Felony Offender Information Lookup gives you direct access to Tennessee’s statewide registry of individuals convicted of felonies under the Tennessee Department of Correction. This system updates every night with new transfers, sentence changes, and release dates from county sheriffs, municipal courts, state prisons, and the parole board. You can search by name or TDOC ID to view full legal name, birth date, statute number, charge description, sentencing length, parole eligibility, and current location—whether in prison or under community supervision. Always confirm critical details with your local court clerk or the TDOC public information office before making legal or personal decisions based on this data.
How Tennessee’s FOIL System Works
The Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) system pulls real-time data from multiple official sources across Tennessee. County jails, city courts, state correctional facilities, and the parole board all feed records into a central database refreshed nightly. This ensures users see the most current status for each offender, including recent transfers or changes in custody level. Each record shows the person’s full legal name, date of birth, conviction details like statute number and charge description, total sentence length, and whether they’re eligible for parole. The system also lists their exact location—such as a specific prison or community supervision office—so you know where they are right now.
Accessing FOIL Through MyTN Portal
To use the Felony Offender Information Lookup, log into the MyTN portal—a secure state service hub available 24/7 on any device. Once inside, go to the “Public Safety” tab and select the FOIL module. You’ll need either the offender’s full name or their TDOC identification number to start your search. Optional filters let you narrow results by conviction year, type of offense, or current custodial status. After submitting your query, the results page displays a booking photo, facility address, upcoming parole hearing dates, restitution amounts owed, and a button to download the full profile as a PDF for your records.
Mobile Access with the Free FOIL App
Tennessee offers a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that mirrors the full functionality of the web-based Felony Offender Information Lookup. The app lets you search by name or ID, apply filters for facility type or parole status, and save frequent searches for quick access later. One standout feature is push notifications—you can set alerts to get emailed when an offender’s status changes, such as a transfer or parole approval. Since launching in 2018, the app has handled over 250,000 unique searches, showing strong public demand for easy access to correctional data.
Search Fields and Security Features
The FOIL search page includes four main options: “Search By Name,” “Search By TDOC ID,” “Search By State ID,” and an “Include Aliases” checkbox to catch alternate spellings or maiden names. To prevent bots from scraping data, users must complete a case-sensitive CAPTCHA showing six random characters before submitting. Results appear in a clean table with columns for name, current facility, parole eligibility date, and a link to the detailed profile. That profile contains court docket numbers, sentencing guidelines, pending appeals, and more—all pulled directly from official records.
Why Nightly Updates Matter
Because the Felony Offender Information Lookup refreshes every night, it captures same-day changes like inmate transfers, sentence modifications, or early releases. This daily sync with county jails, courts, and prisons means you’re not relying on outdated info. However, emergency moves or temporary holds might not show up instantly. That’s why officials recommend double-checking critical details—like release dates or custody status—with the local court clerk or TDOC’s public information office before taking action based on a search result.
Comparing Statewide Offender Databases
Other states offer similar systems but with key differences. North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety database holds over 600,000 records dating back to 1972 and updates weekly. Florida’s offender search refreshes nightly and shows whether someone is in prison, on probation, or scheduled for release within 90 days. Oklahoma’s portal includes mental health resources and case manager contacts. Michigan’s OTIS tracks active supervision and post-release compliance for three years. Texas updates twice daily and provides facility phone numbers. Each system serves the same goal—public access to felony offender data—but varies in speed, depth, and usability.
Limitations and Legal Considerations
While the Felony Offender Information Lookup is a powerful tool, it has limits. The data comes from reporting agencies and may contain errors or delays. It only includes people under TDOC jurisdiction—not those serving sentences in local jails for misdemeanors or federal inmates. Also, the system doesn’t show expunged records or juvenile offenses. Users should never make housing, employment, or safety decisions based solely on this database. Always verify with official sources like the county clerk or TDOC before acting on any information found here.
Who Uses FOIL and Why
People use the Felony Offender Information Lookup for many reasons. Families check on loved ones in custody. Landlords screen potential tenants. Employers conduct background checks. Journalists investigate crime trends. Advocacy groups monitor parole outcomes. Law enforcement verifies suspect identities. Even neighbors use it to stay informed about who lives nearby. Whatever your reason, remember that this data is public record—but it’s not always 100% current or complete. Treat it as a starting point, not a final answer.
Privacy and Public Safety Balance
Tennessee designed FOIL to balance transparency with privacy. While most felony offender details are public, the system excludes sensitive info like Social Security numbers, medical records, or home addresses (except for facility locations). Photos are limited to booking shots, not recent images. The goal is to inform the public without enabling harassment or discrimination. Still, misuse can happen—so users must follow ethical guidelines and respect individuals’ rights, even those with criminal histories.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Search mistakes are easy to make. Typos in names can miss matches. Using nicknames instead of legal names leads to empty results. Forgetting to check the “Include Aliases” box hides relevant records. Some users assume “released” means fully free, but it could mean moved to probation. Others think “parole eligible” means parole granted—it doesn’t. Always read each field carefully. If you get no results, try a partial name or different spelling. When in doubt, call the TDOC public info line for help.
Downloading and Saving Records
Every Felony Offender Information Lookup result includes a PDF download button. This creates a snapshot of the profile at the time of your search, useful for applications, court filings, or personal records. The PDF contains all visible details: name, photo, charges, sentence, location, and hearing dates. Keep these files secure—they contain personal data protected under state law. Do not share them publicly unless required for official purposes.
