Shelby County Jail Search Help: Find an Inmate, Bond, Court Date or Release Route
Use this page like a family action desk for Shelby County, Tennessee. Start with the official “Who’s In Jail” lookup, then confirm custody, bond, release assessment, court date, visitation, mail, money, records, and SAVIN release alerts through the correct county or sheriff route.
Start Here: What Are You Trying to Do?
Shelby County has multiple custody and court routes. “Shelby County Jail” usually means the Sheriff jail system around 201 Poplar, but women may be at Jail East, sentenced corrections information may route through Shelby County Division of Corrections, and court dates may be in General Sessions or Criminal Court.
| Searcher intent | Best official route | What to enter / ask | Next step that saves time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find out if someone is in jail | Shelby County Sheriff inmate lookup | Full correct name. Date of birth helps but is not required. | If no result, try spelling variations, wait for booking update, and call 901-222-4700. |
| Find bond amount | Shelby County Justice Initiatives FAQ or call 901-222-4700 | Name, booking details, case number if known. | Ask if there are holds, warrants, court restrictions, or separate bonds before paying anyone. |
| Find court date | Criminal Justice Portal | Name, case number, docket number, citation if known. | County FAQ also lists 901-222-3600 and 901-222-3500 for court-date help. |
| Ask about release | Release Assessment | Name, facility, charge type, bond/ROR question. | Release Assessment operates 24/7 and can release qualified misdemeanor offenders on non-financial conditions. |
| Deposit inmate funds | ConnectNetwork / TouchPay | Inmate R&I number and Facility Locator Number 105. | Lobby kiosks are available 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; internet/phone can be used 24/7. |
| Victim / release notification | VINELink / TN SAVIN | Name, facility/county, offender details. | TN SAVIN is free, anonymous, confidential, and available 24/7/365. |
Important legal note: a jail roster result, charge, arrest, warrant, or bond note is not proof of conviction. Confirm court status with the proper Shelby County court office or your attorney.
Official Jail, Sheriff, Corrections and Court Contacts
Main Jail / Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
Male inmates are housed downtown at the Main Jail. The building connects with courts and criminal-justice offices.
Jail East
6201 Haley Road
Memphis, TN
Sheriff pages say women are housed at Jail East. The facility is about 16 miles from the downtown main facility.
Fast numbers
Jail information: 901-222-4700
General Sessions Criminal: 901-222-3500
Criminal Court Clerk: 901-222-3200
| Office / route | Official contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby County Sheriff inmate lookup | imljail.shelbycountytn.gov/IML • 901-222-4700 | Who is in jail, custody status, bond clue, booking confirmation. |
| Main Jail | 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 | Male inmate custody, jail visits, inmate accounts, jail records, court-connected custody. |
| Jail East | 6201 Haley Road, Memphis, TN | Female inmate custody and facility-specific inmate account/visitation routing. |
| Shelby County Division of Corrections | 1045 Mullins Station Rd., Memphis, TN 38134 • 901-222-8500 | Sentenced post-conviction offenders, corrections records, release/discharge clothing, weekenders/walk-ins. |
| Corrections Inmate Records | 901-222-8592 | Division of Corrections inmate records, not always the same as Sheriff jail booking information. |
| Release Assessment | Male facility 901-545-4209 • Female facility 901-379-7902 • Supervisor 901-222-4000 | ROR, non-financial release, interviews after arrest, pretrial release routing. |
| General Sessions Criminal Division | 201 Poplar, Suite LL-81, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3500 | Misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, traffic/criminal court dates, case inquiries. |
| Criminal Court Clerk | 201 Poplar Avenue, Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3200 | Criminal court records, felony cases, court filings, certified copies, case status. |
| Criminal Court Bonds/Warrants | 901-222-3229 | Bond/warrant clerk questions tied to Criminal Court Clerk’s Office. |
| Shelby County Public Defender | 901-222-2800 | Indigent defense and attorney-appointment questions. |
| Shelby County District Attorney General | 901-222-1300 | Prosecution and victim-witness routing; not for private legal advice. |
How to Search the Shelby County Jail Roster
Open the official inmate lookup
Use Shelby County’s official inmate lookup. It is the route the county FAQ names for checking whether someone is in custody.
