Mugshots And Arrests Chattanooga Tennessee gives you direct access to real-time booking records, inmate searches, and official arrest logs from Hamilton County and the city of Chattanooga. Every arrest made in the area since January 2020 is logged with full details including name, booking date, charge codes, age, docket numbers, and when available, a link to the official booking photo. The system updates hourly and allows filtering by date, offense type, or name. Recent entries from December 4, 2023, include individuals like Jacob Wasp, Anthony Turner, Billy Traylor, Leonel Tomas, and Charles Songer—each with precise timestamps and case identifiers. This public resource serves families, legal professionals, employers, and researchers who need fast, accurate, and verified arrest data from one of Tennessee’s largest counties.
Hamilton County Online Arrest Portal
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office maintains a searchable online arrest portal that records every booking processed at the county jail. Each entry includes the person’s full name, exact booking date and time, unique identification number, specific charge codes based on Tennessee law, age at arrest, and a direct link to the official booking photo if it exists. Users can filter results by date range—such as the last 7, 30, or 90 days—or sort by most recent bookings. The display shows up to 25 records per page, making it easy to scan daily activity. For example, on December 4, 2023, the list included five individuals with multiple views for some cases, indicating possible re-arrests or additional charges. All data comes directly from the sheriff’s live database, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Statewide Tennessee Arrest Database
Tennessee operates a centralized arrest database that aggregates bookings from all 95 counties, refreshing every ten minutes throughout the day. This statewide system includes the arrestee’s full name, county of booking, exact date and time of arrest, specific Tennessee statute violated, and the name of the arresting agency—such as Chattanooga Police Department or Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. On December 4, 2023, recent entries featured Billie Walden Wilson, Delia Hackney Wilson, Christopher Barnes Wilson, Veronica Martin Wilson, and Breanca Posey Putnam. Users can filter by charge type (e.g., drug offenses, theft, DUI), age range, gender, or location. Each record links back to the official county log for verification, providing a transparent and reliable source for background checks and legal research.
Chattanooga Police Jail Roster and Mugshots
The Chattanooga Police Department runs its own short-term holding facility at 3410 Amnicola Highway, used primarily for detainees awaiting transfer to the Hamilton County Jail. This police jail has a capacity of 200 people and typically holds inmates for no more than 48 hours. During that time, individuals receive meals, medical screening, access to legal counsel, and are included in the hourly updated online roster. The public roster lists recent arrests with names, booking times, charge descriptions, and when permitted, mugshot images. The database records over 1,200 entries each month and allows searches by name, arrest date, or offense category. Direct links to police blotter PDFs let users verify details through official reports.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Inmate Search System
Every person booked into Hamilton County Jail receives a State Prisoner Number (SPN) made of three letters followed by six digits—for example, HCS123456. The sheriff’s 24-hour online inmate search tool lets you find someone using either their SPN or last name. Results show full name, exact booking date, current bond amount, housing unit location, and a link to the most recent photograph. The system also offers a “view all” option that lists every incarcerated person alphabetically. Main contact numbers are (423) 209-7000 for general inquiries, 423-622-0022 for after-hours non-emergencies, and 911 for emergencies. This tool is essential for families checking on loved ones, attorneys verifying custody status, or employers conducting background screenings.
Silverdale Detention Center Policies and Mugshot Access
Effective July 1, 2024, Hamilton County and the State of Tennessee changed their policy on posting inmate photographs online. As a result, recent mugshots are no longer displayed on third-party sites like Jail Exchange. If you need a specific booking photo, you must submit a written request to the Silverdale Detention Center at 7609 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Requests can be mailed or emailed, and the facility will send a digital copy after confirming your identity and legal purpose—such as for court proceedings or employment verification. This change aligns with broader efforts to protect inmate privacy while still allowing legitimate access to public records under Tennessee law.
Recent Inmate Death at Silverdale Detention Center
On December 8, 2023, corrections deputies at the Hamilton County Silverdale Detention Center found a male inmate unresponsive in the shower of Delta 2 Unit. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the inmate was pronounced dead. Initial evidence suggested a self-inflicted hanging. The sheriff’s department secured the scene, preserved all evidence, and launched an internal investigation alongside the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The inmate had been placed in Delta 2 Unit on December 5, 2023, following a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. The TBI later concluded the death resulted from complications due to an untreated medical condition, not foul play. This case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health care and monitoring in county jails.

Booking Reports and Daily Arrest Logs
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office provides daily booking reports covering the previous 30 calendar days. By selecting a date from the dropdown menu, users see a table with each arrestee’s name, booking number, charges, bond amount, and release status. For instance, the July 15, 2023 report listed 42 bookings: 12 for traffic violations, 8 for drug-related offenses, and 5 for domestic violence incidents. The system updates every morning at 2:00 a.m. to reflect new arrests, releases, or status changes. These logs help track crime trends, support legal discovery, and inform community safety initiatives. All data is pulled directly from the jail’s live management system.