Historical Data and Archive Access
FOIL focuses on current and recent offenders, but some historical data is available. Released inmates stay in the system for a period, often until their parole ends or they complete supervision. However, very old records—especially from before digital systems—may not be online. For those, contact the Tennessee State Library and Archives or the specific county courthouse where the conviction occurred. They hold paper files and microfilm that aren’t part of the digital lookup.
Technical Requirements and Browser Support
The Felony Offender Information Lookup works on all modern browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. It’s mobile-friendly, so phones and tablets display results clearly. No special plugins or software are needed. Just ensure JavaScript is enabled for the CAPTCHA and PDF features to work. If you have trouble loading the page, clear your cache or try a different network. The MyTN portal requires a free account, which you can create with an email and valid Tennessee address.
Contact Information for Help
If you can’t find what you need or have questions about a record, reach out directly. The Tennessee Department of Correction’s public information office handles FOIL inquiries. You can call during business hours or email for written responses. County clerks also assist with local conviction details not yet synced to the state database. Always provide the offender’s full name and TDOC ID (if known) to speed up assistance.
Official Website: https://www.tn.gov/correction/redirect-agency-services/foil.html
Phone: (615) 741-1000
Address: 3400 North Martin Luther King Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (Central Time)
Related Resources for Public Records
Beyond Tennessee’s Felony Offender Information Lookup, other states offer comparable tools. Explore these official databases for broader research:
- North Carolina Criminal Offender Search
- Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Oklahoma DOC Offender Information
- Wisconsin DOC Offender Information
- Michigan OTIS Offender Tracking
- Texas TDCJ Inmate Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have similar questions about the Felony Offender Information Lookup. Below are clear, direct answers based on official guidelines and common usage patterns.
How often is the Felony Offender Information Lookup updated?
The Tennessee FOIL database refreshes every night around midnight Central Time. This nightly update pulls the latest data from county jails, municipal courts, state prisons, and the parole board. Changes like inmate transfers, sentence adjustments, or release dates appear within 24 hours. However, emergency relocations or temporary holds may not show up immediately. For time-sensitive matters—such as verifying a release date before meeting someone—always call the facility or TDOC public information office to confirm the current status. The system is designed for public transparency, not real-time tracking, so small delays can occur during high-volume periods like holidays or court rush days.
Can I search for someone using just their first name or nickname?
No, the Felony Offender Information Lookup requires either a full legal last name or a valid TDOC ID number. Partial names, nicknames, or initials will not return results unless they match an alias listed in the system. If you’re unsure of the exact spelling, try common variations (e.g., “Smith” vs. “Smyth”) or use the “Include Aliases” checkbox to capture maiden names or alternate spellings. For best results, combine the name search with filters like conviction year or offense category. If you still can’t find a record, the person may not be under TDOC jurisdiction—they could be in a local jail, federal prison, or have completed their sentence without supervision.
Why doesn’t the database show my relative who was recently arrested?
The Felony Offender Information Lookup only includes individuals convicted of felonies and currently under TDOC control—either in state prison or on parole/probation. If your relative was recently arrested but not yet convicted, they’re likely in a county jail and won’t appear in FOIL. Similarly, misdemeanor offenders or those sentenced to local detention aren’t included. Also, if the conviction happened outside Tennessee or in federal court, it won’t be in this database. Check the county sheriff’s website for jail rosters or contact the local court clerk for pending case details. Once sentencing is complete and the person enters state custody, their record should appear within 24–48 hours.
Is the booking photo in FOIL a current picture?
No, the photo displayed in the Felony Offender Information Lookup is the booking photo taken at the time of incarceration. It is not updated regularly and may be several years old. The system does not store recent images due to privacy and logistical constraints. If you need a current photo for identification purposes—such as verifying someone’s appearance after release—contact the TDOC public information office or the supervising parole officer. They may provide updated visuals under specific circumstances, but generally, only law enforcement agencies have access to recent inmate photos.
Can employers use FOIL for background checks?
Yes, employers can use the Felony Offender Information Lookup as part of a background check, but with important limitations. The data is public record, so accessing it is legal. However, Tennessee law restricts how this information can be used in hiring decisions. Employers cannot automatically reject applicants based solely on a felony record—they must consider the nature of the offense, time passed, and job relevance. Also, FOIL only shows TDOC-managed convictions; it misses local misdemeanors, federal crimes, or expunged records. For comprehensive screening, pair FOIL with county court searches and national databases. Always inform applicants if you use criminal history in hiring and follow EEOC guidelines to avoid discrimination claims.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a FOIL record?
If you spot an error—such as a wrong birth date, incorrect charge, or outdated location—contact the Tennessee Department of Correction’s public information office immediately. Provide the offender’s name, TDOC ID, and a description of the mistake. The TDOC will investigate and correct the record if needed, but this can take several days. For legal issues like wrongful classification or sentencing errors, reach out to the original convicting court or the offender’s attorney. The FOIL system reflects data submitted by agencies, so corrections must come from the source. Keep copies of your communication for your records.
Does FOIL include sex offender registry information?
No, the Felony Offender Information Lookup does not include sex offender registry details. Tennessee maintains a separate Sex Offender Registry managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. That site shows registration status, risk level, and residential addresses (where permitted by law). FOIL focuses only on custody status, sentencing, and facility location for all felony types. If you’re researching someone for safety concerns, check both systems. Remember, not all felons are sex offenders, and not all sex offenders are in prison—many are on community supervision.