Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-7-110 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 7 / Section 38-7-110
Records received as evidence - Person preparing report may be subpoenaed as witness - Reports as public documents - Release of reports
Status: in_force

(a) The records of the division of post mortem examination, the county medical examiner, or transcripts of the records certified to by the chief medical examiner or the deputy medical examiner or the duly appointed representative of the chief medical examiner, and the reports of the toxicology laboratory examinations performed by the testing laboratory or transcripts of the reports certified to by the director of the testing laboratory or the director's duly appointed representative, shall be received as competent evidence in any court of this state of the facts and matters contained in the records or reports. (b) The records referred to in this section shall be limited to the records of the results of investigation, of post mortem examinations, of the findings of autopsies and toxicological laboratory examinations, including certified reports of the toxicological laboratory examinations performed by the testing laboratory, and shall not include statements made by witnesses or other persons; provided, however, that persons who prepare reports or records given in evidence pursuant to this section shall be subpoenaed as witnesses, in either civil or criminal cases, upon demand by either party to the cause, or, when unable to appear as witnesses, shall submit a deposition upon demand by either party to the cause. (c) (1) Except as provided in this subsection (c) and subsection (d), the reports of the county medical examiners, toxicological reports, and autopsy reports are public documents. (2) (A) The reports of county medical examiners and autopsy reports of minors whose manner of death is listed as a homicide are not public documents. (B) The report of a county medical examiner or autopsy report of a minor whose manner of death is listed as a homicide may be released or inspected, as applicable, if: (i) The minor's parent or legal guardian is not a suspect in the circumstances of the minor's death, and the parent or legal guardian consents to the release; (ii) A court orders the release of the report upon a showing of good cause; (iii) Another state or federal law requires such release; or (iv) Notwithstanding § 10-7-506(a) , the reports are only available for in-person inspection and no photographs, photocopies, or electronic images are taken of the reports. (3) Medical records of deceased persons, law enforcement investigative reports, and photographs, video, and other images of deceased persons are not public records. (d) (1) Upon written petition by the district attorney general, supported by affidavit or testimony under oath from a law enforcement officer that the release of portions of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report may seriously impede or impair the investigation of a homicide or felony, a court of record may order that those portions shall not be subject to disclosure as a public document and shall remain confidential. The court shall cause a record to be kept of any testimony given in support of the petition, which record and all related documentation shall be sealed by the court and open to inspection only by a court reviewing the proceedings. (2) The court shall order to be held as confidential only those portions of the records the release of which would impede or impair any such investigation. The court may order public disclosure of any record that has previously been protected from disclosure, upon written application of the district attorney general; provided, that the court shall order that the records shall be open to public inspection upon the indictment and arrest of all suspects in the underlying homicide or felony, or upon the closure of the investigation into the underlying homicide or felony. Upon any such closure of the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall immediately inform the district attorney general, who shall, in turn, promptly notify the court of the altered status of the investigation. (3) Any person aggrieved by an order directing that any portion of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report shall remain confidential and not open for public inspection may petition the court having entered the order to set aside or modify the order. A copy of any such petition shall be served on the district attorney general. The court may order disclosure of the records previously sealed, upon the showing of a compelling reason for the disclosure. In any order granting a petitioner access to any such records, the court may make provisions as it deems necessary in the order limiting further disclosure of the records. (4) Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed as limiting the right of any defendant in any criminal proceeding to obtain discovery of any report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report as provided in Rule 16 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure. (e) (1) If it is necessary to prepare a post-mortem examination report, then an authorized post-mortem official may obtain, in the manner prescribed in § 38-7-117 , a needed medical, mental health or hospital record pertaining to a case under investigation pursuant to § 38-7-106 . (2) As used in this subsection (e), "authorized post-mortem official" means: (A) The chief medical examiner; (B) A county medical examiner; (C) A medical investigator; (D) A coroner; (E) A deputy or assistant state medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of the chief medical examiner; or (F) A deputy or assistant county medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of a county medical examiner. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 906,s 1, eff. 5/3/2024. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 944,s 1, eff. 5/19/2014. Acts 1961, ch. 174, § 9; 1967, ch. 399, § 6; 1971, ch. 209, § 1; 1974, ch. 495, § 1; 1980, ch. 810, § 3; T.C.A., § 38-710; Acts 1994, ch. 775, § 8; 2000, ch. 766, §§ 1 - 3; 2008 , ch. 969, §§ 17, 18.
(a) The records of the division of post mortem examination, the county medical examiner, or transcripts of the records certified to by the chief medical examiner or the deputy medical examiner or the duly appointed representative of the chief medical examiner, and the reports of the toxicology laboratory examinations performed by the testing laboratory or transcripts of the reports certified to by the director of the testing laboratory or the director's duly appointed representative, shall be received as competent evidence in any court of this state of the facts and matters contained in the records or reports.
(b) The records referred to in this section shall be limited to the records of the results of investigation, of post mortem examinations, of the findings of autopsies and toxicological laboratory examinations, including certified reports of the toxicological laboratory examinations performed by the testing laboratory, and shall not include statements made by witnesses or other persons; provided, however, that persons who prepare reports or records given in evidence pursuant to this section shall be subpoenaed as witnesses, in either civil or criminal cases, upon demand by either party to the cause, or, when unable to appear as witnesses, shall submit a deposition upon demand by either party to the cause.
(c) (1) Except as provided in this subsection (c) and subsection (d), the reports of the county medical examiners, toxicological reports, and autopsy reports are public documents. (2) (A) The reports of county medical examiners and autopsy reports of minors whose manner of death is listed as a homicide are not public documents. (B) The report of a county medical examiner or autopsy report of a minor whose manner of death is listed as a homicide may be released or inspected, as applicable, if: (i) The minor's parent or legal guardian is not a suspect in the circumstances of the minor's death, and the parent or legal guardian consents to the release; (ii) A court orders the release of the report upon a showing of good cause; (iii) Another state or federal law requires such release; or (iv) Notwithstanding § 10-7-506(a) , the reports are only available for in-person inspection and no photographs, photocopies, or electronic images are taken of the reports. (3) Medical records of deceased persons, law enforcement investigative reports, and photographs, video, and other images of deceased persons are not public records.
(1) Except as provided in this subsection (c) and subsection (d), the reports of the county medical examiners, toxicological reports, and autopsy reports are public documents.
(2) (A) The reports of county medical examiners and autopsy reports of minors whose manner of death is listed as a homicide are not public documents. (B) The report of a county medical examiner or autopsy report of a minor whose manner of death is listed as a homicide may be released or inspected, as applicable, if: (i) The minor's parent or legal guardian is not a suspect in the circumstances of the minor's death, and the parent or legal guardian consents to the release; (ii) A court orders the release of the report upon a showing of good cause; (iii) Another state or federal law requires such release; or (iv) Notwithstanding § 10-7-506(a) , the reports are only available for in-person inspection and no photographs, photocopies, or electronic images are taken of the reports.
(A) The reports of county medical examiners and autopsy reports of minors whose manner of death is listed as a homicide are not public documents.
