What are Grundy County Public Records?
The Tennessee Open Records Act defines Grundy public records as information irrespective of physical form, maintained according to the law in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency. Public records include written and typed documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, and video or sound recordings. Not all government records are public. Some may have parts removed or redacted if classified as confidential or sealed by a court order. Examples of records that may be excluded from public access include:
- The medical records of patients in the state, county, and municipal hospitals and medical facilities, and the medical records of persons receiving medical treatment are confidential.
- Any records, documents, and papers in the possession of the military department which involve the security of the United States and the state of Tennessee. This information includes but is not limited to national guard personnel records, staff studies, and investigations.
- The records of students in public educational institutions shall be treated as confidential. These include records of academic performance, the financial status of their parents or guardians, medical or psychological treatment or testing.
- Government agency records containing opinions of the value of real and personal property being acquired for public purposes are exempt from public inspection until the acquisition is finalized.
- Communications made to or by the attorney general and reporter or their subordinates under the attorney general and reporter's supervision and control that falls under the attorney-client relationship.
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant.
Note: Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Grundy County Crime Statistics
Yearly crime data and statistics for the county is gathered and organized by the Grundy County Sheriff's Department. The records are passed on to the FBI who adds them to their national database, which uses the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system. According to the UCR statistics for 2017 and 2018, murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary reduced by 50%, 100%, 3.5%, and 15.8%, respectively. In contrast, cases of rape, property crime, larceny, vehicle theft, and arson increased by 60%, 33.5%, 74.4%, 18.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. There was also an overall fall of 3.2% in violent crime. Data of this sort allows law enforcement to spot crime trends in the county and make informed decisions about crime-fighting strategies.
Are Grundy County's Criminal Records Public?
Under Tennessee's Open Records Act, some criminal records are public records. However, others may be exempt under the law or sealed by a court order. These records will be restricted from public view. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides the general public and organizations with statewide criminal record checks. The criminal records can be obtained from the TBI by mail or online. The criminal checks are name-based, and only that information is necessary fingerprints are not needed. The criminal record can be requested by sending the name to be checked and the requesters' details to the:
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Tennessee Open Records Information Services(TORIS)
901 R.S. Gass Blvd,
Nashville, TN 37216
The request can also be made online by creating an account on the TORIS web portal using the Requester Information Form. After the requester creates an account they may now perform name-based criminal checks online. A record check costs a non-refundable fee of $29 per name search, and payment is accepted in a cashier's check or money order. Online requests can be paid for using a credit card on the TORIS site. Residents with any questions about criminal records requests may call the TBI at (615) 744-4057.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police Reports and other records maintained for Grundy County can be obtained from law enforcement in the county, such as the Grundy County Sheriff's Department. Record seekers may inquire as to how to obtain such records by contacting the sheriff's department at:
Grundy County Sheriff
227 Maple Street
P.O. Box 218
Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: (931) 692-3466
Fax: (931) 692-2400
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Grundy County
Residents and non-residents can find sex offender information for Grundy County online on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). This is the sex offender database of the entire state and provides users with search tools to find sex offender information. The search tool provided on the website allows searching for information using parameters such as name, address, county, classification, and offender status. Residents with any questions may reach out to the registry by calling the registry at (888) 837-4170 or emailing them at tbisormgr@tn.gov.
How to Find Grundy County Inmate Records
Inmate information for inmates in Grundy county can be obtained by using the state Felony Offender Information Lookup search tool. This searches through the information of offenders in custody that is submitted to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) by the various jurisdictions around Tennessee. The search page allows users to search for inmates and their information using the name, state identification, race, and TDOC number. The information available via the search includes an individual's current status, location, photo, and active sentences. Residents may also inquire about inmates by calling the Grundy County Sheriff directly at (931) 692-3466.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Grundy County City Jail?
Inmates arrested in Grundy County will usually be detained at the Grundy County Jail operated by the Grundy Sheriff. Prospective visitors with any questions about inmate information and visitation procedures may call the Grundy County Sheriff at (931) 692-3466.
Court Records
Court records for Grundy County can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk of Grundy County. The circuit court clerk is in charge of maintaining records of all circuit court cases including civil and criminal cases. Some court records can also be looked up online on the Public Case History database.
