Search Rhea County, TN Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Rhea County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Rhea County, TN
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Rhea County
- Visitation Rules at Rhea County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Rhea County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Rhea County
- Rhea Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Rhea County?
- Rhea County Facility Directory
- Rhea Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Rhea County, Tennessee, you can begin your search online by visiting the official Rhea County Sheriff’s Office website, which may offer an inmate roster or information on recent bookings. Additionally, statewide resources like the Tennessee Department of Correction’s Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) system can provide information on inmates housed in state facilities. For more detailed or up-to-date records, or if the online resources are insufficient, you can contact the Rhea County Jail directly at 7800 Rhea County Highway, Dayton, TN. In-person visits or phone calls to the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office (423-775-7837) can also facilitate access to inmate information. It's advisable to have the inmate’s full name and date of birth to streamline your inquiry. For formal records requests, the Rhea County Clerk’s Office may also assist with public records and documentation related to incarcerations and criminal cases within the county.
How to Find an Inmate in Rhea County, TN
Inmate records in Rhea County, TN are accessible online through various tools, depending on whether the individual is held in a local facility, Tennessee Department of Correction (DOC) prison, or federal custody. Choosing the correct resource ensures you find up-to-date and accurate information for the inmate’s location.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhea Jail / Sheriff’s Dept. | Current local jail inmates | Phone: (423) 775-7837 In-person: 444 2nd Ave, Dayton, TN 37321 | No dedicated online roster; call or visit for current jail status. |
| Tennessee DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Online: https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/search.jsp | Statewide coverage; not for locally jailed or federal inmates. Search by name, TDOC ID, or other identifiers. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification & custody status (all) | Online: https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/42000 | Free service for tracking custody status and receiving notifications for Tennessee offenders. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmates | Online: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | Tennessee has no federal prison; most federal inmates from TN are held in neighboring states (e.g., USP Atlanta in Georgia). |
| In-Person Records Request | Local or recent jail records | 444 2nd Ave, Dayton, TN 37321 | Written records request at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office; ID required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Rhea County
After an arrest in Rhea County, individuals are transported to the detention facility, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo medical screening, and receive a housing assignment. The typical booking process takes approximately 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under Influence, License Violations | High | 24–72 hours, or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Paraphernalia | High | 24 hours to several weeks, depending on severity |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Disputes | Moderate | Until bond hearing, typically 48–72 hours |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours, or until bond is made |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until court appearance or case resolution |
| Outstanding Warrants | Prior Charges, Probation Violations | High | Varies, based on originating case and court schedules |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated Assault, Drug Trafficking | Moderate | Until trial or transfer; sentenced offenders moved to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Rhea County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current visitation rules with Rhea County Jail and ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00am – 10:00am | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00am – 10:00am | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 8:00am – 10:00am | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, food, or weapons permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Only approved visitors on the inmate's list may visit; check in advance. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special visits allowed; call ahead to schedule and confirm procedures. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Rhea County Jail
Inmates at Rhea County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording. It's important to follow all facility guidelines to ensure your messages and calls reach the inmate without issue.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Rhea County Jail
444 2nd Avenue, Dayton, TN 37321
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using the jail's phones via [Provider]. | Friends/family set up an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls may be limited in length and hours. Conversations monitored/recorded. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are delivered to inmates using the provided mailing address. | Address mail properly with inmate's full name and booking ID. | No contraband, cash, or inappropriate content. All mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Electronic messages sent through [Provider]'s platform. | Register with [Provider] online or via app. | Messages reviewed before delivery; fees may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule remote video visits with inmates using [Provider]. | Create an account and schedule through [Provider]. | Sessions limited in duration; monitored and recorded. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Rhea County
The Tennessee Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders in Rhea County. Individuals returning to the community can access reentry support through both state programs and local community-based resources.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Board of Parole | Independent board responsible for parole hearings, decisions, and setting supervision conditions for eligible offenders. | State-sentenced offenders | Board of Parole Phone: (615) 741-1150 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Eligible inmates may earn sentence credits through good behavior or program participation, reducing time served. | Inmates in Tennessee correctional facilities | TDOC Sentence Credits |
| Parole Supervision | Community supervision for offenders on parole, including local check-ins, compliance monitoring, and support. | Paroled offenders in Rhea County | Chattanooga Parole Office (serving Rhea): Phone: (423) 634-6200 2120 E. 23rd St., Chattanooga, TN 37404 |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional and halfway house options for parolees and released individuals needing stable housing. | Recently released and paroled individuals | Tennessee Housing Resource Guide |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement assistance, and training programs tailored to individuals with criminal records. | Returning citizens in Rhea County | American Job Centers – Dayton Phone: (423) 570-0172 |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance with reinstating SNAP, TennCare, and other public benefits post-release. | Eligible returning citizens | Tennessee Reentry Services TDHS Rhea County: (423) 775-0064 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service providing victims with custody status and release updates for offenders in Tennessee. | Crime victims and concerned parties | Tennessee VINE Phone: (888) 868-4631 |
Rhea Incarceration Statistics
Rhea County, Tennessee experiences crime and incarceration rates comparable to rural statewide averages, with both property and drug-related offenses constituting a significant portion of its criminal profile. Rhea County does not operate a dedicated county jail; inmates are instead housed at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex or other regional facilities.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 80 (statewide) | 675 (statewide) | 11% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Assault | 65 (statewide) | 548 (statewide) | 9% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Robbery | 10 (statewide) | 85 (statewide) | 1% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 5 (statewide) | 42 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 220 (statewide) | 1857 (statewide) | 31% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 150 (statewide) | 1267 (statewide) | 21% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 50 (statewide) | 423 (statewide) | 7% | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 20 (statewide) | 167 (statewide) | 3% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 140 (statewide) | 1181 (statewide) | 20% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 60 (statewide) | 507 (statewide) | 8% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 110 (statewide) | 925 (statewide) | 16% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 83% Male, 17% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 14%; 25-34: 35%; 35-44: 31%; 45+: 20% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 60% White, 36% Black, 4% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug Offenses, Theft, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 5.4 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 46% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Rhea County?
As of the latest available data, Rhea County typically houses about 120 inmates in its local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer-term incarceration may be transferred to a state facility outside the county.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 70 | 58% | $55 | 90% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 25 | 21% | $55 | 90% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 18 | 15% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 3 | 3% | $65 | 90% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
Rhea County Facility Directory
Rhea County is served by one correctional facility: a county jail that houses adult male and female offenders.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhea County Jail | County Jail | 444 2nd Ave, Dayton, TN | 87 | ~80 | Medium |
Rhea County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail and Bond Information
- Prison Policies & Procedures
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Aid
- Family & Community Support