(B) The report of a county medical examiner or autopsy report of a minor whose manner of death is listed as a homicide may be released or inspected, as applicable, if: (i) The minor's parent or legal guardian is not a suspect in the circumstances of the minor's death, and the parent or legal guardian consents to the release; (ii) A court orders the release of the report upon a showing of good cause; (iii) Another state or federal law requires such release; or (iv) Notwithstanding § 10-7-506(a) , the reports are only available for in-person inspection and no photographs, photocopies, or electronic images are taken of the reports.
(i) The minor's parent or legal guardian is not a suspect in the circumstances of the minor's death, and the parent or legal guardian consents to the release;
(ii) A court orders the release of the report upon a showing of good cause;
(iii) Another state or federal law requires such release; or
(iv) Notwithstanding § 10-7-506(a) , the reports are only available for in-person inspection and no photographs, photocopies, or electronic images are taken of the reports.
(3) Medical records of deceased persons, law enforcement investigative reports, and photographs, video, and other images of deceased persons are not public records.
(d) (1) Upon written petition by the district attorney general, supported by affidavit or testimony under oath from a law enforcement officer that the release of portions of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report may seriously impede or impair the investigation of a homicide or felony, a court of record may order that those portions shall not be subject to disclosure as a public document and shall remain confidential. The court shall cause a record to be kept of any testimony given in support of the petition, which record and all related documentation shall be sealed by the court and open to inspection only by a court reviewing the proceedings. (2) The court shall order to be held as confidential only those portions of the records the release of which would impede or impair any such investigation. The court may order public disclosure of any record that has previously been protected from disclosure, upon written application of the district attorney general; provided, that the court shall order that the records shall be open to public inspection upon the indictment and arrest of all suspects in the underlying homicide or felony, or upon the closure of the investigation into the underlying homicide or felony. Upon any such closure of the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall immediately inform the district attorney general, who shall, in turn, promptly notify the court of the altered status of the investigation. (3) Any person aggrieved by an order directing that any portion of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report shall remain confidential and not open for public inspection may petition the court having entered the order to set aside or modify the order. A copy of any such petition shall be served on the district attorney general. The court may order disclosure of the records previously sealed, upon the showing of a compelling reason for the disclosure. In any order granting a petitioner access to any such records, the court may make provisions as it deems necessary in the order limiting further disclosure of the records. (4) Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed as limiting the right of any defendant in any criminal proceeding to obtain discovery of any report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report as provided in Rule 16 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(1) Upon written petition by the district attorney general, supported by affidavit or testimony under oath from a law enforcement officer that the release of portions of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report may seriously impede or impair the investigation of a homicide or felony, a court of record may order that those portions shall not be subject to disclosure as a public document and shall remain confidential. The court shall cause a record to be kept of any testimony given in support of the petition, which record and all related documentation shall be sealed by the court and open to inspection only by a court reviewing the proceedings.
(2) The court shall order to be held as confidential only those portions of the records the release of which would impede or impair any such investigation. The court may order public disclosure of any record that has previously been protected from disclosure, upon written application of the district attorney general; provided, that the court shall order that the records shall be open to public inspection upon the indictment and arrest of all suspects in the underlying homicide or felony, or upon the closure of the investigation into the underlying homicide or felony. Upon any such closure of the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall immediately inform the district attorney general, who shall, in turn, promptly notify the court of the altered status of the investigation.
(3) Any person aggrieved by an order directing that any portion of a report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report shall remain confidential and not open for public inspection may petition the court having entered the order to set aside or modify the order. A copy of any such petition shall be served on the district attorney general. The court may order disclosure of the records previously sealed, upon the showing of a compelling reason for the disclosure. In any order granting a petitioner access to any such records, the court may make provisions as it deems necessary in the order limiting further disclosure of the records.
(4) Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed as limiting the right of any defendant in any criminal proceeding to obtain discovery of any report of a county medical examiner, toxicological report or autopsy report as provided in Rule 16 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(e) (1) If it is necessary to prepare a post-mortem examination report, then an authorized post-mortem official may obtain, in the manner prescribed in § 38-7-117 , a needed medical, mental health or hospital record pertaining to a case under investigation pursuant to § 38-7-106 . (2) As used in this subsection (e), "authorized post-mortem official" means: (A) The chief medical examiner; (B) A county medical examiner; (C) A medical investigator; (D) A coroner; (E) A deputy or assistant state medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of the chief medical examiner; or (F) A deputy or assistant county medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of a county medical examiner.
(1) If it is necessary to prepare a post-mortem examination report, then an authorized post-mortem official may obtain, in the manner prescribed in § 38-7-117 , a needed medical, mental health or hospital record pertaining to a case under investigation pursuant to § 38-7-106 .
(2) As used in this subsection (e), "authorized post-mortem official" means: (A) The chief medical examiner; (B) A county medical examiner; (C) A medical investigator; (D) A coroner; (E) A deputy or assistant state medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of the chief medical examiner; or (F) A deputy or assistant county medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of a county medical examiner.
(A) The chief medical examiner;
(B) A county medical examiner;
(C) A medical investigator;
(D) A coroner;
(E) A deputy or assistant state medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of the chief medical examiner; or
(F) A deputy or assistant county medical examiner or forensic pathologist under the control or direction of a county medical examiner.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 906,s 1, eff. 5/3/2024.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 944,s 1, eff. 5/19/2014.
Acts 1961, ch. 174, § 9; 1967, ch. 399, § 6; 1971, ch. 209, § 1; 1974, ch. 495, § 1; 1980, ch. 810, § 3; T.C.A., § 38-710; Acts 1994, ch. 775, § 8; 2000, ch. 766, §§ 1 - 3; 2008 , ch. 969, §§ 17, 18.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-3-112 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 3 / Section 38-3-112
Power of governor to order posse or military force from other county
Status: in_force

If it appears to the governor that the power of any county is not sufficient to enable the sheriff to execute process delivered to that sheriff, the governor may, on the application of the sheriff, order a posse or military force as is necessary from any other county or counties. Code 1858, § 4936; Shan., § 6897; Code 1932, § 11421; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-212.
If it appears to the governor that the power of any county is not sufficient to enable the sheriff to execute process delivered to that sheriff, the governor may, on the application of the sheriff, order a posse or military force as is necessary from any other county or counties.
Code 1858, § 4936; Shan., § 6897; Code 1932, § 11421; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-212.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-12-102 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 12 / Section 38-12-102
Purpose - Responsibilities
Status: in_force

The purpose of the coordinating council is to increase the awareness and understanding of domestic and family violence and its consequences and to reduce the incidence of domestic and family violence within the state. Domestic violence state coordinating council responsibilities include designing a: (1) Policy for law enforcement and judicial response to domestic violence, to be made available for use on a statewide basis; (2) Training course and curriculum for law enforcement personnel who are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence, on the dynamics of domestic violence and the handling, investigation and response procedures concerning reports of domestic violence, to be made available for use on a statewide basis; and (3) Training course and curriculum for all judges and judicial personnel, who are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence, on the dynamics of domestic violence and the handling and response procedures concerning allegations of domestic violence, to be made available on a statewide basis. Acts 1995, ch. 376, § 2.
