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Arlington, Tennessee Public Records

  Trusted Public Records Directory

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Arlington, Tennessee.

Official Government Sources

Arlington Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Arlington, Tennessee government websites.

About Arlington

The governing body of Arlington, Tennessee, is the Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen, which consists of five elected members. The Mayor serves a four-year term, while the four Aldermen are elected to serve staggered four-year terms. Elections for these positions are held in November during even-numbered years, ensuring that the Board maintains a consistent representation of the community.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, Arlington's approximate annual operating budget is $6.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, reflecting the city's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Regular meetings of the Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Arlington Town Hall, located at 5854 Airline Road, Arlington, TN 38002. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Arlington, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by several municipal police departments. The Memphis Police Department serves the city of Memphis, while other cities like Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville have their own police departments. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. These agencies work collaboratively on regional issues, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The main detention facility in Shelby County is the Shelby County Jail, which is operated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of individuals who are arrested. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and duration of visits. The bond and bail process in Tennessee allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with bail amounts set by the court based on the severity of the offense and other factors.

Court Records

Shelby County is served by several courts, including the Shelby County Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, and Probate Court, all located in Memphis. These courts handle a variety of cases, from civil and criminal matters to probate and family law. Access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets is available through the court clerk's office, which provides both in-person and online services. The courts play a crucial role in the county's justice system, ensuring fair and timely adjudication of legal matters.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Shelby County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for a fee. These reports include information on arrests, convictions, and any registered sex offender status, offering a thorough overview of an individual's criminal history.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Shelby County are maintained by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request and payment of a nominal fee. Information on an arrest record typically includes the date and location of the arrest, charges, and any court dates. The Tennessee Public Records Act governs access to these records, ensuring transparency and public access to government documents while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Public records in Shelby County are accessible under the Tennessee Public Records Act, which promotes transparency and accountability in government. The County Clerk's Office, located in Memphis, provides access to a wide range of records, including marriage licenses, business licenses, and property records. The Circuit Clerk's Office handles court-related documents, while the Probate Judge's Office manages records related to estates and guardianships. Many records can be accessed online, with typical turnaround times varying depending on the type of request and the office involved.

Economy & Demographics

Shelby County's economy is diverse, with major industries including transportation, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Memphis, as a key economic center, hosts the headquarters of major corporations such as FedEx, which significantly contributes to the county's economic landscape. The presence of the Mississippi River and a robust transportation infrastructure supports a thriving logistics and distribution sector. Additionally, the healthcare industry is bolstered by institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, making the county a vital hub for medical research and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Arlington, Tennessee, you will be transported to the Shelby County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Shelby County Court. Under Tennessee law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://foil.tncorrections.com/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee?
The school district for Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee is Arlington Community Schools. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, the district's overall performance score for the 2019-2020 school year was a C. The district's graduation rate was 95.2%, and the district's average ACT score was 19.7.
3
What are the crime statistics for Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee?
According to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,619 were property crimes and 226 were violent crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 28.7.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee Library?
The Arlington Public Library in Shelby County, Tennessee provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Tennessee government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Tennessee Public Records Act, which governs access to government documents in Tennessee. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Arlington Tennessee Archives and Genealogy at https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/genealogy. Contact the Arlington Public Library reference desk at (901) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee Public Library located?
The Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee Library is located at 5854 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN 38002.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee?
Fingerprinting services for Arlington, Tennessee residents are provided at the Arlington Police Department, which serves Shelby County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Arlington Police Department at (901) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/criminal-history-records.html.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee, and what information is provided in the records?
In order to obtain vital records from Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee, you must contact the Shelby County Health Department.

The vital records available from the Shelby County Health Department include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. In order to obtain any of these records, you must provide proof of identity, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and a valid form of payment. You can find more information about the process and fees associated with obtaining vital records from the Shelby County Health Department on their website.
8
About background check
A background check in Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Tennessee. Criminal background checks are processed through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Tennessee residents. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/criminal-history-records.html. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026