About Campbell County
Campbell County, Tennessee is located in the northeastern part of the state, nestled in the Appalachian region along the Cumberland Plateau. Established in 1806, the county was named after Colonel Arthur Campbell, a Revolutionary War officer. The county seat is Jacksboro, a small community that serves as the administrative center for approximately 39,000 residents spread across 480 square miles. Campbell County is bordered by Scott, Claiborne, Union, and Anderson counties, and sits adjacent to the Cove Lake State Park and portions of the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area.
- The Campbell County Register of Deeds maintains property records and is located within the courthouse complex.
The county is characterized by rugged terrain, coal mining heritage, and the scenic beauty of the Cumberland Mountains. Major communities include LaFollette, the largest city in the county, as well as Jellico, Caryville, and Rocky Top. The county's history is deeply tied to coal extraction, timber harvesting, and railroad development.
The Campbell County Courthouse in Jacksboro houses the County Clerk's office at 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757, where vital records, land records, and court filings are maintained. The County Assessor's office, also in Jacksboro, handles property tax assessments and maintains parcel data. Campbell County's economy has diversified beyond its mining roots to include manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, with Norris Lake and Cove Lake attracting outdoor recreation enthusiasts year-round.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees the operation of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated narcotics unit that addresses drug-related crimes in the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Campbell County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The LaFollette Police Department and the Jellico Police Department are key agencies responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits. These departments handle local policing duties, including traffic enforcement and responding to city ordinance violations. Coordination between the county sheriff and city police departments is common, especially in handling major crimes or incidents that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office, located at 140 Charles Seivers Boulevard, LaFollette, TN 37766, is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for patrol, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of the Campbell County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (423) 562-8188, and maintains a presence online though no comprehensive public website exists for inmate searches. To look up current jail inmates in Campbell County, individuals may contact the detention facility directly at (423) 562-8188 or visit the facility in person during business hours.
- Written requests for arrest records should be directed to the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though Campbell County does not currently maintain a publicly searchable online mugshot database.
- Processing times for arrest record requests vary but are generally fulfilled within a few business days unless extensive redaction is required.
- Tennessee law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public records requests promptly, and denials must cite specific exemptions under state law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Campbell County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the TBI's online portal, which provides comprehensive information about an individual's criminal history in Tennessee.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, offering details about registered offenders residing in Campbell County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Campbell County are maintained by the Campbell County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including charges, booking information, and arresting officer details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court dates. Tennessee's public records law, known as the Tennessee Public Records Act, governs the accessibility of these documents, ensuring transparency and public access.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Campbell County Jail, officially known as the Campbell County Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in the county are booked and held. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information. Inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols. In Tennessee, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Campbell County are taken and retained by the Campbell County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Mugshots are often included in arrest records and can be searched online through third-party services that aggregate public records. Tennessee does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Campbell County's judicial system operates through the Campbell County Circuit Court and the Campbell County General Sessions Court, both located at the Campbell County Courthouse, 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, appeals from lower courts, and equity cases including divorces. The General Sessions Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, civil matters up to $25,000, and serves as the county's juvenile court.
- The Tennessee Court System maintains TnCourts.gov, which provides limited online case lookup through the Public Case History portal, though not all Campbell County cases appear in the state system.
- In-person requests for case files, dockets, and certified copies can be made at the Circuit Court Clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with additional search fees sometimes applicable.
- Campbell County does not currently offer a comprehensive online portal for full case document access, making in-person or mail requests the primary method for obtaining detailed court records.
Property & Public Records
The Campbell County Register of Deeds, located at 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757, maintains all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, liens (including tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens), subdivision plats, and right-of-way documents. The office can be reached at (423) 562-2981 and operates during standard business hours for in-person research.
- All documents recorded since the early 2000s are typically available as digital images, while older records require in-person research or special request.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds costing approximately $14.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5.00 per document plus copy fees.
Campbell County offers a free online property records search through the Tyler Technologies system, accessible via the county website, where users can search by owner name, parcel ID, or property address to view deed images, instrument numbers, book and page references, and recorded dates. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Campbell County Trustee's office and the Campbell County Assessor's office, both located at the courthouse in Jacksboro. The Assessor maintains property appraisals, parcel maps, and ownership data, with a GIS parcel viewer available online that allows the public to view property boundaries, assessment values, sales history, and tax information.
The Trustee's office collects property taxes and can provide payment history and delinquency information. Online tax payment options are available through the county website, and tax records are public information under Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-5-2101.
Vital Records
Vital records in Campbell County, Tennessee are maintained and issued by multiple offices depending on the type and date of the record. Birth and death certificates that occurred within Campbell County are filed with the Campbell County Clerk's office at 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757, telephone (423) 562-2624. However, Tennessee centralized vital records in 1949, and the most reliable source for certified birth and death certificates is the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Central Services Building, 421 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and processing timeline.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $99.50, reduced to $60.50 if the couple completes a premarital preparation course.