Use the full correct name
Enter the person’s full correct spelling. Date of birth helps but is not required. Try hyphenated names, maiden names, nicknames, and common spelling variations if no result appears.
Save the key identifiers
Write down the displayed name, booking details, case/bond notes, location, R&I number if shown, and any court or charge information before closing the page.
Call jail information if urgent
Call 901-222-4700 with the full correct name. Ask whether the person is booked, still processing, released, transferred, at Jail East, or in Division of Corrections custody.
Check the court date separately
Use cjs.shelbycountytn.gov or call 901-222-3500 / 901-222-3600. Jail custody and court docket data are related, but they are different systems.
What the Jail Search Result Usually Means
| Roster / jail detail | Why it matters | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Spelling controls whether the result appears. | Try alternate spellings and use date of birth when possible. |
| R&I number | Needed for some inmate deposits and mail details. | Use it with Facility Locator Number 105 for SCDC deposit routes. |
| Location / facility | Determines whether to route through Main Jail, Jail East, Division of Corrections, or another agency. | Call the specific jail/corrections office before visiting or sending funds. |
| Charge information | Shows alleged or filed charges; not a conviction. | Check court case information through General Sessions or Criminal Court. |
| Bond note | May show a release route but may not include all holds. | Call 901-222-4700 and ask if all holds are cleared before paying. |
| No result | Could mean still processing, wrong spelling, release, transfer, state custody, city/federal hold, or weekend/sentenced correction status. | Call jail information and check court/VINE if timing matters. |
Weekend status note: Shelby County Corrections says inmates serving weekend time may reflect an Active status as long as booking status remains Active. Do not assume “active” means a new arrest without checking context.
Main Jail vs Jail East vs Division of Corrections
This section is important because searchers often mix three different Shelby County custody routes.
Main Jail
- Address: 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.
- Male inmates are housed downtown.
- Sheriff page says Main Jail has 2,813 beds.
- Connected to General Sessions and Criminal Courts through the Criminal Justice Center.
Jail East
- Address: 6201 Haley Road, Memphis, TN.
- Women are housed at Jail East.
- Facility opened June 6, 1999.
- Two-story direct-supervision satellite facility.
- Housing capacity listed as 382.
Division of Corrections
- Address: 1045 Mullins Station Rd., Memphis, TN 38134.
- Phone: 901-222-8500.
- Post-convicted offenders sentenced to misdemeanors or felonies up to 12 years.
- Inmate Records: 901-222-8592.
Bond, ROR, Release Assessment and “Why Are They Not Out Yet?”
Release Assessment
Release Assessment interviews people after arrest, gathers background information, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Qualified misdemeanors
The section can release qualified misdemeanor offenders on non-financial conditions and supervised release pending disposition.
Felony cases
Information is gathered and presented to a judge or judicial commissioner who sets bail on felony cases.
| Question | Official route | Ask exactly this |
|---|---|---|
| What is the bond? | Call 901-222-4700 or check the inmate lookup. | “Is the listed bond the full current amount, and are there any separate holds?” |
| Is non-financial release possible? | Release Assessment: 901-222-4000 | “Has Release Assessment reviewed this person for ROR or supervised pretrial release?” |
| Male facility release assessment | 901-545-4209 | “Can you explain where the release review is in the process?” |
| Female facility release assessment | 901-379-7902 | “Is the person held at Jail East, and who confirms release conditions?” |
| Release ordered but person still in custody | Jail information and Release Assessment. | “Is release delayed by warrant checks, NCIC, medical, processing, paperwork, or another hold?” |
Timing note from Sheriff FAQ: there is no exact release time. People must be fingerprinted, photographed, checked for warrants, processed through NCIC, checked by medical, and more. The FAQ says average processing is less than two hours, but actual release may be 3 to 6 hours after release is ordered.
