Decatur County Arrest Records
Decatur County arrest records are maintained by Sheriff Keith Byrd's office in Decaturville, Tennessee. Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River in western Tennessee, the county covers 345 square miles with a population of around 11,686 people. The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement, warrant service, and civil process around the clock. Arrest records here are public and searchable online through several tools, or you can request them directly from the office at 731-852-3703.
Decatur County Quick Facts
Decatur County Sheriff's Office Records
Sheriff Keith Byrd runs the Decatur County Sheriff's Office at 38 North East Street in Decaturville. Chief Deputy Larry Hill assists with operations. The office has 5 full-time deputies and provides law enforcement, warrant service, civil process, and subpoena services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The jail is managed by Jail Administrator Rick Bonds with support from one part-time jailer.
Decatur County processes about 1,200 arrests each year. The average daily population at the jail is around 60 inmates, with a 55% weekly turnover rate. That means the jail roster changes frequently, so if you need to check on someone's status, it is best to search as soon as you can. All arrest records created by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office are public under T.C.A. § 10-7-503.
| Sheriff |
Keith Byrd 38 North East Street, P.O. Box 427 Decaturville, TN 38329 Phone: 731-852-3703 Fax: 731-852-2871 Email: kbyrd@decatursherifftn.org |
|---|---|
| Chief Deputy | Larry Hill |
| Jail Admin | Rick Bonds |
Search Decatur County Arrests Online
Decatur County has one of the better online arrest search tools among smaller Tennessee counties. The Southern Software arrest search portal at cc.southernsoftware.com lets you look up arrests made by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. You can search by name, date range, or charge type. This tool is free and pulls directly from the office's records system.
The Tennessee jail roster at tennesseejailroster.com also shows current inmates at the Decatur County Jail. This site lists names, charges, and booking dates. For a broader view of the current jail population, the Jail Exchange website covers Decatur County as well.
VINELink at vinelink.com lets you check custody status for any inmate in Decatur County. You can also sign up for alerts. The TBI's TORIS system at tbibackgrounds.tbi.tn.gov provides paid background checks that cover all Tennessee counties, including Decatur.
Note: The 2018 violent crime rate in Decatur County was just 46 per 100,000, one of the lowest in the state.
Decatur County Jail Booking Process
When someone is arrested in Decatur County, they go to the jail at 38 North East Street in Decaturville for booking. The process creates a record that includes the person's full name, date of birth, mugshot, charges, arresting officer, and bond information. All mail sent to inmates is searched for contraband, and you can write to an inmate at Decatur County Jail, 38 North East Street, Decaturville, TN 38329.
The booking record is the foundation of the arrest file. It stays on record even after the person is released. If the case goes to court, the booking record connects to the court file. Under T.C.A. § 40-6-203, the Sheriff's Office must keep records of all arrests. You can request copies of these records at any time through a public records request.
Public Records Requests
You can request any Decatur County arrest record by contacting the Sheriff's Office. Call 731-852-3703, email kbyrd@decatursherifftn.org, or visit the office in person at 38 North East Street in Decaturville. Tennessee law does not require you to give a reason for wanting the records. The office will charge for copies but not for the search itself.
For more formal public records requests, you can also write to the Decatur County Government. Include the full name of the person and the approximate date of arrest. The county must respond within 7 business days under state law, though most requests for simple arrest records are handled faster. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
Decatur County Criminal Courts
After an arrest in Decatur County, the case enters the court system. General Sessions Court handles the first hearing, bond review, and misdemeanor cases. Felony charges are sent to the Circuit Court, which is part of the 24th Judicial District. The Circuit Court Clerk keeps criminal case files that connect back to the original arrest record.
The Tennessee court system at tncourts.gov has case search tools that include Decatur County criminal cases. You can look up cases by name or case number. Court records add to the arrest file with indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing information. Under T.C.A. § 40-6-101, officers in Decatur County can make arrests with or without a warrant when they have probable cause.
Note: Decatur County has a small staff, so plan for some wait time if you request a large number of records or need older files pulled from storage.
Legal Help in Decatur County
West Tennessee Legal Services helps people with low income in Decatur County who face criminal charges. The Tennessee Bar Association at (800) 899-6993 can also connect you with a defense attorney. If you are arrested in Decatur County and cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender at your first hearing.
Self-help forms and information about the criminal court process are on the Tennessee courts website at tncourts.gov. The site covers rights after arrest, how bond works, and what to expect in court.
Cities in Decatur County
Decatur County includes Decaturville, Scotts Hill, and Parsons. Decaturville is the county seat and home to the Sheriff's Office. All arrests in the county are booked at the Decatur County Jail regardless of which city the arrest happened in.
Nearby Counties
Decatur County sits along the Tennessee River and shares borders with several other counties. Confirm which county handled the arrest before you search.