Locations of Courts in Grundy County
The names, locations, and contact details of the courts in Grundy County are listed below:
Grundy County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 161, Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: (931) 692-3368
Fax: (931) 692-2414
Grundy County Chancery Court
P.O. Box 174, Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: (931) 692-3455
Grundy County General Sessions Court
P.O. Box 161, Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: (931) 692-3368
Fax: (931) 692-2414
Grundy County Juvenile Court
P.O. Box 161, Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: (931) 692-3368
Monteagle City Court
P.O. Box 127, Monteagle, TN 37356
Phone: (931) 924-2078
Fax: (931) 924-2264
Tracy City City Court
City Hall
50 Main Street, P.O. Box 277,
Tracy City, TN 37387
Phone: (931) 592-6213
Fax: (931) 592-6218
Are Grundy County Court Records Public?
Most court records in Tennessee and by extension Grundy County are considered public records under the Tennessee Open Records Act. Some court records however may be labeled as confidential by statute or sealed by a court order. These records may have parts redacted or have the whole record exempted from public access. Cases involving minors or juveniles are examples of court cases exempt from public view.
Can You Look Up a Grundy County Court Case Online?
Grundy County court case records can be looked up online via the Public Case History database on the supreme court website. This database allows users to search for case records involving the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals.
How to Obtain Grundy County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records for Grundy County can be obtained from the office of the circuit court clerk of Grundy County. The circuit court clerk is in charge of maintaining all clerical functions of the circuit court civil sessions. Record seekers can request civil court case records by contacting the circuit court clerk at:
Grundy County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 161
Altamont, TN 37301
Phone: ( 931) 692-3368
Fax: (931) 692-2414
Copies of civil court records from the circuit court clerk will cost $0.50 per page for photocopies. An additional $5 per document will be charged for certification of any records.
How to Obtain Grundy County Criminal Court Records
Interested parties can obtain grundy County criminal court case records by contacting the circuit court clerk of Grundy County. The circuit court clerk performs all clerical functions for criminal court general session cases, including record keeping. Record seekers may contact the circuit court clerk of Grundy County at:
Grundy County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 161
Altamont, TN 37301
Fax: (931) 692-2414
Requests can obtain copies of the records at $0.50 per page and certify their records for an additional $5 per record. For any questions and inquiries about how to request court records from the circuit court clerk, residents may call their office at (931) 692-3368.
What are Grundy County Vital Records?
Vital Records for Grundy County can be described as the records of the life events recorded by the government agencies as they occurred in the county. These records include birth certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, and marriage certificates. These records can be obtained from their custodians in Grundy County, such as the circuit court clerk and the Grundy County Health Department. Vital records can also be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
Where and How to Obtain Grundy County Divorce Records
Authorized persons can obtain divorce records for Grundy County from different locations depending on their age. Divorce records over 50 years old are considered public records and can be obtained by anyone from the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Divorce records under 50 years old on the other hand may only be obtained from the Vital Records Office of the Tennessee Department of Health. Requests for Divorce records can be obtained by submitting a written request containing the following information:
- The names of the parties to the divorce
- The date of the divorce or a five-year range
- The county where the divorce was heard
Requests can also be made by submitting an application for a certified divorce record form in person or by mail to the vital records office at:
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
In-person requests can be made at the customer service window by submitting the completed form, showing appropriate identification, and paying the fees. Mailed requests involve mailing the completed form, a copy of the identification, and the fees to:
Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Mailed requests must include identification from the required identification list, or the form must be notarized if requesting a certified copy of the record. Divorce certificates from the vital records office cost $15 per copy. Payment is accepted in checks or money orders made payable to Tennessee Vital Records. Cash, credit, and debit cards are also accepted at the customer service window during in-person requests. Divorce records may also be obtained by contacting the Grundy County circuit court clerk or chancery court clerk depending on where the case was heard.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Grundy County
Depending on the age of the record, Grundy County Marriage records can be ordered from the Tennessee State Library and Archives or the State Vital Records Office. Records under 50 years old are obtained from the vital records office, while records over 50 years old are public records that can be ordered from the archives. To obtain the record from the Vital Records Office, residents must fill and submit the certified marriage certificate application by mail or in-person to the office at:
Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Mailed requests must include a photocopy of acceptable identification, which shows the requestor's signature from the identification requirements list and the required fees. If requesting a certified copy, the mailed request must have either a copy of the identification or the form must be notarized.