Visitation: Rules, ID, Dress Code and Video Visit Notes
Visitor application
- Every visitor, regardless of age, must have an approved application on file.
- Visitors 18+ need verifiable ID: driver’s license, state photo ID, passport, or military ID.
- Minors must be with an approved parent, legal guardian, or guardian.
Group limit
- No more than two adults and three children at a given time.
- Visitors generally cannot visit more than one inmate unless the other inmate is immediate family.
- Visitors cannot deliver items during visitation.
Contact suspended note
- Shelby County Corrections page says contact visitation has been suspended until further notice.
- Use official visitation pages for current video-visit instructions.
- Call before traveling because visitation rules change quickly.
| Dress / behavior issue | Official rule summarized | Practical user tip |
|---|---|---|
| ID | Visitors 18 and older need valid verifiable ID. | Bring physical ID, not just a phone photo. |
| Footwear | Appropriate footwear is required. | Avoid slippers/unsafe footwear. |
| Clothing matching inmates | Clothing identical to inmate clothing is prohibited. | Avoid scrubs/chambray-style tops with blue jeans. |
| Camouflage / gang signs / offensive logos | Prohibited under dress-code/security rules. | Wear plain neutral clothing. |
| Revealing or damaged clothing | No sleeveless or bare chest/midriff exposure; no worn/tattered clothing with holes. | Choose conservative, clean, simple clothing. |
| Return after dress-code denial | Visitors must return within 30 minutes and have at least 45 minutes left in visitation period. | Dress correctly the first time to avoid losing the visit. |
Official visitation links:
Inmate Deposits, Mail and R&I Number
Deposit requirements
- Each inmate has a trust fund account.
- Deposits can be made by mail, lobby kiosk, internet, or telephone.
- Facility Locator Number: 105.
- R&I number is required for lobby, internet, and telephone transactions.
- Lobby kiosk hours listed: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, seven days a week.
Mail requirements
- Use inmate’s complete first and last name.
- Use correct R&I number.
- Sender must include complete first and last name.
- Sender must include street address or P.O. Box.
- Improperly addressed mail is returned to sender.
| Deposit method | Official detail | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier’s checks, money orders, certified checks, federal government checks, and correctional facility inmate trust fund checks may be acceptable forms of tender. | Make payable to the inmate. Include R&I number, depositor name, and depositor address. Personal checks are returned with no exceptions. | |
| Lobby kiosk | Kiosks at K-Building on Main Compound and Intake and Reception Center lobby are available 7:00 AM-7:00 PM. | Visa/MasterCard credit card, debit card, or cash. Funds available within 24 hours. |
| Internet | ConnectNetwork can be used 24/7. | Visa/MasterCard credit/debit. R&I number and Facility Locator Number 105 required. |
| Telephone | TouchPay automated system: 1-888-988-4768. | R&I number and Facility Locator Number 105 required. Funds available within 24 hours. |
| Sheriff inmate account FAQ | Sheriff FAQ says kiosks in visitation lobby accept cash only and inmate account offices are at 201 Poplar and Jail East. | Money may be put into commissary account between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, seven days a week. |
Payment-type warning: commissary/trust deposits, court fines, bond, tickets, restitution, and attorney payments are different. Paying the wrong system may not help release.
Official money/mail links:
Records, Jail Release Verification and Fingerprint Cards
Records office
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Records and Identification
201-271 Poplar Avenue – Jail Annex – Room 10-06
Memphis, TN 38103-1945
What you can request
- Record of arrest.
- Jail release verification.
- Fingerprint card, in person only.
- Report request, depending on case type and status.
Mail request rules
- Use Records and Identification Request for Service Form.
- Pay required fees.
- Provide valid state-issued ID.
- ID must be notarized if submitting by mail.
- No personal checks accepted for mailed requests.
Active-case limit: Sheriff records page says SCSO does not release any arrest ticket/record that is part of an active case, active investigation, or active prosecution.
