Crime Statistics
The Metro Nashville Police department (MNPD) compiles and publishes crime statistic for Nashville. It also publishes city-wide crime data. Data released in 2017 reveal that the city recorded a total of 33,848 reported crime index offenses. Larceny-theft was the most common property crime with 19,214 incidents while aggravate assault was the most common violent crime. Compared to 2016, the total number of reported crimes grew by 3.52%. Larceny increased by 2.37% while auto theft, robbery, and murder increased by 49.06%, 2.64%, and 33.7% respectively. Conversely, reports of burglary dropped by 8.13% while cases of aggravated assault with dangerous weapon decreased by 10.69%.
Police Records and Arrest Reports
In compliance with Tennessee laws, access to police reports may be restricted to only authorized applicants. Requests can be made by witnesses or victims of a crime, insurance carriers, or legal representatives of victims. Requests for juvenile information will require the permission of the presiding judge of Juvenile court.
How to Obtain a Copy of an Accident/Offense Report
The Metro Nashville Police department processes walk-in and mail requests. Interested parties can obtain police reports in-person by visiting the:
Central Records Division
811 Anderson Lane
Suite 100
Madison, TN 37115
The office opens between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Written applications can be sent by mail along with a check or money order for the right fee to the same address. The department charges $0.15 per page for black and white copies and $0.50 per page for colored copies. A $13.00 fee is charged for arrest record checks and $19.00 for VISA letters. The cost of computer reports is based on request.
How to Obtain Sex Offender Information
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides a searchable online registry that contains information on registered sex offenders in Memphis and other parts of the state. Members of the public can conduct searches using different criteria, including zip code, first and last name and TID number. The registry only provides general information such as the registrant’s offense, primary address, physical features, and photographs.
How to Obtain Background Checks
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation serves as the central repository for criminal history information for Memphis and other parts of the state. It processes requests from the general public for background checks on any individual. Requests can be made by completing an online request form. The department charges a non-refundable $29.00 fee for each request.
How to Obtain Jail/Inmate Information
The Nashville / Davidson County Sheriff’s Office maintains a round-the-clock offender information center that processes requests regarding current and released offenders. Members of the public can also request public jail records by filling out an online request form. In addition, the sheriff’s office maintains an online inmate locator tool that members of the public can use to search for active inmates by name. It provides general information such as the name of the inmate, date of birth, admitted date and booking date.
VITAL RECORDS
Access to Nashville vital records can be found at the county and state level. Applicants may be restricted from obtaining certified records depending on their eligibility.
How to Find Divorce Records
Records for divorce decrees issued in Nashville can be obtained by contacting the Nashville circuit court clerk. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records also processes requests divorce certification. Requests can be made in person at the:
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
The office opens Monday through Friday. All mailed requests must include a duly completed and signed application for certificate of divorce form and a valid (government-issued) I.D. Mailed applications must also be notarized and inclusive of a check or money order made payable to Tennessee Vital Records.
How to Find Marriage Records
Davidson County manages the records of all marriage licenses obtained in the City of Nashville within the last ten (10) years. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Written requests should be sent with a completed application form to the:
Davidson County Clerk’s Office
Attention Marriage Department
P.O. Box 196333
Nashville, TN 37219-6333
Older records are managed by the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. In person requests can be made at the:
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
All mailed requests must include a duly completed and signed application for certificate of marriage and a government-issued ID. Requests sent by mail must also be notarized and include a check or money order made payable to 'Tennessee Vital Records.'
How to Obtain Birth Records
Records of birth certificates for people born later than 1949 in the City of Nashville are issued by the Davidson County Clerk. Birth certificates can only be issued to qualified applicants, namely the registrant or any immediate family member either by blood or marriage. To obtain a newborn’s birth certificate, the mother’s copy of the hospital-issued birth certificate (it must have been issued in the last two years) at the time of birth may be used as an alternative form of identification.
Records of birth certificates for people born earlier than 1949 can be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. All in-person applications must include a duly filled application for certificate of birth and a government-issued picture identification e.g driver’s license, state identification card, military identification card. In person requests and mailed applications can be made at the:
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
All mailed applications MUST be notarized. Payment for mailed applications can be made through check or money order, payable to ‘Tennessee Vital Records.'
