What are Tipton County Public Records?
Under Tennessee's open records act, all documents made or received following law or ordinance or in connection with any governmental agency's transaction of official business, are considered a public record. Records may exist as papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound recordings, or other material. The record custodian must deliver all requests made by interested parties within seven days of receipt. If the record custodian fails to comply within the time frame specified, the request will be denied, and the requester may file a public record lawsuit. The custodian of the record must either specifically address the legal backing behind a denied request or offer a schedule for when the information requested will be made available. Furthermore, the custodian of the record must provide the requester with an estimate of the cost of copies as soon as possible.
Tennessee's public records statute does not allow the public to see or copy all copies of public documents; some data are sensitive and therefore protected. Examples of records that may be excluded include;
- Employee assistance program records relating to counseling or referrals for mental health, marriage, alcoholism, and other similar personal difficulties may be maintained separately from employment records to maintain confidentiality. T.C.A. 10-7-504 (d).
- Personal contact information, such as mobile phone and home phone numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers
- Medical files 10-7-504 T.C.A. (a)
- Library records 10-8-102, T.C.A.
- Cities must provide private financial accounts to prove the city's ability to pay workers' compensation claims - 50-6-405 (b) T.C.A. (3).
- All child abuse investigation files, reports, documents, and paperwork are kept secret. 37-1-612, T.C.A.
- Information concerning law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, correction officers, dispatchers, and paramedics who seek support from mental health specialists in group therapy sessions for job-related critical occurrences T.C.A. 10-7-504(a)(13) (A).
- The name of an informant who gives information that leads to eviction for drug offenses or prostitution is kept private. 66-7-107, T.C.A.
- When the director requests it in writing, any information about the location of a domestic violence shelter, family safety center, rape crisis center, or human trafficking service provider is kept secret. 10-7-504(a) T.C.A. (17).
- Terrorist-response contingency plans are kept under wraps. 10-7-504(a) T.C.A. (21).
- Law enforcement officials' photographs and recordings of adolescents are kept private. 37-1-154 and 37-1-155, T.C.A.
- Under the local choice property tax freeze, financial records filed for income verification are kept private. 67-5-705, T.C.A.
- Until the intent to award is disclosed, competitive sealed bids are kept private. The suggestions will then be available for public scrutiny. 12-3-1207, T.C.A.
- Until seven days before the strategies and plans are implemented, records about marketing strategies and strategic plans for public hospitals are kept secret. 68-11-238, T.C.A.
Third-party websites may also have access to public county records. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a single record or numerous county records. However, users must offer sufficient information to aid with the search, such as;
- The requestor's address.
- If available, a case or file number.
- The location of the document or the individual concerned.
- The name of the subject in the record (not a minor).
- The registrant's most recent known or present address.
Government entities do not fund third-party websites. As a result, record availability and results may differ and prove unreliable to use.
Are Tipton County Criminal Records Public?
Tipton County criminal records are open to the public. Individuals can obtain public criminal records by making requests to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (T.B.I.), the designated record custodian, under the Tennessee Freedom of Information Act. Criminal records sought from the T.B.I. will contain the following information:
- The offender's name and aliases
- Race, date of birth, and age
- Physical features include height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
- Markings might consist of tattoos and scars.
- Charges
- Convictions
- Sentences
- Status in Jail
- Fingerprints
- Photographs
A criminal record search will not reveal available information if properly sealed or removed. Effective from July 2017, the only persons who could have records wiped were inmates who had criminal charges dismissed. Individuals convicted of certain offenses in Tennessee can now have their criminal records sealed or erased if they meet specific requirements.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone no: (615) 744-4000
How to Obtain Tipton County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties can obtain Tipton County arrest records from the Tipton sheriff's Office. Requesters can visit the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by typing in names to get the arrest record online. The cost for an arrest record would be $29 non-refundable, even if the name inputted cannot be found on the website.
The arrest records include:
- Description of the incident
- Date and location of the arrest
- Physical description
- Photographs
- Fingerprints
- Criminal charges filed
- Classification of the crime
- Bail
- Court date
- Police interrogation details
Record seekers can visit the County Sheriff's Office in person at:
Tipton County Sheriff's Office
1801 South College Street, Suite 106
Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 475-3300
Fax: (901) 476-0241
How to Find Tipton County Sex Offender Information?