- Online ordering of Tennessee vital records is available through VitalChek.com, though expedited service involves additional fees.
- Walk-in service at the County Clerk's office in Jacksboro can sometimes provide same-day processing for marriage records and licenses.
Birth certificates for births occurring after 1949 cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times of approximately 4-6 weeks by mail or 2-3 weeks in person at state offices. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-303. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order can obtain certified copies.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Campbell County Clerk's office in Jacksboro, and couples must apply in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in Campbell County and are considered court records subject to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 42.
Business & Licensing
Business and professional licensing in Campbell County involves multiple government levels. Local business licenses and commercial activity permits are administered through the Campbell County Clerk's office at 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757, phone (423) 562-2624. Businesses operating within incorporated municipalities such as LaFollette, Jellico, or Caryville must also obtain city business licenses from their respective city recorder or city clerk offices.
Assumed name certificates (DBA - doing business as) and trade name registrations can be filed with the Campbell County Clerk for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. For formal business entity formation—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations—Tennessee requires registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at tnbear.tn.gov where the public can look up business entity registrations, view corporate officers and registered agents, check entity status (active, dissolved, revoked), and review annual report filings at no charge.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by Tennessee state licensing boards, not the county. Sales tax permits are issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods. Building permits, zoning approvals, and construction-related permits in unincorporated Campbell County are handled by the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Department, typically located at the county administration building.
The Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, based in LaFollette, provides business resources, economic development information, and networking opportunities; it can be reached via the LaFollette-Campbell County Chamber website and serves as a valuable resource for new and existing businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Campbell County, Tennessee are administered by the Campbell County Election Commission, located at 570 Main Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757, phone (423) 562-2851. The Election Commission oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, manages polling places, conducts early voting, processes absentee ballot applications, certifies election results, and ensures compliance with Tennessee election law.
- Tennessee requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Campbell County experienced voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with rural Tennessee counties in presidential election years.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Campbell County Election Commission and are available online at sos.tn.gov.
Voter registration in Campbell County can be completed in person at the Election Commission office, at the County Clerk's office, at Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles locations when obtaining or renewing a driver license, or online through the Tennessee Online Voter Registration system at ovr.govote.tn.gov. Registered voters in Campbell County can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Tennessee Secretary of State's voter information portal at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup. Campbell County typically operates multiple polling places across the county on Election Day, with consolidated early voting locations in Jacksboro and LaFollette during the early voting period (typically 20 days before an election in Tennessee).
The next major election is November 3, 2026, when Tennessee voters will elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senator (Class II seat), the Governor of Tennessee, and numerous state legislative and local offices.
Absentee voting by mail in Tennessee requires voters to meet specific criteria outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-6-201, including being 60 years or older, having a physical disability, being a caretaker of a disabled person, being hospitalized or ill, being absent from the county during early voting and Election Day, being a full-time student outside the county, serving as a poll official, or being unable to vote during early voting or Election Day due to religious obligations or work requirements. Election records in Campbell County are public records subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Citizens may request voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-2-122), campaign finance reports for local candidates, precinct-level election results, and candidate nominating petitions.
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance (TREF) maintains campaign finance disclosures for state and local candidates online at tn.gov/tref. Campbell County provides transparency in elections through public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment before elections, public canvassing of results, and availability of election materials for inspection upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Campbell County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its historic reliance on coal mining to a more diversified economic base encompassing manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and outdoor tourism. The county's location along Interstate 75 and proximity to Knoxville (approximately 50 miles south) provides strategic advantages for industrial development and logistics. Major employers in Campbell County include the LaFollette Utilities Board, Jellico Community Hospital (part of Tennova Healthcare), various school system entities, and county government operations.
- The median household income in Campbell County is approximately $38,000, which is below the Tennessee state median, reflecting the economic challenges facing many rural Appalachian communities.
Manufacturing facilities in the area produce automotive components, building materials, and consumer goods, taking advantage of the region's transportation infrastructure and workforce. Unemployment rates have historically tracked above state averages but have improved in recent years with economic development initiatives. Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, retail trade, and accommodation and food services related to tourism.
Natural resource extraction, while diminished from its historical peak, still plays a role in the local economy. The Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area and Cove Lake State Park draw hunters, anglers, hikers, and campers, contributing tourism revenue. Norris Lake, one of Tennessee's premier recreational lakes, forms part of Campbell County's northern border and drives seasonal economic activity through marinas, vacation rentals, and related services.
Economic development efforts focus on industrial park development, workforce training through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and infrastructure improvements. Campbell County faces ongoing challenges including population decline, aging infrastructure, and competition for business investment with neighboring counties, but community leaders have prioritized diversification and quality-of-life improvements to attract residents and employers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (State Portal) | Property: ✅ Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online (Local In-Person) | Elections: ✅ State Portal & Local Office | Overall Score: 6/10 — Campbell County provides good property record access online but lags in digital jail/arrest records and comprehensive court access.
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Cities & Towns in Campbell County
Nearby Counties
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