Court Dates, Bonds, Warrants and Case Lookup
| Need | Official route | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Find criminal court date | Criminal Justice Portal • 901-222-3500 / 901-222-3600 | Court-date lookup, case inquiry, post-release appearance requirement. |
| General Sessions Criminal Division | 201 Poplar, Suite LL-81, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3500 | Misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, traffic, environmental cases. |
| General Sessions main office | 140 Adams, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3400 | General Sessions court clerk information and case routing. |
| Criminal Court Clerk | 201 Poplar Avenue, Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3200 | Felony criminal case records, filings, official copies, case status. |
| Criminal Court Clerk Bonds/Warrants | 901-222-3229 | Bond and warrant questions tied to Criminal Court Clerk. |
| Warrant search | SCSO Warrant Search | Check warrant route; call official offices for urgent confirmation. |
| Public Defender | 901-222-2800 | Ask how attorney appointment/eligibility works. |
| District Attorney General | 901-222-1300 | Prosecution and victim-witness routing; not private legal advice. |
Release Alerts: TN SAVIN / VINELink
What TN SAVIN does
TN SAVIN is a toll-free inmate information and notification service. It lets victims check custody status and register for automated notifications.
Notification events
- Released, transferred, or escapes.
- Dies while in custody.
- Returned to Shelby County Jail custody.
- Placed in a work-release facility.
- Transferred to another jurisdiction.
- Toll-free number: 888-TNVINE1 / 888-868-4631.
Safety note: Shelby County says TN SAVIN is anonymous, confidential, free, and accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For urgent safety concerns, use VINE plus direct court/jail/victim-services contact.
Sentenced Corrections, Weekenders and Discharge Clothes
Who is in SCDC?
SCDC says it houses post-convicted offenders sentenced for misdemeanor convictions of 11 months and 29 days or felony convictions up to 12 years.
Release timing listed
- Monday-Friday releases: 3:00 PM.
- Saturday releases: 2:45 PM.
- Sunday releases: 1:45 PM.
Discharge clothes
Family can bring clothes for inmates scheduled to be discharged within 48 hours. Clothes are received 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Friday at N-building.
Weekender/walk-in note: SCDC says weekenders and walk-ins should report to the Intake and Reception Center at 961 Sycamore View, Memphis, TN 38134. Late arrival can affect acceptance and court status.
Locality and Agency Routing: Memphis, Shelby County and Nearby Custody
| Local route | When it matters | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis / Shelby County Jail | Most county jail searches, 201 Poplar, felony/misdemeanor custody, court-connected booking. | Official inmate lookup and 901-222-4700. |
| Jail East | Female custody and women’s facility questions. | 6201 Haley Road; confirm through inmate lookup or jail information. |
| Division of Corrections / Mullins Station | Sentenced post-conviction offenders, weekenders, corrections records. | 1045 Mullins Station Rd.; 901-222-8500 or Inmate Records 901-222-8592. |
| General Sessions Criminal Court | Misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, traffic tickets, early criminal-case stages. | 201 Poplar LL-81; 901-222-3500. |
| Criminal Court | Felony criminal court filings, Criminal Court Clerk records, grand jury, appeals. | 201 Poplar Suite 3034; 901-222-3200. |
| State prison / Tennessee DOC | Person no longer appears in Shelby County custody after sentencing/transfer. | Check Tennessee FOIL after jail confirms transfer. |
| Victim notification | Need release/transfer/escape notification. | TN SAVIN / VINELink and victim-services route. |
Family Checklist: First 24 Hours After Arrest
Do first
- Search the official IML inmate lookup.
- Write down full name, R&I number, location, booking/bond details.
- Call 901-222-4700 if urgent or unclear.
- Ask if the person is at Main Jail, Jail East, Division of Corrections, or transferred.
- Check court date through CJS or 901-222-3500 / 901-222-3600.
- Register with TN SAVIN if release notification matters.
Do not do
- Do not treat a charge as a conviction.
- Do not pay a bond before confirming all holds.
- Do not send personal checks to inmate accounts.
- Do not forget R&I number and Facility Locator Number 105 for deposits.
- Do not bring prohibited items or wrong clothing to visitation.
- Do not miss the court date after release.
