Knox County Sheriff’s Office: Inmate Search, Jail, Records & Services
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office serves Knoxville and Knox County through patrol, warrants, corrections, court security, records, pre-trial supervision, offender registration and other public-safety services. For families dealing with a new arrest, the Sheriff also operates the county’s adult correctional system and publishes both a current inmate population and a separate 24-hour arrest list.
The difficult part is knowing which Knox County system to use next. A jail roster can show custody, bond and upcoming court information, but records, court files, phone accounts, commissary deposits and warrant inquiries each follow a different route. This guide puts those routes in one practical order.
Which Knox County Service Should You Use?
If you need… |
Start here |
Save first |
Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
Current custody |
KCSO Inmate Population |
IDN, charges, bond, court date |
Using only an old arrest screenshot |
Very recent arrest |
KCSO 24 Hour Arrest list |
Name, IDN, charge, booking date |
Assuming the person is still in custody |
Court date |
Knox Criminal Court Clerk |
Case / docket information |
Treating the jail roster as the court file |
Visit an inmate |
KCSO Corrections visitation |
Facility, unit, inmate IDN |
Driving to the jail for a face-to-face visit |
Commissary / inmate money |
KCSO Corrections page |
Name + IDN |
Using an outdated provider link without verification |
Incident or crash report |
KCSO Support Services |
Case number, date, location |
Requesting a Knoxville Police record from KCSO |
Warrant information |
KCSO public window / detention facility |
Photo ID |
Paying an unsolicited caller claiming to clear a warrant |
Knox County Sheriff Office Addresses and Phone Numbers
Location |
Address |
Phone |
Useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
City/County Building |
400 W Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 |
865-215-2243 |
Support Services, reports, background checks, public window |
Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility |
5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918 |
865-281-6700 |
Custody, corrections and inmate services |
Knox County Jail |
400 W Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 |
865-342-9620 |
Jail housing and correctional questions |
North Precinct |
7326 Norris Freeway, Knoxville, TN 37918 |
865-922-1070 |
Reports and regional Sheriff assistance |
East Precinct |
4732 Centerline Drive, Knoxville, TN 37917 |
865-280-3662 |
Regional Sheriff assistance |
West Precinct |
11429 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 |
865-392-1670 |
West Knox regional services |
- Choose the office that matches your task.
- Use the detention facility for custody and correctional questions.
- Use Support Services or a precinct for available report services.
- Check the current page before visiting because office locations can change.
How to Search the Knox County Inmate Population
KCSO publishes a searchable current inmate population. This is the best first stop when you need to know whether someone is presently listed in Knox County custody.
- Enter the last name.
- Add the first name only if needed.
- Compare date of birth and IDN.
- Review every document type and charge.
- Check bond type and bond amount for each entry.
- Save any displayed court date and division.
- Call Inmate Services at 865-281-6700 if the record is unclear.
Use the Knox County 24-Hour Arrest List for Fresh Arrests
KCSO separately publishes people arrested within the past 24 hours. That makes it useful when the call from a family member or arresting officer happened very recently.
The 24-hour list can display the person’s name, date of birth, IDN, document type, charge, bond information and scheduled court event when available.
- Search or scan for the legal name.
- Compare date of birth.
- Save the IDN.
- Review all bond lines rather than only the first charge.
- Move to the full inmate population page for ongoing custody.
What Knox County Inmate Search Fields Mean
Field |
What it helps tell you |
What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
IDN |
Knox County inmate identifier |
Final case outcome |
Document type |
Warrant, capias, mittimus, release order or other basis shown |
That no additional document exists |
Charge |
Allegation or legal reason shown in the Sheriff system |
Conviction |
Bond type |
Displayed release classification |
That payment guarantees release |
Bond amount |
Amount shown for that particular entry |
That every other charge is bondable |
Court date |
Future court event shown in the Sheriff record |
That the date cannot later change |
Check Knox County Criminal Court Dates After Booking
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk maintains records for Criminal Court, General Sessions – Criminal and Fourth Circuit Court and provides a searchable court-date database.
- Select the date range you need.
- Enter the defendant’s first and last name or choose the court division.
- Compare the result to the Sheriff booking.
- Save the court date and division.
- Recheck shortly before attending court because schedules can change.
How to Read Knox County Bond Information Safely
KCSO inmate records can show bond type and amount for each document or charge. The key is to review the complete record rather than assuming one monetary amount determines release.
Examples in the live roster include bond labels such as APPEARANCE, PENDING, DENIED and NONE.
Knox County Pre-Trial Release Services
The Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Release unit assesses people arrested in Knox County and provides information to the courts concerning background, ties to the community, flight risk and reoffending risk.