The customer service window at the vital records office accepts in-person record requests during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A requester will simply have to fill the form, show valid identification, and pay the required fees to obtain a marriage record. The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is a non-refundable sum of $15 for each document. Fees are accepted in cash, credit/debit card, and checks or money orders made payable to Tennessee Vital Records. Cash and cards will only be accepted at the customer service window during an in-person request. Requests at the customer service window are usually completed on the same day, while mail orders will be processed in a week.
Where and How to Find Grundy County Birth Records
Residents can obtain records for births in Grundy County from several sources, including the Tennessee Vital Records Office, Tennessee State Archive, and Grundy County Health Department. Birth records in Tennessee are restricted records and only become public records 100 years after the birth occurred. Until that time only a few eligible persons may request and access certified copies of the birth certificate. These eligible individuals are:
- The registrant (if now 18 years old)
- The Parents of the registrant listed on the record
- The legal guardian of the registrant
- The legal representative of any of the above such as an attorney
After 100 years any member of the public can request copies of the record. Birth records over 100 years can be obtained from the State Archive. Eligible requesters can request records under 100 years from the state vital records office and the Grundy County Health Department.
Obtaining Copies of Grundy County Birth Certificates
Birth records over 100 years old can be ordered from the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) by any member of the public. Instructions on how to order birth records can be found on the Ordering from the TSLA section of the agency's website. The records cost $5 per copy for Tennessee residents and $10 per copy for out-of-state orders. Records requested by mail can also be certified for an additional $5per document.
Records under 100 years old can be obtained from the state vital records office or Grundy Health Department by eligible persons. The birth records can be requested by submitting the following information to any of the agencies in person or by mail:
- Name of the child
- Date of the birth or approximate date of birth
- Names of the parents at the time of birth
- Location of the birth (County)
The requester can also choose to submit a completed application for a certified birth certificate by mail or in-person to:
Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Requests that come in by mail must include a copy of a valid picture identification from the list of required identification and the appropriate fees. When requesting certified copies, identification must be provided, or the entire application must be notarized. In-person requests at the vital records office are made at the customer service window. Requesters submit the form at the window, show their identification, and pay the fees. The fee for a Grundy County birth certificate is a non-refundable $15 per copy in checks or money orders made out to Tennessee Vital Records. During an in-person request at the customer service window. Payment in cash or credit/debit card is also allowed. Mailed requests are usually released in one week minus any delivery time, while in-person requests usually receive their record the same day.
Record seekers requiring assistance in obtaining a Grundy County birth record may contact the Grundy County Health Department(GCHD) at:
1372 Main Street
Altamont, Tennessee
Fax: (931) 692-2201
Phone: (931) 692-3641
The birth records can be ordered from the GCHD for $15 per copy.
Where and How to Find Grundy County Death Record
Death records for Grundy County can be obtained from the Grundy County Health Department, The Tennessee Vital Records Office, and the State Library and Archives(TSLA). Like birth records, death records are restricted. Death records over 50 years old are public records and can be accessed by any member of the public. On the other hand, death records under 50 years old can only be requested from the vital records office and the county health department by eligible persons. Eligible persons include:
- The parent or legal guardian of the decedent
- Spouse of the decedent
- The children of the decedent
- An attorney or agency representing either the decedent's estate or any of the eligible family members
Requesters must submit a death certificate application form to request a death record from the vital records office. In addition, applicants must submit the completed form, a valid identification, and the appropriate fees at the customer service window. Mailed requests can be made by mailing the completed application form, a photocopy of the valid photo identification, and the fees to the office at:
Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
When ordering a certified record by mail, the requester must either add a copy of the required identification to the application or have the entire application notarized. The cost of a death certificate from the State Vital Records Office is a non-refundable search fee of $15, including one copy of the record. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $15 each. Fees for mailed orders are paid in checks and money orders made payable to Tennessee Vital Records included in the mailed request. Cash and card payments will also be accepted during requests at the customer service window. Records ordered in person will usually be received on the same day, while mailed requests will be received in one week plus any mail delivery time.
Residents or record seekers who intend to order death records from the Grundy County Health Department may contact their office at:
1372 Main Street
Altamont, TN
Fax: (931) 692-2201
Phone: (931) 692-3641
For death records over 50 years old, requesters should visit the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA). The vital records maintained by the TSLA are considered public records and can be ordered by any member of the public. Interested parties can look up how to obtain these death certificates and other records in the ordering records from the TSLA section of their website.