Map: Shelby County Main Jail at 201 Poplar
Main downtown jail and Criminal Justice Center route for inmate lookup, court-connected custody, visitation/account offices, records, and General Sessions/Criminal Court access.
| Place | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Main Jail / Criminal Justice Center | 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 | Male jail custody, inmate search follow-up, court connection, account office, records-related routing. |
| Jail East | 6201 Haley Road, Memphis, TN | Female inmate custody, Jail East account office, women’s facility questions. |
| Shelby County Division of Corrections | 1045 Mullins Station Rd., Memphis, TN 38134 • 901-222-8500 | Post-conviction corrections, sentenced inmates, Inmate Records, discharge/weekender routing. |
| Intake and Reception Center | 961 Sycamore View, Memphis, TN 38134 | SCDC weekenders and walk-ins reporting point listed by Corrections. |
| General Sessions Criminal Division | 201 Poplar, Suite LL-81, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3500 | Misdemeanor/preliminary hearing/traffic criminal court route. |
| Criminal Court Clerk | 201 Poplar Avenue, Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-222-3200 | Felony criminal court records, official copies, bonds/warrants, filings. |
Shelby County Jail Inmate Search FAQ
How do I search for an inmate in Shelby County, Tennessee?
Use the official Shelby County inmate lookup at imljail.shelbycountytn.gov/IML. Enter the person’s full correct name. Date of birth helps but is not required.
What number do I call to find out if someone is in jail?
Call jail information at 901-222-4700. Have the full correct spelling of the person’s name ready.
Where is Shelby County Main Jail?
The Main Jail / Criminal Justice Center is at 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.
Where is Jail East?
Jail East is located at 6201 Haley Road in Memphis. Sheriff pages state that women are housed at Jail East.
Why can’t I find someone in the Shelby County inmate search?
The person may still be processing, released, transferred, listed under another spelling, at Jail East, in Division of Corrections custody, or held by another agency. Call 901-222-4700 if urgent.
How do I find bond for someone in custody?
Shelby County FAQ says to visit the Sheriff’s in-jail route or call 901-222-4700. Always ask whether there are other holds before paying bond.
How long does release take?
The Sheriff FAQ says there is no exact time. People must be fingerprinted, photographed, checked through warrants/NCIC/medical and other processing. Actual release may be 3 to 6 hours after release is ordered.
How do I put money on an inmate’s account?
Use mail, lobby kiosks, ConnectNetwork internet deposits, or TouchPay phone deposits. You need the inmate R&I number and Facility Locator Number 105 for many transactions.
What is the TouchPay phone number?
The Shelby County deposit page lists the TouchPay automated system at 1-888-988-4768.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Use the inmate’s complete first and last name and correct R&I number. The sender must include complete first and last name plus street address or P.O. Box. Improper mail can be returned.
How do I find a Shelby County court date?
Use the Criminal Justice Portal at cjs.shelbycountytn.gov or call 901-222-3500 / 901-222-3600 depending on the case route.
How do I get release notifications?
Use TN SAVIN / VINELink. Shelby County says the service is free, anonymous, confidential, and available 24/7/365. The toll-free number is 888-TNVINE1 / 888-868-4631.
Is the Division of Corrections the same as the jail?
No. The Sheriff jail system includes Main Jail and Jail East. The Division of Corrections at 1045 Mullins Station Road handles post-convicted sentenced offenders and corrections records.
Is this the official Shelby County Sheriff website?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official Shelby County, Shelby County Sheriff, court, ConnectNetwork, and TN SAVIN links for live custody, bond, deposit, court, and release information.
Fast Shelby County Jail Checklist
Search: official IML lookup → full correct name → save R&I/location → call 901-222-4700 if unclear.
Bond: confirm bond, holds, warrants, and release sequence before paying.
Money: R&I number + Facility Locator Number 105 → kiosk, ConnectNetwork, or TouchPay.
Court: use CJS portal, General Sessions Criminal at 901-222-3500, or Criminal Court Clerk at 901-222-3200.
Safety: register with TN SAVIN/VINELink for custody-status alerts.