The purpose of the coordinating council is to increase the awareness and understanding of domestic and family violence and its consequences and to reduce the incidence of domestic and family violence within the state. Domestic violence state coordinating council responsibilities include designing a:
(1) Policy for law enforcement and judicial response to domestic violence, to be made available for use on a statewide basis;
(2) Training course and curriculum for law enforcement personnel who are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence, on the dynamics of domestic violence and the handling, investigation and response procedures concerning reports of domestic violence, to be made available for use on a statewide basis; and
(3) Training course and curriculum for all judges and judicial personnel, who are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence, on the dynamics of domestic violence and the handling and response procedures concerning allegations of domestic violence, to be made available on a statewide basis.
Acts 1995, ch. 376, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-12-108 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 12 / Section 38-12-108
Peace officers standards and training commission policy and education
Status: in_force

The peace officers standards and training commission shall establish a policy regarding and a continuing education training curriculum concerning domestic violence and shall provide it to all law enforcement agencies throughout the state whose personnel are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence. The commission may adopt the policy and training curriculum developed by the domestic violence state coordinating council, and may revise the policy and training curriculum at its discretion. The commission shall require all law enforcement agencies to comply with the requirements of this part. Acts 1995, ch. 376, § 8.
The peace officers standards and training commission shall establish a policy regarding and a continuing education training curriculum concerning domestic violence and shall provide it to all law enforcement agencies throughout the state whose personnel are likely to encounter situations of domestic violence. The commission may adopt the policy and training curriculum developed by the domestic violence state coordinating council, and may revise the policy and training curriculum at its discretion. The commission shall require all law enforcement agencies to comply with the requirements of this part.
Acts 1995, ch. 376, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-6-109 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 6 / Section 38-6-109
Verification of criminal violation information
Status: in_force

(a) The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall process requests for criminal background checks from any authorized persons, organizations or entities permitted by law to seek criminal history background checks on certain persons, pursuant to a format and under procedures as it may require. (b) (1) At the request of any persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to make fingerprint requests, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall receive fingerprint samples from the persons, organizations or entities permitted by law to make those requests and shall check the prints against its records by using its computer files of criminal offenders contained in the Tennessee crime information center (T.C.I.C.) to process these requests and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall also check the prints against records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation to determine if prior criminal history or convictions exist. (2) Upon completion of the search, the bureau shall report its findings to the requesting persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to receive such information. (c) (1) Agencies or organizations that have an agreement to do so with the Tennessee bureau of investigation and that have any responsibility or authority under law for conducting criminal history background reviews of persons may also access directly the computer files of the T.C.I.C. using only names or other identifying data elements to obtain available Tennessee criminal history background information for purpose of background reviews. (2) If review by the method permitted by subdivision (c)(1) indicates the need for further verification of the individual's criminal history, and if authorized by the requesting entity's legal authority, the requesting entity may submit fingerprint samples for a criminal history background check by the Tennessee bureau of investigation as otherwise authorized by this section. (d) The fees for fingerprint searches shall be the same for a Tennessee search as for a federal bureau of investigation search and shall be according to the fee schedule established by the federal bureau of investigation. (e) The instant check unit of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall contact the agency making the entry of an order of protection into the national crime information center within one (1) day if the subject of the order of protection attempts to purchase a firearm. (f) If a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution attempts to purchase a firearm, and the instant check unit of the Tennessee bureau of investigation confirms the person's record by means of a record indicating the person's name, birth date, social security number, and either the person's sex or race, the unit shall contact, within twenty-four (24) hours, the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the attempted purchase occurred for the purpose of initiating an investigation into a possible violation of law. (g) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, and county trustees may enter into agreements with a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation for purposes of providing fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law. An agreement between clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees and a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation must be limited to fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law and processed by the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The terms of an agreement between the fingerprint vendor and clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees must not conflict with or negate a contractual obligation that the fingerprint vendor has with the Tennessee bureau of investigation. (2) The fingerprint vendor shall provide all fingerprint images captured by the fingerprint vendor pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The bureau shall maintain, preserve, and enter the information into an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), if appropriate. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1037, s 1, eff. 5/11/2022. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
(a) The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall process requests for criminal background checks from any authorized persons, organizations or entities permitted by law to seek criminal history background checks on certain persons, pursuant to a format and under procedures as it may require.
(b) (1) At the request of any persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to make fingerprint requests, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall receive fingerprint samples from the persons, organizations or entities permitted by law to make those requests and shall check the prints against its records by using its computer files of criminal offenders contained in the Tennessee crime information center (T.C.I.C.) to process these requests and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall also check the prints against records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation to determine if prior criminal history or convictions exist. (2) Upon completion of the search, the bureau shall report its findings to the requesting persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to receive such information.
(1) At the request of any persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to make fingerprint requests, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall receive fingerprint samples from the persons, organizations or entities permitted by law to make those requests and shall check the prints against its records by using its computer files of criminal offenders contained in the Tennessee crime information center (T.C.I.C.) to process these requests and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall also check the prints against records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation to determine if prior criminal history or convictions exist.
(2) Upon completion of the search, the bureau shall report its findings to the requesting persons, organizations or entities authorized by law to receive such information.
(c) (1) Agencies or organizations that have an agreement to do so with the Tennessee bureau of investigation and that have any responsibility or authority under law for conducting criminal history background reviews of persons may also access directly the computer files of the T.C.I.C. using only names or other identifying data elements to obtain available Tennessee criminal history background information for purpose of background reviews. (2) If review by the method permitted by subdivision (c)(1) indicates the need for further verification of the individual's criminal history, and if authorized by the requesting entity's legal authority, the requesting entity may submit fingerprint samples for a criminal history background check by the Tennessee bureau of investigation as otherwise authorized by this section.
(1) Agencies or organizations that have an agreement to do so with the Tennessee bureau of investigation and that have any responsibility or authority under law for conducting criminal history background reviews of persons may also access directly the computer files of the T.C.I.C. using only names or other identifying data elements to obtain available Tennessee criminal history background information for purpose of background reviews.
(2) If review by the method permitted by subdivision (c)(1) indicates the need for further verification of the individual's criminal history, and if authorized by the requesting entity's legal authority, the requesting entity may submit fingerprint samples for a criminal history background check by the Tennessee bureau of investigation as otherwise authorized by this section.
(d) The fees for fingerprint searches shall be the same for a Tennessee search as for a federal bureau of investigation search and shall be according to the fee schedule established by the federal bureau of investigation.
(e) The instant check unit of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall contact the agency making the entry of an order of protection into the national crime information center within one (1) day if the subject of the order of protection attempts to purchase a firearm.
(f) If a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution attempts to purchase a firearm, and the instant check unit of the Tennessee bureau of investigation confirms the person's record by means of a record indicating the person's name, birth date, social security number, and either the person's sex or race, the unit shall contact, within twenty-four (24) hours, the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the attempted purchase occurred for the purpose of initiating an investigation into a possible violation of law.
(g) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, and county trustees may enter into agreements with a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation for purposes of providing fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law. An agreement between clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees and a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation must be limited to fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law and processed by the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The terms of an agreement between the fingerprint vendor and clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees must not conflict with or negate a contractual obligation that the fingerprint vendor has with the Tennessee bureau of investigation. (2) The fingerprint vendor shall provide all fingerprint images captured by the fingerprint vendor pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The bureau shall maintain, preserve, and enter the information into an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), if appropriate.