The Tennessee sex offender registry provides information on sex offenders and allows users to search with different criteria:
- Requesters can search for an offender by name, alias, residence, city, county, zip code, offender I.D., offender classification, registry status, or offense. A name can be part or full name.
- Requesters can widen or restrict the search to eight (8) search phrases by selecting to add or delete an item from the search parameters.
- Requesters may read complete data about offenders by clicking on the photo. They can also receive email notifications when updated and printed in PDF format.
- Requesters should click on the info button to acquire the most up-to-date information about offenders.
Residents can subscribe to sex offenders in the area by entering their email addresses in the email icon on any search result. Residents can register up to 10 offenders and 5 zip codes. If the offender's I.D. is known, enter it in the email icon on any search result to subscribe to that offender.
Sexual offenders are obliged to register and report yearly or quarterly, depending on the classification, to check and update the needed information under the Sexual Offender Registration Law. Any criminal who breaks the law is charged with a felony with mandatory minimum jail terms and penalties.
Where and How to Find Tipton County Inmate Information?
The Tipton County Corrections Jail Inmate roster provides access to inmate records for the general public. Requests including an inmate's data, such as complete name, booking date, charge information, and other relevant details, may be submitted. Requests should be sent to the:
Tipton County Corrections (Jail)
1801 South College Street,
Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 475-3305
Fax: (901) 475-3326
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Tipton County Jail?
Individuals interested in visiting an inmate in the Tipton County Corrections Jail must make an appointment. However, the county prison has the authority to cancel all scheduled visits for reasons best known and do not have to explain to the visitor. The visits might take place remotely or in person. Each week, a convict is granted two visits (25-minutes for each visit). The following is the visiting schedule:
- 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday
- Saturdays and Sundays: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm.
Court Records
County of Tipton Circuit Courts has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal proceedings, as well as appeals from General Sessions, Juvenile, and Municipal courts. Circuit Court power occasionally overlaps that of Chancery Court authority.
The Chancery Court Clerk's Office is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite 110
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 476-0209
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite #102
Covington, TN 38019
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Phone no: (901) 475-3320
District Attorney for the 25th Judicial District:
Mark Davidson
121 North Main Street.
Ripley, TN 38063
Phone no: (731) 635-5163
Fax: (731) 221-3086
The General Sessions Court Clerk's Office is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite #102
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 475-3310
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Tipton County Juvenile Court Clerk is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite #102
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 475-3315
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The General Session Probation Office is located at:
1801 South College Street.
Covington, TN 38019
Office: (901) 475-3319
Fax: (901) 475-3318
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
District Attorney for the 25th Judicial District:
Mark Davidson
121 North Main Street.
Ripley, TN 38063
Phone no: (731) 635-5163
Fax: (731) 221-3086
Are Tipton County Court Records Public?
Tipton County citizens interested in the county court records can examine non-confidential court records. In the Open Records Law, Tipton County Clerk of Circuit Court can provide non-confidential court materials to anyone who requests them. Furthermore, public entities might limit access to bankruptcy court records after a set length of time, depending on the kind of bankruptcy. On the other hand, the law permits custodian bodies to disclose or withhold copies of sensitive court records, including birth and juvenile court records. Pardoned offenders' court materials are frequently restricted to approved entities. Interested parties can look up Tipton County court records online.
How to Obtain Tipton County Civil Court Case Records?
The Tipton Circuit Court clerk is in charge of civil court documents. Unless the civil court has deleted the records, any interested parties can examine the civil court case at the Office's public terminals or get physical copies. Records request should be sent to the following address:
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite #102
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 475-3320
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
How to Obtain Tipton County Criminal Court Records?
Criminal Court Records are handled by the Clerk of the Tipton Circuit Court. Unless the criminal court has erased the records, anybody interested can obtain the records at the Office's public terminals to get physical copies. Records requests should be sent to the following address:
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is located at:
1801 South College Street, Suite #102
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 475-3320
Office hours are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What are Tipton County Vital Records?
