Hickman County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hickman County in 2026
HickmanRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Hickman County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, bond information, and criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Hickman County Sheriff's Office maintains current jail roster and booking information for individuals held at the Hickman County Jail. Members of the public may access the Tennessee Felony Offender Information lookup tool maintained by the Tennessee Department of Correction to search for individuals serving felony sentences. The jail roster reflects real-time custody status and is updated as bookings and releases occur. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Centerville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Hickman County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level agencies may submit a written public records request to the respective department.
Centerville Police Department 100 East Swan Street Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-4236 City of Centerville
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Criminal court cases arising from arrests in Hickman County are filed in the Circuit Court or General Sessions Court. Members of the public may search case records through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management portal. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Tennessee Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and conviction information from jurisdictions statewide. Public criminal history requests are available for a fee of $29.00 per search. The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Tennessee.
In-Person Access:
Hickman County Sheriff's Office 107 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-3391 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Hickman County Sheriff's Office
Individuals requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.
Hickman County General Sessions Court Clerk 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tennessee Courts
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Hickman County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.
By Phone:
The Hickman County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (931) 729-3391 during regular business hours. Limited information, such as current custody status, may be provided by phone. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed records requests are referred to in-person or written submission.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials exempt from standard public disclosure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest
Are Arrest Records Public in Hickman County
Arrest records in Hickman County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state and local government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this presumption of openness because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency and accountability.
As the Tennessee Attorney General has stated, "The Public Records Act reflects a legislative policy that the public is entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government." This principle underlies the public availability of arrest records maintained by the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the courts.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Tennessee law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions that protect specific categories of sensitive information while preserving broad public access to arrest records. First Amendment principles support press access to booking information and court proceedings.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction: an arrest reflects a charge, not a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.
What's in Hickman County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Hickman County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Hickman County is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act and applicable local fee schedules. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (black and white) | $0.15 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| TBI Criminal History Search | $29.00 per search |
| Court case copies | $0.50 per page (Circuit Court Clerk) |
Inspection Fees: Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certification Fees: Certified copies of court records carry an additional fee set by the Clerk of Court. Current certification fees should be confirmed directly with the Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk at (931) 729-2621.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money order
- Personal check (accepted by some offices)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office)
Fee Waivers: Tennessee law permits custodians to waive fees in certain circumstances, including requests made by indigent individuals or where the public interest in disclosure is substantial. Fee waiver requests should be submitted in writing to the records custodian.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records
- Online jail roster review through the Sheriff's Office website
- Online case search through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts portal
How To Delete Arrest Records in Hickman County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. These remedies are distinct, and eligibility depends on the nature of the charge and the outcome of the case.
Expungement under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101 authorizes the destruction of arrest records in specified circumstances. Expungement is available in Tennessee for:
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Certain first-offense convictions for eligible misdemeanors and low-level felonies after completion of sentence
- Successful completion of a diversion program
Sealing restricts public access to records without physical destruction. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies but are not available to the general public or standard background check inquiries.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Hickman County:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge classification and case disposition.
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- File the petition with the Hickman County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee. As of the current fee schedule, the filing fee for expungement petitions in Tennessee is $350.00 for eligible convictions; no fee applies for dismissals and acquittals.
- Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney General's office and the arresting agency.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one.
- Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the TBI and local agencies to update or destroy records accordingly.
Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General, 21st Judicial District (Serving Hickman, Lewis, Perry, and Wayne Counties) P.O. Box 686 Waynesboro, TN 38485 Phone: (931) 722-5230 Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Individuals seeking expungement are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria published by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and to consult with the Circuit Court Clerk regarding current procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Hickman County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Hickman County, the arrested individual is transported to the Hickman County Jail, located at 107 College Avenue, Centerville, TN 37033. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Hickman County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
The initial appearance may be conducted via video conference in Hickman County.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount under Tennessee law. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender's Office – 21st Judicial District Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Applications are completed at the initial appearance or through the court clerk's office.
Hickman County Public Defender 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private counsel.
Charging Decision:
The District Attorney General's office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Tennessee offers pretrial diversion for eligible first-time offenders; successful completion results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement.
Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Hickman County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 107 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-3391 Hickman County Sheriff's Office
Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General, 21st Judicial District P.O. Box 686 Waynesboro, TN 38485 Phone: (931) 722-5230 Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Public Defender's Office – 21st Judicial District 104 College Avenue Centerville, TN 37033 Phone: (931) 729-2621 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hickman County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Hickman County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes minimum retention periods for records maintained by state and local government agencies. Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific record may submit a written inquiry to the Hickman County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (931) 729-3391.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Arrest and conviction records for felony offenses are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are subject to the applicable retention schedule, which at present provides for long-term or permanent retention of conviction records.
Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests where charges were subsequently dismissed may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained according to the applicable schedule but may be expunged upon petition.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in a not guilty verdict at trial are retained in court records, which are often permanent. Local law enforcement records may be retained for a period of years. These records are eligible for expungement under Tennessee law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where the prosecutor declined to file charges are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level and are among the most readily eligible for expungement.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are often retained for longer periods, and electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis in many instances.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Hickman County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Tennessee records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives retention schedule. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: The TBI maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions in the state. Retention policy at the state repository level provides for long-term retention of all arrest and disposition records submitted by local agencies.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Tennessee agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the destruction or sealing of local records and requires the TBI to update the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record even following expungement. The timeframe for removal from the state repository following an expungement order is subject to the processing schedule of the TBI.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal seven-year period for non-conviction arrest records. Employers in certain industries and positions are exempt from the seven-year limitation under federal law.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Hickman County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (931) 729-3391 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.