Wilson County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Wilson County?
Inmate records in Wilson County, Tennessee, are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the court system maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, photograph the individual, and record any relevant medical or classification data. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, court appearances, and bond status. Upon release, the record is closed and archived but remains subject to public records laws.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all public records are presumed open for inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Custody records maintained by the Wilson County Sheriff's Office fall within this framework, making most booking and detention information accessible to members of the public upon request.
Wilson County Sheriff's Office 131 East Main Boulevard, Lebanon, TN 37087 (615) 444-1412 Wilson County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Wilson County?
Inmate records in Wilson County are generally public under Tennessee law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 establishes that all public records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee, and custodians of such records are required to make them available during normal business hours. The Tennessee Public Records Act does not carve out a blanket exemption for jail or detention records, meaning the majority of booking and custody information is accessible to the general public.
The following categories of inmate information are currently available to the public in Wilson County:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Wilson County Detention Center
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
- Charges filed — the specific criminal charges associated with each booking
- Mugshots — booking photographs taken at intake
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court or magistrate for release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or where a specific statutory exemption applies. Juvenile records and certain sensitive medical data are protected under separate provisions of Tennessee law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Wilson County
Inmate records maintained by the Wilson County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in a complete inmate record.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing assignment and facility unit
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and corresponding statute citations
- Charge level (felony, misdemeanor, or violation)
- Offense date and jurisdiction
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date and court division
- Case number and presiding judge
- Prior court appearances during current custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date based on sentence calculation
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Transferring agency if applicable
Wilson County Prison System
Wilson County operates a local detention facility designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of typically one year or less. This structure is consistent with the standard distinction between county jails and state prisons: county jails are administered by the elected Sheriff and serve a local function, while state prisons are operated by the Tennessee Department of Correction and house individuals convicted of felonies with longer sentences.
The Wilson County Detention Center serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested within Wilson County, including those arrested by municipal police departments in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and Watertown. The facility also holds individuals on behalf of other jurisdictions under intergovernmental agreements and may house federal detainees on a contract basis.
Wilson County Sheriff's Office / Wilson County Detention Center 131 East Main Boulevard, Lebanon, TN 37087 (615) 444-1412 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Wilson County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Wilson County
Wilson County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:
Wilson County Detention Center 131 East Main Boulevard, Lebanon, TN 37087 (615) 444-1412 Wilson County Sheriff's Office
The Wilson County Detention Center is a county-operated jail facility managed under the authority of the Wilson County Sheriff. It provides pre-trial detention for individuals who have not posted bond, holds sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and may house state or federal detainees under contract. The facility maintains classification systems to separate inmates by custody level, gender, and special housing needs. Individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year are transferred to a Tennessee Department of Correction facility following sentencing.
Who's in Prison In Wilson County
The Wilson County Detention Center houses several distinct populations of incarcerated individuals. Members of the public seeking to understand who is held at the facility may find the following categories relevant:
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they have not posted bond or have been denied bail
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of one year or less
- Probation and parole violators — individuals held on detainers or warrants related to violations of supervision conditions
- Court-ordered holds — individuals held pursuant to specific judicial orders, including civil commitments or contempt findings
- Contract detainees — individuals held on behalf of other law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to more than one year are not housed at the Wilson County Detention Center on a long-term basis; they are transferred to a state facility operated by the Tennessee Department of Correction.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Wilson County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Wilson County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods for locating current and historical custody information.
Online Search: The Wilson County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate roster through its official website. Members of the public may visit wilsonso.com and navigate to the inmate search or jail roster section to view individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated regularly and typically includes name, charges, bond amount, and booking date.
In-Person Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the Wilson County Sheriff's Office during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM) to request inmate records. Requests for historical records or certified copies may require submission of a written public records request pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503.
Telephone Inquiry: General custody status inquiries may be directed to the Wilson County Detention Center at (615) 444-1412 during business hours.
State-Level Search: For individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and transferred to a state facility, members of the public may conduct a Tennessee felony offender search through the Tennessee Department of Correction's online database.
Written Public Records Request: Formal written requests for inmate records should be addressed to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 131 East Main Boulevard, Lebanon, TN 37087. Under current law, the custodian must respond promptly and no later than seven business days from receipt of the request.
How To Find an Inmate in Wilson County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Wilson County at no cost is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods are currently available at no charge to members of the public:
- Wilson County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster — The official roster available at wilsonso.com provides free access to current custody information including name, charges, and bond status.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information — The Tennessee Department of Correction's offender lookup provides free access to information on individuals convicted of felony offenses and currently or previously under the supervision of the state.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Wilson County Detention Center at (615) 444-1412 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may visit the Wilson County Sheriff's Office during public counter hours to request custody information without charge.
How To Visit an Inmate In Wilson County
Members of the public wishing to visit an individual incarcerated at the Wilson County Detention Center must comply with all facility visitation policies established by the Wilson County Sheriff's Office.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visits may be denied if the visitor is not on the approved list or if the inmate has lost visitation privileges due to disciplinary action.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration. Members of the public should contact the Wilson County Detention Center at (615) 444-1412 or visit wilsonso.com to confirm current visitation days and times prior to arrival.
What to Bring:
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
- Unauthorized food, beverages, or packages
- Electronic devices not expressly permitted by facility policy
- Excessive cash or valuables
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with the facility prior to the visit.
Visit Types: The Wilson County Detention Center may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, and video visitation depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment.
Visit Restrictions: Individuals with active felony warrants, individuals on probation or parole (unless approved by their supervising officer), and individuals who have been previously banned from the facility may be denied visitation. Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a Wilson County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Wilson County Detention Center through approved methods. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses.
Approved Methods:
- Online deposits — Members of the public may deposit funds through approved third-party payment platforms designated by the facility. Contact the Wilson County Detention Center at (615) 444-1412 to confirm the current approved provider.
- Kiosk deposits — Lobby kiosks at the facility may accept cash or card deposits directly to an inmate's account.
- Money order by mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including the inmate's full name and booking number) may be mailed to the Wilson County Detention Center at 131 East Main Boulevard, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Amount Limits: Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the facility or the approved payment provider.
Fees: Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not set these fees; they are determined by the service provider.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Funds from unauthorized sources may be rejected
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence costs. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Wilson County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Wilson County Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility policy and applicable Tennessee law.
Mailing Address: All mail should be addressed as follows: Inmate Full Name, Booking Number Wilson County Detention Center 131 East Main Boulevard Lebanon, TN 37087
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and colored paper may be restricted
- Envelopes must include the sender's full return address
- Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; Polaroid photographs and photos with explicit content are typically prohibited
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual
- No stickers, glitter, perfume, or foreign substances may be applied to mail
- Mail containing contraband, coded language, or threats will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral
- Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and is subject to different inspection procedures to protect attorney-client privilege under applicable law
Members of the public should contact the Wilson County Detention Center at (615) 444-1412 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence, as facility rules are subject to revision by facility administration.