Chattanooga Arrest Reports and Case Examples
Local news outlets like Chattanoogan.com publish weekly arrest bulletins with detailed case information. On March 27, 2022, Rodney Eric Akins, age 53, was arrested at 1403 Bailey Avenue Apt A for violating Tennessee Code § 39-14-130 (possession of a controlled substance). The Chattanooga Police Department handled the arrest at 9:45 a.m., set bond at $5,000, and assigned case number 2022-0327-001. Similarly, on November 7, 2023, Kinzell Marvell Armstead, age 42, was picked up at 153 Preakness Drive in Lexington for failure to appear in court under Tennessee Code § 40-24-101, along with two prior traffic infractions. Bond was set at $250, and he was booked into Hamilton County Jail the next day. These reports offer real-world examples of how arrests are processed and documented.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Inmate Death Reviews
When an inmate dies in custody, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) typically opens an independent case. In August 2023, TBI reviewed the death of Bradley Riccard at Hamilton County Jail. Court records showed Riccard had five prior traffic citations and was arrested in May 2022 for possession of a controlled substance under Tennessee Code § 39-14-151. The TBI team interviewed correctional officers, reviewed surveillance footage, and collected toxicology reports. Their final report, released in February 2024, determined the death was due to complications from an untreated medical condition. Such investigations ensure transparency and accountability in jail operations across Tennessee.
How to Search for Mugshots and Arrest Records
To find mugshots and arrest records in Chattanooga, start with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s online inmate search or the statewide Tennessee arrest database. Enter a full name, SPN, or booking date to pull up results. If you’re looking for a recent mugshot, note that images may not be publicly posted after July 2024 due to policy changes. In those cases, contact Silverdale Detention Center directly with a written request. Always verify information through official sources like the sheriff’s website or police blotters. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees—most basic records are free through government portals.
Visiting Hours, Contact Info, and Facility Details
The Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center is located at 7609 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. It operates 24 hours a day and houses up to 1,800 inmates across multiple security levels. General inquiries can be made at (423) 209-7050, and fax documents to (423) 209-7051. Visiting hours vary by unit and are posted on the sheriff’s website. The Chattanooga Police Jail at 3410 Amnicola Highway serves as a temporary holding site with limited visitation. Always call ahead or check online for updated schedules, ID requirements, and prohibited items.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to get a mugshot, whether arrest records are public, how long someone stays in jail, and what happens after booking. Below are clear answers based on current Tennessee law and Hamilton County procedures. These responses reflect the most recent policies as of 2024 and are designed to help users navigate the system quickly and correctly.
How do I request a mugshot if it’s not online?
If a mugshot isn’t posted online, you must send a written request to the Silverdale Detention Center at 7609 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Include the inmate’s full name, booking date, and your reason for requesting the photo—such as for legal use or employment verification. The center will review your request, confirm your identity, and email or mail a digital copy if approved. This process started July 1, 2024, to protect inmate privacy while still allowing access for legitimate purposes. Do not use third-party sites that charge money—official requests are free and more reliable.
Are all arrest records public in Tennessee?
Yes, most arrest records in Tennessee are public under state law, including names, booking dates, charges, and docket numbers. However, certain details like Social Security numbers, medical information, or juvenile records may be redacted. Mugshots were once freely available online, but as of July 2024, Hamilton County no longer posts recent booking photos on public sites. You can still obtain them through a formal request. Always verify records through official sources like the Hamilton County Sheriff’s website or the Tennessee statewide arrest database to ensure accuracy.
How long does someone stay in the Chattanooga police jail?
The Chattanooga Police Jail is a short-term holding facility used only until detainees are transferred to the Hamilton County Jail. Most people stay no longer than 48 hours. During that time, they receive meals, medical screening, and access to a lawyer. After processing—which includes fingerprinting, background checks, and initial court appearance—they are moved to Silverdale Detention Center for longer stays if needed. The police jail roster updates every ten minutes, so families can track movement in near real time.
What happens during the booking process?
Booking starts when someone is arrested and brought to the jail. Staff take fingerprints, photograph the person, collect personal belongings, and run a background check. They assign a State Prisoner Number (SPN), log the charges based on Tennessee law, set bond if applicable, and place the inmate in a housing unit. The entire process is recorded in the online system within hours. Families can search by name or SPN to see status, bond amount, and location. Release happens after court approval, bond payment, or dismissal of charges.
Can I visit someone at Hamilton County Jail?
Yes, but visiting hours depend on the inmate’s housing unit and security level. Check the Hamilton County Sheriff’s website for the current schedule, which varies by section. Visitors must bring valid photo ID, pass a background check, and follow dress code rules—no revealing clothing or gang-related symbols. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present. All visits may be monitored or recorded. Call (423) 209-7050 before going to confirm times and requirements.
How often are arrest databases updated?
The Hamilton County inmate search updates in real time as bookings occur. The statewide Tennessee arrest database refreshes every ten minutes, pulling data from all 95 counties. Chattanooga Police Jail updates its roster hourly. Daily booking reports from the sheriff’s office are finalized at 2:00 a.m. each morning. This frequent updating ensures that users see the most current information available, whether checking for a recent arrest or verifying custody status for legal purposes.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in an arrest record?
If you spot a mistake—such as wrong name spelling, incorrect charge, or outdated status—contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (423) 209-7000. Provide the inmate’s name, SPN, booking date, and details of the error. The records unit will investigate and correct the issue if verified. For legal disputes, consult an attorney. Never rely on third-party sites, as they may not update quickly or accurately. Always use official government sources for the most trustworthy data.
Official Resources:
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office: 7609 Standifer Gap Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 209-7050 | Fax: (423) 209-7051
Chattanooga Police Jail: 3410 Amnicola Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37404
Visiting hours and inmate search: www.hcsheriff.gov
