To find inmate records in Putnam County, Tennessee, you have several options. Online, you can search the Putnam County Sheriff's Office website (http://www.putnamsheriff.org/), which often provides an inmate roster or jail records search tool. Additionally, statewide resources like the Tennessee Department of Correction’s Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) can be helpful for locating inmates in state custody. For more detailed or official records, you can visit the Putnam County Justice Center in person at 421 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN 38501, or contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (931) 528-8484. The Putnam County Clerk’s Office and Circuit Court Clerk’s Office may also provide information about recent arrests or court proceedings related to inmates. When making offline requests, you may be asked to provide the inmate’s full name, date of birth, or case number for faster service.

How to Find an Inmate in Putnam County, TN

Inmate records for Putnam County, TN are accessible online and through official agencies, depending on where the individual is held. Use the appropriate search tool below based on whether the person is in a local jail, a Tennessee state prison, or under federal custody.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Putnam County Jail / Sheriff's OfficeLocal jail inmatesOnline: Putnam County Jail Roster
Call: 931-528-8484
Visit: 421 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
Use for individuals arrested or held locally. The sheriff's site may provide recent bookings; call for latest status.
Tennessee DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesOnline: felonyoffendersearch.tn.govCovers all Tennessee Department of Correction facilities statewide. Search by name or ID.
VINE Inmate SearchStatewide & local custody/notificationOnline: vinelink.comVictim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) provides status updates and notifications for offenders in Tennessee jails and prisons.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmates (nationwide)Online: bop.gov/inmatelocTennessee does not have a federal prison. Most federal offenders from TN are held in facilities like USP McCreary (KY), FCI Memphis, or others regionally. Search by name or number.
In-Person Records RequestLocal jail inmate recordsVisit: 421 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
Call: 931-528-8484
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office provides public access to jail records; ID may be required. Office hours: M–F 8am–4:30pm.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Putnam County

After an arrest in Putnam County, TN, individuals are typically transported to the jail, where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are then assigned housing. The booking process usually takes 4–8 hours before an initial bond hearing or cell placement.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDUI, driving on revoked license, reckless drivingHigh8–48 hours, or until bond is posted
Drug OffensesSimple possession, possession with intentHigh24–72 hours, or until bond is posted
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic assaultModerate12–72 hours, may include a mandatory cooling-off period
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, vandalismModerate24–72 hours, or until bond is posted
Failure to AppearMissed court dates, violation of probationHigh24–72 hours, or until court appearance
Outstanding WarrantsPrior unresolved charges or citationsHigh24–48 hours, or until court-ordered release
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated assault, felony drug offensesModerateUntil trial or bond; sentenced felony offenders transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Putnam County Jail

Before planning your visit to Putnam County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules with the jail directly and ensure your name is on the inmate's approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Tuesday6:00pm–9:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility
WednesdayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Thursday6:00pm–9:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility
FridayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Saturday10:00am–1:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Sunday10:00am–1:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or provocative clothing.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, bags, weapons, food, or drinks allowed.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitor list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsPermitted; must be scheduled in advance and approved by staff.

How to Contact an Inmate at Putnam County Jail

Inmates at Putnam County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are monitored for security purposes. Below are the procedures and guidelines for each method of inmate communication.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Putnam County Jail
421 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates place outgoing collect or prepaid calls via [Provider].Set up a prepaid account with [Provider].Calls are monitored and limited in duration; no incoming calls.
Physical MailSend letters or approved items using the format above.Address envelope as shown; use USPS.No contraband, photos must meet guidelines; all mail is inspected.
Digital MessagingSend and receive secure text messages via [Provider].Create an account with [Provider].Messages are screened; prohibited content will be blocked.
Video CallsSchedule and join video visits through [Provider]'s platform.Register and schedule on [Provider] website.Calls are recorded, scheduled in advance, must follow facility rules.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Putnam County

The Tennessee Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, helping to determine eligibility and guide release processes. In Putnam County, individuals returning to the community can access a variety of state and local reentry resources to support their successful transition.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Tennessee Board of ParoleDecides parole eligibility and release for state inmates; sets parole conditions.State-sentenced offenderswww.tn.gov/bop
(615) 741-1150
Good Time / Sentence ReductionOffers eligible inmates credits toward reduced sentences for good behavior and program completion.Eligible incarcerated individualsTennessee Department of Correction
Good Time Policy
Parole SupervisionSupports parolees with supervision and compliance programs in Putnam County.Individuals released on paroleTN Dept. of Correction – Community Supervision
1130 Chocolate Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9787
Reentry HousingAssists with transitional and supportive housing for those exiting incarceration.Recently released individualsTennessee Housing Development Agency
Reentry Housing
(615) 815-2200 or inquire at local parole office
Employment AssistanceJob placement, training, and resume services for returning citizens in Tennessee.Formerly incarcerated individualsAmerican Job Center – Putnam County
1000 S. Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-8733
Benefits RestorationGuidance on reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release.Individuals leaving incarcerationTennessee Justice Center
tnjustice.org
(615) 255-0331
VINE Victim NotificationOnline and phone service for crime victims to track custody status and parole updates.Victims and concerned citizensvinelink.com
(888) 868-4631

Putnam Incarceration Statistics

Putnam County, Tennessee, has a moderate overall crime rate compared to state averages, with trends in violent and property crimes reflecting broader regional patterns. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates are held at the Putnam County Detention Facility, which serves as a regional holding center.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)222 (statewide)672 (statewide)13% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Assault180 (statewide)545 (statewide)10% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Robbery20 (statewide)60 (statewide)1% (statewide)→ Stable
— Homicide2 (statewide)7 (statewide)<1% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)1,010 (statewide)3,062 (statewide)62% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny780 (statewide)2,365 (statewide)48% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary180 (statewide)545 (statewide)11% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft50 (statewide)152 (statewide)3% (statewide)→ Stable
Drug Offenses265 (statewide)804 (statewide)16% (statewide)↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic70 (statewide)213 (statewide)4% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence110 (statewide)334 (statewide)6% (statewide)↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender78% Male / 22% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24: 17%, 25-34: 29%, 35-44: 27%, 45+: 27%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 61%, Black: 36%, Hispanic/Other: 3%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrugs, Theft, AssaultStatewide trend
Avg. Sentence Length3.9 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate46%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Putnam County?

As of the latest estimates, Putnam County holds approximately 185 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms are typically transferred to a state facility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)11059%$7588%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)3519%$7078%
Transferred to State Facility2514%N/AN/A
Federal Holds84%$8560%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total185100%

Putnam County Facility Directory

Putnam County operates 1 correctional facility: a county jail. There are no youth, work release, specialty, or community jails; detainees from Putnam County are primarily held at the Putnam County Jail.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Putnam County JailCounty Jail13 Keightly Road, Greencastle, IN 46135194~160Medium

Putnam County Prisons and Jails

2 Jails Found
Putnam County Tn Jail
421 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN, 38506
931-528-8484
Putnam County Tn Juvenile Detention Center
25 N. Washington Ave., Cookeville, TN, 38501
931-528-5681