criminal record.

Based on this information, the employer does have the right to rescind the initial job offer, but they must notify the candidate in writing as to why they are rescinding the offer and provide a copy of all records used to make this decision. The employer must also give the candidate the opportunity to respond to this decision and provide any relevant information.

Individuals who feel that their criminal record was used inappropriately by an employer can contact several agencies to file a complaint, including:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — The EEOC handles cases of workplace discrimination. Individuals who believe their criminal record was wrongly used against them can file a complaint with the EEOC for employment discrimination. Interested parties can file a complaint using the EEOC public portal or by contacting the nearest EEOC office at the following address:32

220 Athens Way, Suite 350
Nashville, TN 37228

Phone: (629)-236-2240

Federal Trade Commission — Individuals who believe an employer conducted a criminal background check without their permission can file a complaint with the FTC. Applicants can also file a complaint if they were turned down for a job due to their criminal background but the employer did not provide them with the required documentation or written notification. Individuals can file complaints at the FTC’s online fraud center.33

Tennessee Human Rights Commission — Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against in the workplace due to their criminal record can also file a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Impacted individuals can file a complaint using the commission’s online form, print the required form and mail it to the address listed on the complaint, contact the commission directly at (800)-251-3589 or visit its Nashville office at:34

William R Snodgrad Tennessee Tower
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 23rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

A screenshot of Tennessee Discrimination Complaint Form with a red-blue arrow pointing to the box you need to tick for Employment-related complaints.
Source: Tennessee State Government34

Use the convenient resources outlined throughout this article to obtain the free or low-cost Anderson County public records you need today.


References

1Anderson County Current Inmates Database. (n.d.). Anderson County Sheriffs Office. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.ace911isoms.com:9000/Jail>

2Anderson County Inmate Database: Last 24 Hours. (n.d.). Anderson County Sheriffs Office. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.ace911isoms.com:9000/Jail?hours=24>

3Oak Ridge Police Records Request. (December 2010). City Of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <http://www.oakridgetn.gov/images/uploads/Documents/Departments/Police/ORPD%20Records%20Request%20UPDATED%20NOV%202019.docx>

4Public Records Request Form A. (n.d.). City of Norris. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.cityofnorris.com/uploads/1/4/3/7/143740943/public_records_request_form_a.pdf>

5Anderson County Circuit Court. (n.d.). Criminal Case Search Results. Retrieved October 23, <http://www.andersoncircuitcourt.com/search/mainpage.aspx>

6Docket Search. (n.d.). Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://anderson-county.com/CircuitCourt/dockets/>

7Background Checks. (n.d.). Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/tbi/divisions/cjis-division/background-checks.html>

8Search – Department of Correction. (n.d.). TN Department of Correction. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://foil.app.tn.gov/foil/search.jsp>

9Field Office Directory. (n.d.). TN Department of Correction. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/correction/cs/field-office-directory.html>

10Fees. (n.d.). Anderson County Tennessee. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://tnacso.net/fees/>

11Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/tbi.html>

12FBI History Check. (n.d.). IdentoGO. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.identogo.com/services/history-check/fbi-history-check?filter=consumer-services>

13Felony Offender Information. (n.d.). TN Department of Correction. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://foil.app.tn.gov/foil/>

14Drug Offender Registry Database. (n.d.). Tennessee State Government. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://methor.app.tn.gov/methor/>

15U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Search Results. DRU SJODIN National Sex Offender Public Website. Retrieved October 23, 2023, from <https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries>

16Appellate Case Search. (n.d.). Tennessee State Courts. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/public-case-history>

17Find a Case (PACER). (n.d.). United States Courts. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.uscourts.gov/court-records/find-case-pacer>

18Electronic Public Access Fee Schedule. (2019, December 31). United States Courts. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/fees/electronic-public-access-fee-schedule>

19Office of Vital Records. (n.d.). TN Department of Health. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html>

20Exceptions to the Tennessee Public Records Act. (n.d.). Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/open-records-counsel/open-meetings/exceptions-to-the-tennessee-public-records-act.html>

21Marriage Services. (n.d.). Anderson County Tennessee. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://andersoncountyclerk.com/marriage-services/>

22Search Marriage Lookup. (n.d.). Tennessee County Clerk. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/marriagelookup/index.php?countylist=1>

23Tennessee Vital Records. (n.d.). VitalCheck. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/tennessee/tennessee-vital-records?click_id=566891036887547906&ppc=0>

24Application for Certified Copy of a Tennessee Certificate of Marriage. (2019, November). Tennessee State Government. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/vital-records/PH-1670-Application-For-Certified-Copy-of-Certificate-of-Marriage.pdf>

25Application for Certified Copy of Tennessee Certificate of Divorce or Annulment. (2019, November). Tennessee State Government. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/vital-records/PH-1671-Application-For-Certified-Copy-of-Certificate-of-Divorce-or-Annulment.pdf>

26How do I get my certificate? (n.d.). TN Department of Heallth. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records/certificate.html>

27Application For Certified Copy Of A Tennessee Certificate Of Birth. (2019, October). Tennessee State Government. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/vital-records/PH-1654-Application-For-Certificate-of-Birth.pdf>

28Identification Requirements. (n.d.). TN Department of Health. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/health/health-program-areas/vital-records/id.html>

29Header Controller Anderson County TN Property Search. (n.d.). Anderson County Assessor of Property. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://acassessor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ceca75ab630048669e3b90abb301b09a>

30Fair Credit Reporting Act. (n.d.). Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>

31Senate Bill 2440. (n.d.). Tennessee General Assembly. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/109/Bill/SB2440.pdf>

32Public Portal. (n.d.). U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/Portal/Login.aspx>

33Report to help fight fraud! (n.d.). ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/>

34Discrimination Complaint. (2013, July). Tennessee State Government. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/humanrights/documents/2019%20English%20Complaint%20Form.pdf>