(1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, and county trustees may enter into agreements with a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation for purposes of providing fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law. An agreement between clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees and a fingerprint vendor that is under contract with the Tennessee bureau of investigation must be limited to fingerprint capture services for fingerprint-based background checks permitted by law and processed by the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The terms of an agreement between the fingerprint vendor and clerks of court, county clerks, registers of deeds, or county trustees must not conflict with or negate a contractual obligation that the fingerprint vendor has with the Tennessee bureau of investigation.
(2) The fingerprint vendor shall provide all fingerprint images captured by the fingerprint vendor pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The bureau shall maintain, preserve, and enter the information into an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), if appropriate.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1037, s 1, eff. 5/11/2022.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-104 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-104
Powers and duties of commission
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall: (1) Develop, plan, and implement law enforcement training programs for all local law enforcement officers in Tennessee; (2) Function as a clearing house for training programs related to local law enforcement; (3) Receive, administer, and expend local, state, federal, and other monetary assistance in the form of grants or otherwise, in order to further any of the commission's purposes pursuant to this chapter; (4) Establish uniform standards for the employment and training of police recruits and police officers, including preemployment qualifications and requirements for officer certification; (5) Establish minimum standards and curriculum requirements for the courses of study offered by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers; (6) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers; (7) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions concerning the development of police training schools and programs limited to education and training in the area of police science, police administration, and all allied and supporting fields; (8) Approve facilities for school operation by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits and police officers; (9) Issue certification to persons who, by reason of experience and completion of in-service, advanced education or specialized training, are especially qualified for particular aspects or classes of police work; (10) Make or encourage studies on any aspect of police education, training, and recruitment; and (11) Administer income supplements for police officers. (b) The commission, in addition to all the powers and duties vested in it by law, is vested with the power and is charged with the duty of observing, administering, and enforcing all the provisions of this chapter. (c) The commission is authorized to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this chapter. (d) The commission shall have the authority to establish criteria for determining whether to grant an exception to or waive the qualifications of minimum standards as provided in § 38-8-106 , based on a person's previous law enforcement experience and training. (e) The commission shall establish criteria for determining whether to grant an exception to or to waive the qualifications of § 38-8-106 , for a person hired as a police officer after July 1, 1987, except that no waiver or exception shall be granted for dishonorable discharge from the military, mental impairment which affects the person's ability to perform an essential function of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, or a narcotics violation that could result in a felony charge. The commission's decisions with regard to exceptions or waivers granted under this subsection (e) shall be appealable to the chancery court. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to implement this subsection (e). (f) The commission shall establish standards for the certification of railroad police officers commissioned pursuant to § 65-6-133 . (g) The commission has the authority to obtain a set of classifiable fingerprints for any person hired as a police officer or enrolled as a police recruit in an approved recruit training program and to submit the set of fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation for a search of its criminal history records systems to determine whether the person has any recorded convictions in Tennessee and meets the minimum qualifications as provided in § 38-8-106 . The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall forward the set of fingerprints to the federal bureau of investigation for a search of the national criminal history database per federal bureau of investigation policy to determine whether the person has any recorded convictions and meets the minimum qualifications as provided in § 38-8-106 . Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137,s 3, eff. 4/12/2013. Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 4; T.C.A., § 38-11-104; Acts 1983, ch. 209, § 1; 1983, ch. 270, §§ 3, 4; 1987, ch. 412, §§ 2, 5; 2006, ch. 1009, § 4; 2009, ch. 372, § 1.
(a) The commission shall: (1) Develop, plan, and implement law enforcement training programs for all local law enforcement officers in Tennessee; (2) Function as a clearing house for training programs related to local law enforcement; (3) Receive, administer, and expend local, state, federal, and other monetary assistance in the form of grants or otherwise, in order to further any of the commission's purposes pursuant to this chapter; (4) Establish uniform standards for the employment and training of police recruits and police officers, including preemployment qualifications and requirements for officer certification; (5) Establish minimum standards and curriculum requirements for the courses of study offered by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers; (6) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers; (7) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions concerning the development of police training schools and programs limited to education and training in the area of police science, police administration, and all allied and supporting fields; (8) Approve facilities for school operation by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits and police officers; (9) Issue certification to persons who, by reason of experience and completion of in-service, advanced education or specialized training, are especially qualified for particular aspects or classes of police work; (10) Make or encourage studies on any aspect of police education, training, and recruitment; and (11) Administer income supplements for police officers.
(1) Develop, plan, and implement law enforcement training programs for all local law enforcement officers in Tennessee;
(2) Function as a clearing house for training programs related to local law enforcement;
(3) Receive, administer, and expend local, state, federal, and other monetary assistance in the form of grants or otherwise, in order to further any of the commission's purposes pursuant to this chapter;
(4) Establish uniform standards for the employment and training of police recruits and police officers, including preemployment qualifications and requirements for officer certification;
(5) Establish minimum standards and curriculum requirements for the courses of study offered by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers;
(6) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits or police officers;
(7) Consult and cooperate with municipalities, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions concerning the development of police training schools and programs limited to education and training in the area of police science, police administration, and all allied and supporting fields;
(8) Approve facilities for school operation by or for any municipality, the state of Tennessee or any political subdivision of the state, and universities, colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other educational institutions for the specific purpose of training police recruits and police officers;
(9) Issue certification to persons who, by reason of experience and completion of in-service, advanced education or specialized training, are especially qualified for particular aspects or classes of police work;
(10) Make or encourage studies on any aspect of police education, training, and recruitment; and
(11) Administer income supplements for police officers.
(b) The commission, in addition to all the powers and duties vested in it by law, is vested with the power and is charged with the duty of observing, administering, and enforcing all the provisions of this chapter.
(c) The commission is authorized to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.
(d) The commission shall have the authority to establish criteria for determining whether to grant an exception to or waive the qualifications of minimum standards as provided in § 38-8-106 , based on a person's previous law enforcement experience and training.
(e) The commission shall establish criteria for determining whether to grant an exception to or to waive the qualifications of § 38-8-106 , for a person hired as a police officer after July 1, 1987, except that no waiver or exception shall be granted for dishonorable discharge from the military, mental impairment which affects the person's ability to perform an essential function of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, or a narcotics violation that could result in a felony charge. The commission's decisions with regard to exceptions or waivers granted under this subsection (e) shall be appealable to the chancery court. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to implement this subsection (e).
(f) The commission shall establish standards for the certification of railroad police officers commissioned pursuant to § 65-6-133 .
(g) The commission has the authority to obtain a set of classifiable fingerprints for any person hired as a police officer or enrolled as a police recruit in an approved recruit training program and to submit the set of fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation for a search of its criminal history records systems to determine whether the person has any recorded convictions in Tennessee and meets the minimum qualifications as provided in § 38-8-106 . The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall forward the set of fingerprints to the federal bureau of investigation for a search of the national criminal history database per federal bureau of investigation policy to determine whether the person has any recorded convictions and meets the minimum qualifications as provided in § 38-8-106 .