If the court refers a defendant for supervision, the unit can monitor court-ordered conditions and electronic-monitoring requirements.
- Read how the assessment process works.
- Review the supervision functions.
- Check electronic-monitoring services when court ordered.
- Use the current phone number for supervision questions.
- Direct legal strategy or bond-modification questions to the attorney or court.
Knox County Uses Video Visitation for Adult Jails
KCSO states that traditional face-to-face inmate visitation is not used at its adult jail facilities. Visits are conducted by video.
The Sheriff’s current Corrections guidance says inmates are allowed two scheduled visits per week. Facility schedules differ by housing unit and facility.
Onsite video visitation center
Onsite video visitation for adult KCSO facilities is conducted through the visitation center at:
5109 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN
KCSO says public kiosks are available there for people who do not have internet access after the required account and visit scheduling steps are completed.
- Identify the inmate’s facility and housing unit.
- Find the schedule for that facility.
- Follow the current scheduling-provider link.
- Create the visitor account.
- Schedule before driving to the visitation center.
- Bring identification and leave unnecessary personal belongings in your vehicle.
How to Add Money to a Knox County Inmate Account
KCSO provides lobby deposit ATMs at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, Knox County Jail and onsite visitation center.
The current Corrections page also references online inmate-account funding, but that page contains overlapping legacy information showing both CorrectPay and JailATM in different portions of the page.
Money orders and cashier’s checks
KCSO says money orders and cashier’s checks are accepted by mail only. Do not include a letter with the money order or cashier’s check because correspondence included with the payment will not be delivered to the inmate.
Current payment-mail instructions identify:
Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility5001 Maloneyville Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
KCSO says the instrument should be made out to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility in care of the inmate’s name and IDN.
Knox County Inmate Phone and Message Services
KCSO separates general inmate-account money from telephone funding. Its Corrections information points users to approved correctional communication providers for phone and messaging services.
The Corrections page also lists JailATM messaging. The published price shown for messages is $0.40 per message, but provider prices can change and should be checked before payment.
For telephone funding, KCSO has also linked to ICSolutions and Securus resources in correctional materials. Because provider references have changed over time, begin with the live Sheriff page instead of using a provider account created from an old third-party jail directory.
Family emergency message
If a genuine family emergency needs to reach an inmate, KCSO instructs family to call 865-281-6700 for the Detention Facility or 865-342-9620 for the Knox County Jail and explain the situation. Staff can act after the emergency is verified.
Knox County Inmate Mail Address
KCSO publishes this inmate-mail format:
Name of Inmate — include IDNUnit Number, Pod Assignment
Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility
5001 Maloneyville Road
Knoxville, Tennessee 37918
- Confirm the inmate is still in Knox County custody.
- Save the inmate’s IDN.
- Confirm the unit and pod assignment when needed.
- Review current mail restrictions before enclosing photographs or publications.
- Keep money orders separate from personal correspondence.
Books and publications
KCSO says approved books may be accepted when the sender can be identified as a publisher. Before ordering a book, use the current correctional guidance rather than assuming any online bookseller shipment will be accepted.
Knox County Inmate Property and Remaining Account Money
The Sheriff says personal property generally is not accepted for an inmate unless prior approval has been obtained from the Facility Commander or designee.
Inmates may authorize release of personal property 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Money is released during normal weekday business hours after completion of the required property-transfer receipt.
Money remaining when an inmate is released
KCSO states that people released from a Knox County correctional facility receive a debit card for the balance of their inmate money account.
If funds are not available at release, the Sheriff says the former inmate can pick them up through the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility process.
How Knox County Sheriff Warrant Inquiries Work
The KCSO FAQ gives a specific procedure for warrant questions.
If you are checking yourself
KCSO says you may appear in person at the Detention Facility or at the Sheriff public window on level L-1 of the City/County Building and bring photo identification.
If you are checking someone else
The KCSO FAQ says the Sheriff public window can provide this information under its current process, but the requester must be a Tennessee resident and provide proof such as a Tennessee ID.
Turning yourself in
The newer KCSO Criminal Processing Unit page publishes warrant self-surrender hours of 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the City/County Building, while turn-in at the jail is available 24/7.
- Review the current hours.
- Confirm the correct location before travelling.
- Bring required identification.
- If the matter is legally sensitive, speak with a Tennessee criminal-defense attorney before appearing.
How to Request a Knox County Sheriff Report
KCSO Support Services handles incident reports, crash reports, record checks and other public-record functions for Sheriff records.
KCSO says requests are easiest to process when you provide the case number. When you do not have it, prepare the names involved, incident date and time, location, type of incident and your daytime telephone number.
- Choose Incident Report, Crash Report, Background Report or the service you need.
- Use the case number when available.
- Check the current public-office hours.