Tipton County contains information about a life event that occurred within the county. Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records are examples of vital records. Tipton County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all divorce records, while the Tipton County Clerk maintains all marriage records. Furthermore, the Tennessee Department of Health, through the Vital Records Office, keeps records of all vital records at the state level. Except as otherwise provided by law to seal certain public records, most vital records are open to the public for inspection by any citizen in accordance with the Tennessee Open Records Act. Governmental entities, on the other hand, may make records available to non-Tennessee residents and eligible individuals upon request.
Where and How to Obtain Tipton County Divorce Records?
The Tipton County Clerk's Office maintains divorce records for 1823 to 1966. To request copies of divorces after 1966, requesters must contact the Tipton County Chancery Court at (901) 476-0209 or Tipton County Circuit Court at (901) 475-3310, as divorce records were transferred to that Office in 1966. Records are available in person or through the mail. The requester must include the completed and signed application to the given address to get a divorce record by mail.
Tipton County Court Clerk
220 Highway 51 North, Suite 2
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 476-0207
Fax: (901) 476-0297
Tipton County Chancery Court
1801 South College Street, Suite 110
Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 476-0209
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower,
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Requesters will provide the following information in person to access a divorce record at the above address:
- Name and address of requesting party
- Date
- Name of both spouses.
- Date and location of divorce
- Purpose of request
- The number of copies being requested.
- Valid government-issued I.D. showing with the signature visible.
The cost of obtaining a divorce-certified copy is $15 for each copy. Money orders or checks should be payable to the Tennessee vital records office. The Office is always open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Only divorce records less than 50 years old are available to parties with a legitimate or direct claim at the Tennessee Department of Health via the Vital Records Office that keeps divorce records.
Where and How to Obtain Tipton County Marriage Records?
Interested parties can find marriage records at the Office of the Tipton County Clerk. The requester may obtain the records via mail or in-person. The Tennessee Department of Health, via the Office of Vital Records, also issues a copy of Tipton County marriage records to interested parties. A person who requires a copy of a marriage certificate must be one of the parties named on the record, an immediate family member, or an attorney. To obtain a marriage record in person, the requester must submit a completed Application Form and a copy of a valid government-issued I.D. to the completed form to the Tennessee Vital Records office located at:
Tipton County Court Clerk
220 Highway 51 North, Suite 2
Covington, TN 38019
Phone no: (901) 476-0207
Fax: (901) 476-0297
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN N37243
The Tennessee Vital Records office charges $15 for the first copy of a marriage-certified copy and an additional $15 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Fees for mail or in-person requests are payable by check, cash, or money order. The Office is always open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Furthermore, Tipton County maintains an online database of all marriage records. Interested persons can search for documents on the platform by completing the application information on the database.
Where and How to Obtain Tipton County Birth Records?
Tipton County Tennessee Birth Records can be obtained from the Department of Health's vital records office. To get a birth record in person or by mail, the requester must submit a completed Application Form along with a copy of a valid government-issued I.D. to the Tennessee Vital Records office, which is located at:
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN N37243
Records above 100 years are public records and can be accessed at the Tennessee State Library and Archives for inspection and to obtain a copy. However, birth records less than 100 years old are only available to the person(s) named on the certificate and related individuals, such as;
- The person named on the record's spouse.
- The person named on the record's parent.
- A legal guardian.
- The child of the person named on the record.
- An authorized representative acting on the client's behalf of one of the categories of persons named above.
The fee for obtaining a birth certificate is $15 for each copy. and $15 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Fees for mail or in-person requests are payable by check, cash, or money order. The Office is always open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Where and How to Obtain Tipton County Death Records?
Death records in Tennessee can be obtained from the State's Department of Health through the Office of Vital Records. To get death records via mail or in person, the requester must first download and complete a death application form and attach a photocopy of a government-issued identification card to the given address.
Tennessee Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN N37243
The Tennessee Vital Records office charges $15 for the first copy of a Death Certificate and an additional $15 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Fees for mail or in-person requests are payable by check, cash, or money order. The Office is always open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Office only keeps records on deaths that occurred between 1971 and the present. Applicants can order copies of death records filed between 1848 and 1908 by visiting the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Tennessee death records can be obtained from the Vital Records Office via mail or in person.