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137,s 3, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 4; T.C.A., § 38-11-104; Acts 1983, ch. 209, § 1; 1983, ch. 270, §§ 3, 4; 1987, ch. 412, §§ 2, 5; 2006, ch. 1009, § 4; 2009, ch. 372, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-3-118 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 3 / Section 38-3-118
Policies and guidelines regarding use of marked law enforcement vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers for travel to and from vulnerable locations
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a chief law enforcement officer of a state or local law enforcement agency may develop and implement policies and guidelines regarding the use of marked law enforcement vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers for travel to and from vulnerable locations in order to project an enhanced security presence while at such locations. (b) A chief law enforcement officer shall not develop or implement policies or guidelines in accordance with subsection (a) without the express approval of: (1) With respect to a local law enforcement agency, the executive head or legislative body of the local government, as applicable, vested with the authority to direct such chief law enforcement officer; and (2) With respect to a state law enforcement agency, the executive head of the state department or agency within which the state law enforcement agency is created. (c) For purposes of this section, "vulnerable locations" includes places of worship, schools, and parks. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 139,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a chief law enforcement officer of a state or local law enforcement agency may develop and implement policies and guidelines regarding the use of marked law enforcement vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers for travel to and from vulnerable locations in order to project an enhanced security presence while at such locations.
(b) A chief law enforcement officer shall not develop or implement policies or guidelines in accordance with subsection (a) without the express approval of: (1) With respect to a local law enforcement agency, the executive head or legislative body of the local government, as applicable, vested with the authority to direct such chief law enforcement officer; and (2) With respect to a state law enforcement agency, the executive head of the state department or agency within which the state law enforcement agency is created.
(1) With respect to a local law enforcement agency, the executive head or legislative body of the local government, as applicable, vested with the authority to direct such chief law enforcement officer; and
(2) With respect to a state law enforcement agency, the executive head of the state department or agency within which the state law enforcement agency is created.
(c) For purposes of this section, "vulnerable locations" includes places of worship, schools, and parks.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 139,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-203 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-203
Control - Personnel - Fees
Status: in_force

(a) The police and law enforcement programs offered through the academy shall be under the jurisdiction of such agency or agencies of the state of Tennessee as the governor shall designate by executive order. The commissioner of the agency appointed pursuant to executive order shall hire the director of the academy. The director, subject to approval of the appropriate state officials, is authorized to employ any personnel that may be reasonably required. (b) The academy may charge reasonable fees to cover costs of any food, lodging, instructional materials, equipment or services furnished trainees as may be established by the appropriate state officials. Acts 1963, ch. 173, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 93, § 1; T.C.A., § 38-803; Acts 2012, ch. 986, § 6.
(a) The police and law enforcement programs offered through the academy shall be under the jurisdiction of such agency or agencies of the state of Tennessee as the governor shall designate by executive order. The commissioner of the agency appointed pursuant to executive order shall hire the director of the academy. The director, subject to approval of the appropriate state officials, is authorized to employ any personnel that may be reasonably required.
(b) The academy may charge reasonable fees to cover costs of any food, lodging, instructional materials, equipment or services furnished trainees as may be established by the appropriate state officials.
Acts 1963, ch. 173, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 93, § 1; T.C.A., § 38-803; Acts 2012, ch. 986, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-7-104 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 7 / Section 38-7-104
County medical examiner
Status: in_force

(a) A county medical examiner shall be appointed by the county mayor, subject to confirmation by the county legislative body, based on a recommendation from a convention of physicians resident in the county. A county medical examiner shall be a physician who is either a graduate of an accredited medical school authorized to confer upon graduates the degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) and who is duly licensed in Tennessee, or is a graduate of a recognized osteopathic college authorized to confer the degree of doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) and who is licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Tennessee, and shall be elected from a list of a maximum of two (2) doctors of medicine or osteopathy nominated by convention of the physicians, medical or osteopathic, resident in the county, the convention to be called for this purpose by the county mayor. (b) If it is not possible to obtain an acceptance as a county medical examiner from a physician in a county, authority is given for the election of a county medical examiner from an adjacent or another county. A county medical examiner, when temporarily unable to perform the duties of the office, shall have the authority to deputize any other physician in the area to act as county medical examiner during the absence. If the county legislative body fails to certify a county medical examiner for a county or if the county medical examiner resigns or is unable to fulfill the duties of the office during the interim between county legislative body sessions and a deputy has not been appointed by the county medical examiner, the chief medical examiner shall have the authority to appoint a county medical examiner to serve until the next session of the county legislative body. (c) A county medical examiner shall serve a five-year term, and shall be eligible for reappointment by the county mayor with confirmation by the county legislative body. (d) Whenever any county medical examiner shall be called as a witness in any proceedings before the grand jury or in any criminal case, the county medical examiner shall receive from the county as compensation for services as witness a fee as shall be determined by the court before which the proceedings are conducted, unless the fees are paid under provisions of § 38-7-111 [repealed]. (e) The county medical examiner may be suspended by the county mayor for good cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, malfeasance in the performance of the duties of a county medical examiner, criminal conduct, or behavior that is unethical in nature or that is in violation of a relevant code of professional medical responsibility. The suspension shall be for a period of ninety (90) days. At the end of the ninety (90) day period, the suspension shall terminate, unless the county mayor has recommended to the county legislative body in writing that they remove the county medical examiner from office. If the county mayor recommends removal of the county medical examiner, then the county legislative body shall vote on whether to remove the county medical examiner from office within ninety (90) days of the date of the written recommendation. A majority vote shall be required in order to remove the county medical examiner from office. If a majority of the county legislative body does not vote for removal of the county medical examiner from office, then the suspension of the county medical examiner shall terminate immediately. (f) (1) A medical investigator shall be a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, registered nurse, physician's assistant or a person registered by or a diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and approved by the county medical examiner as qualified to serve as medical investigator. (2) If the county has an elected coroner, the coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county; provided, that such coroner meets the qualifications for a medical investigator set out in subdivision (f)(1). If the coroner is not qualified to serve as medical investigator, then the county legislative body shall, by resolution, either authorize the county medical examiner to appoint a medical investigator subject to confirmation by the county legislative body, or provide for this function through a contract for service approved by the county medical examiner and the county legislative body; provided, however, that, if the county has an elected coroner who has served in that capacity for ten (10) years or more, such coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county, regardless of whether the coroner meets the qualifications set out in subdivision (f)(1). (3) The county medical investigator may conduct investigations when a death is reported, as provided in § 38-7-108 , under the supervision of the county medical examiner. The county medical investigator may make pronouncements of death and may recommend to the county medical examiner that an autopsy be ordered. However, the county medical investigator shall not be empowered to sign a death certificate. The county medical examiner may delegate to the county medical investigator the authority to order an autopsy. (g) County medical examiners and medical investigators shall be required to receive initial training and regular continuing education through the chief medical examiner and to operate according to the death investigation guidelines adopted by the department of health. Acts 1961, ch. 174, § 4; 1967, ch. 399, § 1; 1969, ch. 21, § 1; 1971, ch. 246, § 1; 1977, ch. 141, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 38-704; Acts 1983, ch. 12, § 1; 1994, ch. 775, § 3; 2003, ch. 90, § 2; 2004, ch. 651, §§ 1, 2; 2005, ch. 472, § 1; 2008, ch. 969, §§ 5-10.
