Obion County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Obion County in 2026
ObionRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Obion County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking details, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include booking records, incarceration history, court case information, and release records. This resource is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Obion County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster accessible to the public. Members of the public may access the roster by visiting the Sheriff's Office official web presence or appearing in person at the facility.
- Access the inmate search page through the Obion County Sheriff's Office
- Select a search type: by inmate name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the applicable search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select an individual record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a daily basis. Members of the public are advised that recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
Obion County Sheriff's Office
1455 Reelfoot Ave
Union City, TN 38261
Phone: (731) 885-2101
Obion County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a Tennessee Department of Correction facility. The Tennessee Department of Correction maintains a statewide offender search tool that allows the public to locate inmates housed in state facilities.
- Navigate to the TDOC offender search portal
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or TDOC identification number
- Review results for current facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release date
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county facilities house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while state prisons house post-conviction offenders serving longer terms. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within 30 to 90 days following sentencing.
Tennessee Department of Correction
320 Sixth Avenue North, 4th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1000
Tennessee Department of Correction
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP maintains a free online inmate locator that allows the public to search for individuals in federal custody by name or federal register number. This resource is applicable when an individual has been charged with a federal crime or transferred to federal custody following a state proceeding.
Information available through the BOP locator includes the inmate's current facility, projected release date, age, and race.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Obion County Jail directly at (731) 885-2101 to request basic inmate information. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the Obion County Sheriff's Office and Jail at 1455 Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Obion County Sheriff's Office at 1455 Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261. Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Inmates who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; search the TDOC offender locator
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the BOP inmate locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet appear in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (731) 885-2101 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Obion County?
Inmate records maintained by the Obion County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Tennessee's open records framework. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are presumed open for public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As stated by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel, "Tennessee's Public Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy." This presumption of openness extends to booking records, custody status, and charge information maintained by county correctional facilities.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family and next-of-kin notification
- Support of legal proceedings
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations:
Tennessee law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, receives heightened protection under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504. The release of certain inmate information may affect employment prospects and family relationships, and custodians of records are required to apply applicable exemptions before disclosure.
What Is Inmate Records in Obion County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system, from the point of booking through release or transfer.
The Obion County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the county jail. The Tennessee Department of Correction maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's personal information, charges, and initial custody status
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status throughout the period of detention
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings and periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the circumstances and date of an individual's release, including discharge type and any conditions of release
County jail records pertain to pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records pertain to post-conviction offenders serving longer sentences following transfer from county custody. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in Bureau of Prisons facilities.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Obion County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security restrictions)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments retained for security purposes
Obion County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Obion County Jail is operated by the Obion County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor and felony offenses, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the jail, including inmate classification, programming, and security operations.
Administration:
The Obion County Sheriff oversees all jail operations. Administrative inquiries may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at the address listed below.
Obion County Sheriff's Office
1455 Reelfoot Ave
Union City, TN 38261
Phone: (731) 885-2101
Obion County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Obion County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. Inmates are classified upon intake and assigned to appropriate housing based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessment.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted medical personnel
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational opportunities, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The facility supports pre-release planning to assist individuals in transitioning back to the community, including referrals to substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and employment resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Tennessee Corrections Institute, a division of the Tennessee Department of Correction, conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities to ensure compliance with state standards. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-4-140, county jails are subject to state inspection and must meet minimum standards for inmate care and facility conditions. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Obion County
Obion County Jail
Full Official Name: Obion County Jail
Address: 1455 Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261
Phone: (731) 885-2101
Website: Obion County Sheriff's Office
The Obion County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Obion County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. The jail operates under the authority of the Obion County Sheriff and is subject to oversight by the Tennessee Corrections Institute.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Obion County Sheriff's Office may administer home detention and electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk assessment. Inquiries regarding eligibility and enrollment may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at (731) 885-2101.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are required to return to the facility during non-working hours.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Obion County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Tennessee Department of Correction. The TDOC operates multiple facilities across the state. The nearest state correctional facilities to Obion County include those in the western Tennessee region. These facilities are state-operated and distinct from the county jail system.
Tennessee Department of Correction
320 Sixth Avenue North, 4th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1000
Tennessee Department of Correction
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses in the Western District of Tennessee may be held in federal detention facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. There are no federal detention facilities physically located within Obion County. Federal detainees from the county are held at designated BOP facilities in the region.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St NW
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: (202) 307-3198
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Obion County Jail | 1455 Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261 | (731) 885-2101 |
| Tennessee Dept. of Correction | 320 Sixth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243 | (615) 741-1000 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Obion County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Obion County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate roster accessible through the Obion County Sheriff's Office website. No registration or payment is required to access this resource. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a daily basis.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) is a free public tool maintained by the Tennessee Department of Correction. Members of the public may search for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for qualifying offenders.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP inmate locator is a free federal resource for locating individuals in federal custody. No account or payment is required. The locator provides current facility assignment, projected release date, and basic identifying information.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts may be used to verify custody status through associated case filings. Court records may also reflect upcoming hearing dates and case dispositions.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Obion County Jail at (731) 885-2101 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Obion County Sheriff's Office at 1455 Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261 to conduct an in-person inquiry. Staff assistance is available during business hours at no charge.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Always Free:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
- State TDOC offender search
- Federal BOP inmate locator
Services That Cost Money:
- Sending money to an inmate's account
- Video visitation (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls placed by inmates (fees set by service provider)
- Commissary orders
- Background checks or certified copies of booking records
Avoid Paid Services For:
- Basic inmate location (official free sources are available)
- Public court records
- Booking photographs (available at no cost through official sources)
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for information available at no cost through official government sources. Official government websites use .gov domain extensions. The public should verify the authenticity of any website before providing personal or payment information.