- Bring photo identification for an in-person request.
- Bring exact payment when the page requires it.
- Allow processing time before returning to pick up a copy.
Online incident-report request
KCSO also provides an online incident-report request form. The form requires the requester to verify Tennessee residency.
- Enter the 10-digit incident report number when known.
- Add the incident date and location.
- Enter the victim/complainant and reporting officer when known.
- Describe the requested report.
- Complete the Tennessee-residency certification.
Body-camera or other law-enforcement video
KCSO provides a separate public video-request process. Its page says video requests are processed in order and can involve hourly processing charges under Tennessee law.
The page also states that requested video is released only when there is no open investigation or court case preventing release under the stated process.
Knox County Sheriff Background Check vs. Court Background Search
Knox County offers more than one type of local background-search service, and they are not identical.
Source |
Published price |
What it is for |
|---|---|---|
KCSO background check on yourself |
$15 |
Sheriff records/background process |
Knox Criminal Court Clerk background package |
$15 |
Local court-record criminal-history search package |
Additional Clerk alias search |
$5 each |
Additional alias-name court searches |
The Sheriff FAQ says a self-background check can be requested in person with valid photo ID or by mail using a notarized form, payment and self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Criminal Court Clerk separately offers its own local criminal background package covering name, alias and Social Security number searches.
Knox County Sheriff Fingerprinting
KCSO Support Services currently publishes public fingerprinting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., excluding holidays, with no appointment required.
Service |
Published fee |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|
Up to 3 fingerprint cards |
$25 |
FBI FD-258 tenprint cards |
Each additional card |
$5 |
Bring blank cards when required by your requesting agency |
KCSO says fingerprints are provided on cards and are not electronically submitted by the Sheriff’s Office.
Knox County Sex Offender Registry Resources
KCSO maintains a Sex Offender Registration Unit that monitors registrants in Knox County and links residents to public registry and community-notification resources.
The Sheriff’s current page says the unit monitors approximately 800 registered sex offenders in Knox County and participates in compliance enforcement.
- Use the Sheriff-linked registry resource.
- Search by person or location using the registry’s available tools.
- Read the registry limitations before relying on a result.
- Do not use registry information to harass or threaten anyone.
- Contact law enforcement when you need to report suspected registration noncompliance.
Knox County Sheriff Scam Warning
KCSO has repeatedly warned about callers impersonating Sheriff personnel and claiming the recipient has a warrant, missed an obligation or must send money to avoid arrest.
- Do not send payment to the caller.
- Do not use a callback number supplied by the caller.
- Open the official KCSO site independently.
- Verify concerns through 865-215-2243 or the appropriate court.
- Save caller information when you intend to report the scam.
Knox County Checks That Save Families Time
- Use the 24-hour arrest list for a fresh arrest and the inmate population for continuing custody.
- Save the IDN immediately. Knox County uses it throughout inmate services.
- Do not assume one bond amount clears the booking. Review every document line.
- Do not drive to the jail expecting face-to-face visitation. Adult-jail visitation is video-based.
- Onsite visitation is not necessarily at the inmate’s housing building. The published visitation center is at 5109 Maloneyville Road.
- Do not combine letters with mailed money orders. KCSO says correspondence enclosed with payment will not be delivered.
- Do not bookmark an old commissary-provider link. The live KCSO page currently contains overlapping legacy and newer provider references.
- Use the Criminal Court Clerk for the continuing case. A jail charge is not the final disposition.
- Use KCSO records only for KCSO incidents. A Knoxville Police Department report follows a different records route.
- Never pay a caller claiming to cancel a Sheriff warrant. Verify through KCSO or the court.
Knox County Sheriff Office FAQs
How do I search for a Knox County inmate?
Use the official KCSO Inmate Population search. Search by last name and first name, verify date of birth and IDN, and review every charge, bond entry and court date before relying on the record.
What is the Knox County Sheriff’s Office phone number?
KCSO Support Services and the City/County Building public office can be reached at 865-215-2243. For inmate and detention questions, Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility is 865-281-6700.
Where is the main Knox County detention facility?
Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility is at 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. Knox County Jail is separately listed at 400 W Main Street in downtown Knoxville.
How do I find someone arrested in Knox County today?
Check the official KCSO 24 Hour Arrest list first, then check the full Inmate Population for continuing custody. Save the person’s IDN and confirm urgent questions through Inmate Services at 865-281-6700.
How do I find a Knox County inmate’s court date?
The inmate record can display court events, but use the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk’s searchable docket for the continuing criminal case. The Clerk can be reached at 865-215-2375.
Can I visit a Knox County inmate face to face?
