About Decatur County
Established
1845
Named After
naval hero Commodore
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Written requests for arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Tennessee and may be available through direct request to the jail or law enforcement agency.
- Response times for records requests vary, and requesters should be prepared to provide specific information about the incident date, arrestee name, or case number.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Tennessee state laws, allowing detainees to post bail for release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically include a base certification fee plus per-page copying charges as set by Tennessee statute.
- Requesters should provide case numbers, party names, or filing dates to help with searches.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees are established by Tennessee statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- The office provides public access to deed books and indexes during regular business hours, and staff can assist with locating specific documents by grantor/grantee name, property description, or book and page reference.
- Online access to property records may be available through third-party vendors or Decatur County's GIS system, though availability and fees should be confirmed directly with county offices.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees.
- Decatur County GIS mapping system, if available, provides parcel-level geographic information including boundaries, dimensions, and aerial photography, useful for research, development, and legal purposes.
22 Court Square, Decaturville, TN 38329
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, though fees should be confirmed with the Clerk's office.
- Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with a direct interest as defined by Tennessee law, with similar fee structures.
- Processing time for vital records obtained through the County Clerk is generally 1-3 business days for in-person requests.
- The Tennessee Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Nashville is the central state repository for all Tennessee vital records and accepts mail, online, and in-person requests.
22 Court Square, Decaturville, TN 38329
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are processed by Decatur County Planning and Zoning Office or Building Inspector, with requirements varying based on project type and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Decatur County, Tennessee?
To search for someone recently arrested in Decatur County, Tennessee, you can contact the Decatur County Sheriff's Office, which manages the Decatur County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup process that can be accessed by calling the Sheriff's Office directly at their official phone number. You may visit the Sheriff's Office in person to inquire about recent arrests and inmate information.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Decatur County, Tennessee?
Mugshots or booking photos in Decatur County, Tennessee, are typically maintained by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. You can request these photos by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Some booking photos may also be available through online portals associated with the Sheriff's Office, depending on their current digital offerings.
How do I get a criminal background check in Decatur County, Tennessee?
To obtain a criminal background check in Decatur County, Tennessee, you should contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which provides background checks for the state. Locally, you may also visit the Decatur County Sheriff's Office to inquire about any additional requirements or processes they might have. The TBI offers an online portal where you can request and pay for a background check.
How can I look up sex offenders in Decatur County, Tennessee?
To look up sex offenders in Decatur County, Tennessee, you can use the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, which is maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This registry provides an online search tool where you can enter specific information to find registered sex offenders in the area. The registry is accessible to the public and provides details such as names, addresses, and offenses.
How do I register to vote in Decatur County, Tennessee?
Voter registration in Decatur County is handled by the Decatur County Election Commission located at the courthouse in Decaturville. You can register online at GoVoteTN.gov, by mail, or in person at the Election Commission office. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election, and you must be a U.S. Citizen, Tennessee resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Absentee voting is available for eligible voters who meet specific criteria under Tennessee law.
How do I look up property records in Decatur County, Tennessee?
Property records in Decatur County are maintained by the Register of Deeds office at 22 Court Square in Decaturville, which holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps dating to 1845. Property tax information and assessed values are available through the Decatur Property Assessor of Property and Trustee offices at the courthouse. Online access to property records may be limited, and most searches require in-person visits or phone contact with county offices during regular business hours. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Decatur County, Tennessee?
Birth and death certificates for events in Decatur County can be obtained from the Decatur County Clerk's Office at 22 Court Square, Decaturville, TN 38329, or from the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Nashville. The fee is typically $15 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies ordered at the same time. In-person requests at the County Clerk's office are processed within 1-3 business days, while mail and online orders through the state take longer. Valid photo identification and proof of eligibility (direct relationship or legal interest) are required.
How do I find business license records in Decatur County, Tennessee?
Business name registrations (DBAs and fictitious names) in Decatur County are filed with the Decatur County Clerk's Office at the courthouse and are available for public inspection. For corporations and LLCs, search the Tennessee Secretary of State's Business Entity Database at tnbear.tn.gov, which provides free online access to all registered business entities in Tennessee. Local business licenses may be required by municipalities such as Parsons or Scotts Hill, and specific licensing information should be confirmed with the appropriate town office or county Planning Department.