(a) A county medical examiner shall be appointed by the county mayor, subject to confirmation by the county legislative body, based on a recommendation from a convention of physicians resident in the county. A county medical examiner shall be a physician who is either a graduate of an accredited medical school authorized to confer upon graduates the degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) and who is duly licensed in Tennessee, or is a graduate of a recognized osteopathic college authorized to confer the degree of doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) and who is licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Tennessee, and shall be elected from a list of a maximum of two (2) doctors of medicine or osteopathy nominated by convention of the physicians, medical or osteopathic, resident in the county, the convention to be called for this purpose by the county mayor.
(b) If it is not possible to obtain an acceptance as a county medical examiner from a physician in a county, authority is given for the election of a county medical examiner from an adjacent or another county. A county medical examiner, when temporarily unable to perform the duties of the office, shall have the authority to deputize any other physician in the area to act as county medical examiner during the absence. If the county legislative body fails to certify a county medical examiner for a county or if the county medical examiner resigns or is unable to fulfill the duties of the office during the interim between county legislative body sessions and a deputy has not been appointed by the county medical examiner, the chief medical examiner shall have the authority to appoint a county medical examiner to serve until the next session of the county legislative body.
(c) A county medical examiner shall serve a five-year term, and shall be eligible for reappointment by the county mayor with confirmation by the county legislative body.
(d) Whenever any county medical examiner shall be called as a witness in any proceedings before the grand jury or in any criminal case, the county medical examiner shall receive from the county as compensation for services as witness a fee as shall be determined by the court before which the proceedings are conducted, unless the fees are paid under provisions of § 38-7-111 [repealed].
(e) The county medical examiner may be suspended by the county mayor for good cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, malfeasance in the performance of the duties of a county medical examiner, criminal conduct, or behavior that is unethical in nature or that is in violation of a relevant code of professional medical responsibility. The suspension shall be for a period of ninety (90) days. At the end of the ninety (90) day period, the suspension shall terminate, unless the county mayor has recommended to the county legislative body in writing that they remove the county medical examiner from office. If the county mayor recommends removal of the county medical examiner, then the county legislative body shall vote on whether to remove the county medical examiner from office within ninety (90) days of the date of the written recommendation. A majority vote shall be required in order to remove the county medical examiner from office. If a majority of the county legislative body does not vote for removal of the county medical examiner from office, then the suspension of the county medical examiner shall terminate immediately.
(f) (1) A medical investigator shall be a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, registered nurse, physician's assistant or a person registered by or a diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and approved by the county medical examiner as qualified to serve as medical investigator. (2) If the county has an elected coroner, the coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county; provided, that such coroner meets the qualifications for a medical investigator set out in subdivision (f)(1). If the coroner is not qualified to serve as medical investigator, then the county legislative body shall, by resolution, either authorize the county medical examiner to appoint a medical investigator subject to confirmation by the county legislative body, or provide for this function through a contract for service approved by the county medical examiner and the county legislative body; provided, however, that, if the county has an elected coroner who has served in that capacity for ten (10) years or more, such coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county, regardless of whether the coroner meets the qualifications set out in subdivision (f)(1). (3) The county medical investigator may conduct investigations when a death is reported, as provided in § 38-7-108 , under the supervision of the county medical examiner. The county medical investigator may make pronouncements of death and may recommend to the county medical examiner that an autopsy be ordered. However, the county medical investigator shall not be empowered to sign a death certificate. The county medical examiner may delegate to the county medical investigator the authority to order an autopsy.
(1) A medical investigator shall be a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, registered nurse, physician's assistant or a person registered by or a diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and approved by the county medical examiner as qualified to serve as medical investigator.
(2) If the county has an elected coroner, the coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county; provided, that such coroner meets the qualifications for a medical investigator set out in subdivision (f)(1). If the coroner is not qualified to serve as medical investigator, then the county legislative body shall, by resolution, either authorize the county medical examiner to appoint a medical investigator subject to confirmation by the county legislative body, or provide for this function through a contract for service approved by the county medical examiner and the county legislative body; provided, however, that, if the county has an elected coroner who has served in that capacity for ten (10) years or more, such coroner shall serve as the medical investigator for the county, regardless of whether the coroner meets the qualifications set out in subdivision (f)(1).
(3) The county medical investigator may conduct investigations when a death is reported, as provided in § 38-7-108 , under the supervision of the county medical examiner. The county medical investigator may make pronouncements of death and may recommend to the county medical examiner that an autopsy be ordered. However, the county medical investigator shall not be empowered to sign a death certificate. The county medical examiner may delegate to the county medical investigator the authority to order an autopsy.
(g) County medical examiners and medical investigators shall be required to receive initial training and regular continuing education through the chief medical examiner and to operate according to the death investigation guidelines adopted by the department of health.
Acts 1961, ch. 174, § 4; 1967, ch. 399, § 1; 1969, ch. 21, § 1; 1971, ch. 246, § 1; 1977, ch. 141, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 38-704; Acts 1983, ch. 12, § 1; 1994, ch. 775, § 3; 2003, ch. 90, § 2; 2004, ch. 651, §§ 1, 2; 2005, ch. 472, § 1; 2008, ch. 969, §§ 5-10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-106 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-106
Qualifications of police officers
Status: in_force

Any person employed as a full-time police officer, and any person employed or utilized as a part-time, temporary, reserve or auxiliary police officer or as a special deputy, shall: (1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) Be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces pursuant to § 38-8-105(d) ; (3) Be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education; (4) Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, controlled substances or controlled substance analogues; (5) Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States; (6) Have the person's fingerprints on file with the Tennessee bureau of investigation; (7) Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician or a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, so long as the task is expressly included in the written protocol developed jointly by the supervising physician and the nurse practitioner or physician assistant, whichever is applicable, setting forth the range of services that may be performed by the nurse practitioner or physician assistant; (8) Have a good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency; and (9) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed health care provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the applicant's ability to perform an essential function of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 7, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 498, s 2, eff. 5/20/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137, s 4, eff. 4/12/2013. Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 6; T.C.A., § 38-11-106; Acts 1983, ch. 270, § 6; 1988, ch. 968, § 2; 1990, ch. 1094, § 2; 1993, ch. 374, § 2; 2001, ch. 42, § 1; 2009 , ch. 264, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 12.
Any person employed as a full-time police officer, and any person employed or utilized as a part-time, temporary, reserve or auxiliary police officer or as a special deputy, shall:
(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) Be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces pursuant to § 38-8-105(d) ;
(3) Be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education;
(4) Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, controlled substances or controlled substance analogues;
(5) Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States;
(6) Have the person's fingerprints on file with the Tennessee bureau of investigation;
(7) Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician or a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, so long as the task is expressly included in the written protocol developed jointly by the supervising physician and the nurse practitioner or physician assistant, whichever is applicable, setting forth the range of services that may be performed by the nurse practitioner or physician assistant;
(8) Have a good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency; and
(9) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed health care provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the applicant's ability to perform an essential function of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 7, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 498, s 2, eff. 5/20/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137, s 4, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 6; T.C.A., § 38-11-106; Acts 1983, ch. 270, § 6; 1988, ch. 968, § 2; 1990, ch. 1094, § 2; 1993, ch. 374, § 2; 2001, ch. 42, § 1; 2009 , ch. 264, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 12.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-9-103 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 9 / Section 38-9-103
General curfew
Status: in_force

After proclamation of a civil emergency by the chief administrative officer, the officer may order a general curfew applicable to the geographical areas of the municipality or to the municipality as a whole, as the officer deems advisable, and applicable during those hours of the day or night the officer deems necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare. The proclamation and general curfew shall have the force and effect of law and shall continue in effect until rescinded in writing by the chief administrative officer, but not to exceed fifteen (15) days. Acts 1968, ch. 485, § 3; T.C.A., § 38-903.
