Foil Inmate Search is Tennessee’s official public safety tool for locating felony offenders under state custody. It pulls real-time data from the Tennessee Department of Correction and all county sheriff offices that have placed inmates in state facilities since 1998. As of December 2024, the system holds over 18,500 active records. Each entry shows conviction date, sentence length, parole eligibility, and current housing location. Users can search by name, TDOC ID number, or offense code and get a printable report that meets legal standards for victim notifications.
How Foil Inmate Search Works
The search engine runs on MyTN’s secure public safety portal. After clicking “Felony Offender Information,” users see a short tutorial explaining how to enter partial names or eight-digit TDOC numbers. The system checks inputs against weekly updates from TDOC and displays housing unit, upcoming parole hearings, and any restorative justice orders. Mobile access includes two-factor authentication for audit trails.
Key Features of the FOIL Database
Every record includes original conviction details, sentencing judge, and facility assignment. Parole board dates appear when scheduled. Restorative justice flags show if an inmate is part of victim-offender mediation programs. The printable summary satisfies Tennessee’s victims’ rights laws, allowing families to stay informed about custody status.
- Search by full name, partial name, or TDOC ID
- Filter by offense type or conviction year
- View projected release dates and parole eligibility
- Download official PDF reports for legal use
Difference Between State Prisons and County Jails in Tennessee
TDOC runs state prisons for felony convictions with sentences over one year. County jails hold people awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor terms under 12 months. The average stay in a state prison is seven years. County stays average 45 days. FOIL only covers state-level inmates. County inmates must be searched through local sheriff websites.
How to Use the FOIL Search Tool Step by Step
- Go to apps.tn.gov/foil/
- Enter a name (first, last, or both) or TDOC number
- Click “Search”
- Review results showing current location and status
- Print or save the summary for records
If no match appears, try a partial name or check spelling. Use the TDOC number for fastest results.
What Information Is Included in a FOIL Record?
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Full legal name of the offender |
| TDOC ID | Eight-digit unique identifier |
| Conviction Date | Original court sentencing date |
| Sentence Length | Total time ordered by the court |
| Parole Eligibility | Earliest possible release date |
| Current Facility | Housing unit and prison name |
| Parole Hearing | Next scheduled board review |
| Restorative Justice | Active mediation or victim contact orders |
Privacy and Legal Compliance
FOIL follows Tennessee’s Public Records Act and federal privacy rules. Only convicted felons in state custody appear. Juvenile records, dismissed cases, and county jail inmates are excluded. Victims can request alerts when an offender’s status changes. All searches are logged for transparency.
Mobile Access and Security
The MyTN app supports FOIL searches on phones and tablets. Two-factor authentication prevents unauthorized access. Activity logs help track who looked up records and when. This meets audit requirements for government systems.
Common Reasons People Use Foil Inmate Search
- Victims checking parole dates
- Family members locating loved ones
- Employers doing background checks
- Attorneys verifying custody status
- Researchers studying sentencing trends
Limitations of the FOIL Database
FOIL does not include county jail inmates, federal prisoners, or people on probation without incarceration. Records update weekly, so recent arrests may not appear immediately. Out-of-state inmates transferred to Tennessee are included, but Tennessee inmates in other states are not.
How FOIL Compares to Other States
Florida’s system shows birthdates and classification levels. Mississippi returns results in under three seconds. Kentucky’s KOOL tool lists disciplinary history. Utah County displays booking photos. California’s locator covers 132,000 inmates with phone support. Tennessee’s FOIL focuses on victim rights and printable legal summaries.
Understanding TDOC Identification Numbers
Each inmate gets an eight-digit TDOC number at intake. This number never changes, even if the inmate moves between facilities. Use it for the most accurate search. Names can have typos or aliases, but the ID is unique.
Parole and Restorative Justice Information
Parole hearing dates appear when set by the board. Restorative justice flags indicate if the inmate is in a program that allows victim contact or mediation. These programs aim to repair harm and reduce recidivism.
Printable Reports and Legal Use
The summary page can be printed or saved as a PDF. It meets Tennessee’s requirements for victim notification under the state’s victims’ rights statutes. Courts and lawyers accept it as official documentation.
How Often Is the Database Updated?
TDOC exports new data every week. Changes in custody status, parole dates, or facility assignments appear within seven days. For urgent questions, contact the TDOC Public Information Office.
Contact Information for Help
For technical issues with FOIL, call the MyTN support line at (615) 741-8600. For questions about inmate status, contact the TDOC Victim Services Unit at (615) 741-1000. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Official website: apps.tn.gov/foil/
TDOC Main Office
320 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
Frequently Asked Questions About Foil Inmate Search
Many users have questions about how FOIL works, what data is included, and how to interpret results. Below are the most common concerns with clear, direct answers based on official TDOC policies and real user experiences.
Can I search for someone in county jail using FOIL?
No. FOIL only includes inmates in state prisons under TDOC custody. County jails handle pretrial detainees and misdemeanor sentences. To find someone in county jail, visit the local sheriff’s website or call the jail directly. Each Tennessee county maintains its own inmate roster. FOIL does not link to these systems. Always confirm which type of facility holds the person you’re looking for before searching.
Why can’t I find an inmate in the FOIL database?
The inmate may be in county jail, federal prison, or recently arrested and not yet processed into the state system. FOIL updates weekly, so new inmates may take up to seven days to appear. Double-check the spelling of the name or use the TDOC ID if known. If the person was convicted before 1998, they may not be in the database. Contact TDOC Victim Services for help.
Is the information in FOIL accurate and up to date?
Yes, but with a one-week delay. TDOC sends updated records every week. Facility changes, parole dates, and status updates appear within that timeframe. For urgent matters, call the facility directly. The printed summary from FOIL is legally valid for victim notifications and court use. Always verify critical dates with official sources.
Can victims get automatic alerts when an inmate’s status changes?
Yes. Tennessee law allows victims to register for notifications through the TDOC Victim Services Unit. Alerts include parole hearings, release dates, and escape attempts. Registration requires proof of victim status. Call (615) 741-1000 to enroll. FOIL itself does not send alerts—use the official victim notification program instead.
What should I do if I see incorrect information in a FOIL record?
Contact the TDOC Public Information Office at (615) 741-8600. Provide the inmate’s name, TDOC number, and the error details. Corrections are made during the next weekly update. Do not rely on outdated printouts for legal decisions. Always check the online system for the latest status.
Can I use FOIL for employment background checks?
Yes, but with limits. FOIL only shows felony convictions in state custody. It does not include misdemeanors, federal crimes, or out-of-state records. Employers should use FOIL alongside other screening tools. The printable report is acceptable for internal reviews but may not meet all federal compliance standards. Consult a legal expert for hiring decisions.
How does FOIL protect inmate privacy while providing public access?
FOIL follows strict state and federal rules. Only convicted felons in state prisons appear. Personal details like Social Security numbers, medical records, and juvenile history are hidden. Searches are logged to prevent abuse. Victims can request additional privacy protections. The system balances transparency with legal privacy rights.