KCSO says adult jail visitation is conducted by video rather than traditional face-to-face visitation. Onsite video visits use the Sheriff visitation center at 5109 Maloneyville Road and must follow the current facility schedule.
How do I send money to a Knox County inmate?
KCSO provides deposit ATMs and online inmate-account funding. Because the live Corrections page contains both legacy and newer provider references and differing fee language, confirm the current provider through the Sheriff’s Corrections page or Inmate Services before paying.
How do I mail a letter to a Knox County inmate?
Use the inmate’s name and IDN, unit number and pod assignment, followed by Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. Review current mail rules before sending publications or other enclosures.
How do I check whether I have a Knox County warrant?
KCSO says you may appear in person with photo ID at the Detention Facility or the Sheriff public window on level L-1 of the City/County Building. If you believe you have an active warrant, consider speaking with a Tennessee criminal-defense attorney before appearing.
How do I get a Knox County Sheriff incident report?
Use KCSO Support Services at 400 W Main Street, call 865-215-2243, or use the Sheriff’s online incident-report request. Have the case number, date, location and involved names ready.
Official Knox County Sheriff and Court Resources
Main Sheriff website for divisions, corrections, records, locations and public services.
Open official KCSO websiteSearch people currently listed in Knox County custody.
Open inmate population searchRecent Knox County arrests and booking information.
Open 24-hour arrest listFacility information, visits, mail, inmate accounts, property and communication services.
Open Corrections informationIncident reports, crash reports, background checks and fingerprinting.
Open Support ServicesCriminal court dates, court records and Clerk services.
Open Criminal Court ClerkSearch current Knox County criminal, traffic and county-ordinance dockets.
Search court datesKCSO assessment and supervision information for eligible court-referred defendants.
Open Pre-Trial Release informationEditorial review: this Knox County, Tennessee guide was rebuilt using current Knox County Sheriff and Knox County Criminal Court Clerk resources reviewed September 27, 2026.
Freshness: KCSO is currently carrying a mixture of newly updated and legacy pages following the 2026 Sheriff transition. Current inmate status, leadership, vendor links, deposit fees, visitation schedules, office locations and correctional procedures should be rechecked on the responsible live official page immediately before acting.
Arrest and records notice: a jail booking, warrant or arrest entry is not a conviction. Charges can be amended, dismissed or resolved differently in court. Some records can also be restricted, sealed, expunged or withheld under Tennessee law.
FCRA notice: do not use this page, a jail roster, arrest entry, Sheriff background check or local court search as a substitute for a legally compliant consumer report for employment, housing, credit, insurance or another eligibility decision governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act or similar law.
For an emergency, immediate danger or crime in progress, call 911.
Find Jail Info, Inmate Search Steps, Visitation Rules, Bond Help, Warrants and Official Sheriff Links
Use this free tool before calling a sheriff office, searching a jail roster, checking arrest records, visiting an inmate, asking about bond, requesting a report, or looking for official county sheriff resources. It does not collect names, case numbers, booking numbers, or personal information.
What sheriff office task do you need help with?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official resource to check first.
Start with the official sheriff or jail roster, confirm custody by phone only when needed, then check court records for hearings or case details.
Do not pay anyone who calls demanding gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or urgent warrant payment. Verify through official sheriff channels.
Inmate Search Step Helper
Use this before searching a jail roster or inmate lookup portal. It helps you choose the best search method and avoid wrong-person matches.
Bond, Release and Custody Status Helper
Use this to organize what to check before asking about bond, release timing, facility location or court status.
Visitation, Phone and Mail Checklist
Use this before planning a jail visit, video visit, inmate phone setup, commissary deposit, or mail delivery.
Warrant Information Safety Helper
Use this if you are trying to understand warrant information safely. This tool does not confirm warrants and does not provide legal advice.
Sheriff Report and Arrest Record Request Helper
Use this before requesting accident reports, incident reports, arrest records, jail records, public records or background-related information.
Sheriff Call / Warrant Payment Scam Checker
Use this if someone called, texted, emailed or messaged you claiming to be from a sheriff office, court, jail, deputy or warrant unit.
Official Sheriff Office Resource Finder
Enter county and state to create safe searches for official sheriff websites, jail rosters, inmate lookup, warrants, visitation, records requests, court records and this site’s guide.
Sheriff Office vs Court vs Jail
- Sheriff/Jail: custody, booking, jail roster, visitation, inmate mail, some warrants.
- Court/Clerk: case status, hearings, court records, fines, court dates.
- Attorney: legal advice, warrant risk, criminal charges, bond strategy.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the first inmate-search or contact section, or before FAQs. It turns a normal guide into a practical action page.
Important safety note
This tool is educational only. It is not a sheriff office, jail, court, legal service, emergency service, or official records portal. For emergencies, call 911.