After proclamation of a civil emergency by the chief administrative officer, the officer may order a general curfew applicable to the geographical areas of the municipality or to the municipality as a whole, as the officer deems advisable, and applicable during those hours of the day or night the officer deems necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare. The proclamation and general curfew shall have the force and effect of law and shall continue in effect until rescinded in writing by the chief administrative officer, but not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
Acts 1968, ch. 485, § 3; T.C.A., § 38-903.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-103 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-103
Director - Staff - Expenses of members
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the Jerry F. Agee Tennessee law enforcement training academy shall serve as the executive secretary of the commission. (b) Staff for the commission shall be provided through the law enforcement training academy. (c) The members of the commission shall serve without remuneration, but shall be paid expenses as the members may incur in attending the commission's meetings or in traveling on commission business. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 2; T.C.A., § 38-11-103.
(a) The director of the Jerry F. Agee Tennessee law enforcement training academy shall serve as the executive secretary of the commission.
(b) Staff for the commission shall be provided through the law enforcement training academy.
(c) The members of the commission shall serve without remuneration, but shall be paid expenses as the members may incur in attending the commission's meetings or in traveling on commission business. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1981, ch. 455, § 2; T.C.A., § 38-11-103.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-3-114 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 3 / Section 38-3-114
Acting as peace officers for the office of homeland security
Status: in_force

(a) The office of homeland security may apply to the commissioner of safety, to commission such number of its officers who directly support state, federal, and local law enforcement activities involved in countering or responding to acts of terrorism, as the office shall designate, to act as peace officers for the office of homeland security. (b) The commissioner, upon such application, may appoint such person as the office of homeland security designates, or as many people as the governor deems proper to be such peace officers, and shall give commissions to those appointed. (c) Each such officer, throughout every county in the state, shall have and exercise, for the sole purpose of carrying out the scope of assigned duties as specified or limited within the exclusive judgment of the office of homeland security, all the powers of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses anywhere in the state. Further, such officers may serve process in criminal and penal prosecutions for such offenses, and shall have authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of their offices and while in the performance of their assigned duties. (d) The keepers of jails in any county or municipality where a violation occurs, for which any such arrest is made by an officer of the homeland security office, shall receive all persons arrested by such officers to be dealt with according to law, and persons so arrested shall be received by keepers of jails on the same basis and shall have the same status as prisoners arrested by any other law enforcement officer. (e) Every officer so appointed shall, when on duty, have in the officer's possession a badge and identification card identifying the officer as an officer of the office of homeland security, and the officer shall exhibit the badge and identification card on demand and before making an arrest within a reasonable time. (f) When the office of homeland security no longer requires the services of the peace officer so appointed, it shall file a notice to that effect with the commissioner's office. Thereupon, the powers of such peace officer shall cease and terminate. (g) Homeland security officers appointed under this section must complete appropriate initial training and recurrent law enforcement training substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Tennessee peace officers standards and training commission. Acts 2004, ch. 593, § 1.
(a) The office of homeland security may apply to the commissioner of safety, to commission such number of its officers who directly support state, federal, and local law enforcement activities involved in countering or responding to acts of terrorism, as the office shall designate, to act as peace officers for the office of homeland security.
(b) The commissioner, upon such application, may appoint such person as the office of homeland security designates, or as many people as the governor deems proper to be such peace officers, and shall give commissions to those appointed.
(c) Each such officer, throughout every county in the state, shall have and exercise, for the sole purpose of carrying out the scope of assigned duties as specified or limited within the exclusive judgment of the office of homeland security, all the powers of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses anywhere in the state. Further, such officers may serve process in criminal and penal prosecutions for such offenses, and shall have authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of their offices and while in the performance of their assigned duties.
(d) The keepers of jails in any county or municipality where a violation occurs, for which any such arrest is made by an officer of the homeland security office, shall receive all persons arrested by such officers to be dealt with according to law, and persons so arrested shall be received by keepers of jails on the same basis and shall have the same status as prisoners arrested by any other law enforcement officer.
(e) Every officer so appointed shall, when on duty, have in the officer's possession a badge and identification card identifying the officer as an officer of the office of homeland security, and the officer shall exhibit the badge and identification card on demand and before making an arrest within a reasonable time.
(f) When the office of homeland security no longer requires the services of the peace officer so appointed, it shall file a notice to that effect with the commissioner's office. Thereupon, the powers of such peace officer shall cease and terminate.
(g) Homeland security officers appointed under this section must complete appropriate initial training and recurrent law enforcement training substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Tennessee peace officers standards and training commission.
Acts 2004, ch. 593, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-112 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-112
Courses on use of citations in lieu of arrest - Domestic violence training - Procedures to respond to persons with mental illness
Status: in_force

The curriculum requirements of the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission established by this part shall include materials concerning the use of citations in lieu of arrest and domestic violence training and proper procedures to respond to persons with mental illnesses. Acts 1985, ch. 320, § 9; 2001, ch. 3, § 1; 2007, ch. 259, § 2.
The curriculum requirements of the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission established by this part shall include materials concerning the use of citations in lieu of arrest and domestic violence training and proper procedures to respond to persons with mental illnesses.
Acts 1985, ch. 320, § 9; 2001, ch. 3, § 1; 2007, ch. 259, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-403 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-403
Reporting form - Telephone reports - Single report if cruelty, abuse or neglect witnessed by more than one person - No impact on accepted hunting, fishing, livestock and veterinarian practices
Status: in_force

(a) If not made by telephone, reports made pursuant to § 38-1-402(a) may be made on a preprinted form prepared by the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect in that county, that includes the definitions contained in § 38-1-401 and a space for the reporter to include each of the following: (1) The reporter's name and title; (2) The reporter's business address and telephone number; (3) The name, if known, of the animal's owner or custodian; (4) The location of the animal and the premises on which the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect took place; (5) A description of the location of the animal and the premises; (6) The type and numbers of animals involved; (7) A description of the animal and its condition; and (8) The date, time, and a description of the observation or incident that led the reporter to suspect animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and any other information the reporter believes may be relevant. (b) Any employee making a report or telephone call pursuant to this part shall make all reasonable efforts to include the information delineated in subsection (a). Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. (c) When two (2) or more employees of a state, county or municipal child or adult protective services agency are present and jointly have knowledge of known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect, and where there is agreement among them, by mutual agreement, a report may be made by one (1) person. Any reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so may thereafter make the report. (d) (1) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting legal hunting and fishing activities. (2) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the owner of livestock as defined in § 43-1-114(b) , or someone acting with consent of the owner of livestock, from engaging in usual and customary practices that are accepted by colleges of agriculture or veterinary medicine with respect to livestock, nor shall this part be construed as requiring the reporting of those practices. (3) Nothing in this part shall be construed to apply to a veterinarian or veterinary technician engaged in accepted veterinary practices. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 568,s 3, eff. 3/21/2014. Acts 2006, ch. 736, § 4.
(a) If not made by telephone, reports made pursuant to § 38-1-402(a) may be made on a preprinted form prepared by the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect in that county, that includes the definitions contained in § 38-1-401 and a space for the reporter to include each of the following: (1) The reporter's name and title; (2) The reporter's business address and telephone number; (3) The name, if known, of the animal's owner or custodian; (4) The location of the animal and the premises on which the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect took place; (5) A description of the location of the animal and the premises; (6) The type and numbers of animals involved; (7) A description of the animal and its condition; and (8) The date, time, and a description of the observation or incident that led the reporter to suspect animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and any other information the reporter believes may be relevant.
(1) The reporter's name and title;
(2) The reporter's business address and telephone number;
(3) The name, if known, of the animal's owner or custodian;
(4) The location of the animal and the premises on which the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect took place;
(5) A description of the location of the animal and the premises;
(6) The type and numbers of animals involved;
(7) A description of the animal and its condition; and
(8) The date, time, and a description of the observation or incident that led the reporter to suspect animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and any other information the reporter believes may be relevant.
(b) Any employee making a report or telephone call pursuant to this part shall make all reasonable efforts to include the information delineated in subsection (a). Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect.
(c) When two (2) or more employees of a state, county or municipal child or adult protective services agency are present and jointly have knowledge of known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect, and where there is agreement among them, by mutual agreement, a report may be made by one (1) person. Any reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so may thereafter make the report.
(d) (1) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting legal hunting and fishing activities. (2) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the owner of livestock as defined in § 43-1-114(b) , or someone acting with consent of the owner of livestock, from engaging in usual and customary practices that are accepted by colleges of agriculture or veterinary medicine with respect to livestock, nor shall this part be construed as requiring the reporting of those practices. (3) Nothing in this part shall be construed to apply to a veterinarian or veterinary technician engaged in accepted veterinary practices.
(1) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting legal hunting and fishing activities.
(2) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the owner of livestock as defined in § 43-1-114(b) , or someone acting with consent of the owner of livestock, from engaging in usual and customary practices that are accepted by colleges of agriculture or veterinary medicine with respect to livestock, nor shall this part be construed as requiring the reporting of those practices.
(3) Nothing in this part shall be construed to apply to a veterinarian or veterinary technician engaged in accepted veterinary practices.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 568,s 3, eff. 3/21/2014.
Acts 2006, ch. 736, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-305 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-305
Proceedings subsequent to disciplinary action - Hearings - Evidence - Witnesses - Counsel - Record
Status: in_force

(a) A police officer who is dismissed, demoted, suspended or transferred for punitive reasons, may within a reasonable amount of time following such action, as set by the officer's agency, request a hearing. If such request is made in a timely manner, a hearing shall be held within a reasonable amount of time set by the agency. The hearing shall be set no later than fourteen (14) calendar days following the date of request, unless a later date is acceptable to the police officer. (b) At the hearing, the police officer and the officer's agency shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence and to examine and cross-examine witnesses. (c) The hearing panel shall have the power to, and on the request of either the police officer or the officer's agency shall, issue subpoenas requiring the testimony of witnesses who have refused or failed to appear at the hearing. (d) The police officer shall also be given the opportunity to be represented by counsel at the hearing, unless such officer and agency are afforded, by regulation, the right to counsel in a subsequent de novo hearing. (e) The panel conducting the hearing shall rule on the admissibility of the evidence. (f) A record shall be made of the hearing. Acts 1989, ch. 398, § 5.
(a) A police officer who is dismissed, demoted, suspended or transferred for punitive reasons, may within a reasonable amount of time following such action, as set by the officer's agency, request a hearing. If such request is made in a timely manner, a hearing shall be held within a reasonable amount of time set by the agency. The hearing shall be set no later than fourteen (14) calendar days following the date of request, unless a later date is acceptable to the police officer.
(b) At the hearing, the police officer and the officer's agency shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence and to examine and cross-examine witnesses.
(c) The hearing panel shall have the power to, and on the request of either the police officer or the officer's agency shall, issue subpoenas requiring the testimony of witnesses who have refused or failed to appear at the hearing.
(d) The police officer shall also be given the opportunity to be represented by counsel at the hearing, unless such officer and agency are afforded, by regulation, the right to counsel in a subsequent de novo hearing.
(e) The panel conducting the hearing shall rule on the admissibility of the evidence.
(f) A record shall be made of the hearing.
Acts 1989, ch. 398, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-205 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-205
Buyer or dealer obtaining and recording information from seller to be made available to law enforcement - Recovery of property by party asserting ownership by making report to law enforcement following report of theft
Status: in_force

(a) When any person sells property to a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 , the buyer or dealer shall obtain and record the information provided for in § 38-1-203 and obtain a statement of the seller that the seller is the lawful owner of the item, and shall have the record signed by the seller. This record shall be made available to any law enforcement agency or officer upon request. (b) (1) The party asserting ownership of any property that the party alleges is stolen and that is in the possession of a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 may recover the property by making a report to any law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located and providing the law enforcement agency with proof of ownership of the property; provided, that a report of the theft of the property was made to the proper authorities within twenty (20) days after obtaining knowledge of the theft or loss; and provided, further, that the party asserting ownership will assist in the prosecution of the seller of the item. Upon the receipt of proof of ownership, an officer of a law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located shall recover the property from the buyer or dealer, without expense to the rightful owner of the property, unless the buyer or dealer presents evidence of having received proof of ownership of the property by the seller. Any property recovered from a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 shall be returned to the rightful owner of the property, subject to evidence in any criminal proceeding. (2) In the event that the party asserting ownership of the property has provided a timely report of the theft or loss of the property, and the buyer or dealer presents acceptable evidence to the law enforcement agency of having received proper proof of ownership from the seller of the property, then and only then shall the law enforcement agency have satisfied its processes, duties and responsibilities. It shall then inform the party alleging ownership that it will be necessary for that person to commence an appropriate civil action for the return of the property within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice. If the buyer or dealer is ordered to return the property pursuant to such civil action, then the court shall also order that the buyer or dealer pay all litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The buyer or dealer shall not be required to surrender the property to any law enforcement officer or agency or any other person absent an appropriate warrant. (3) If for any reason after the local authorities have seized certain property and are unable to locate the rightful owner of the property after due diligence, then the property may be returned to the buyer or dealer upon the buyer or dealer executing a hold-harmless agreement to the local authorities pursuant to title 40, chapter 33. Acts 2009, ch. 282, § 3; 2011, ch. 225, §§ 1-5; 2012, ch. 675, § 2.
(a) When any person sells property to a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 , the buyer or dealer shall obtain and record the information provided for in § 38-1-203 and obtain a statement of the seller that the seller is the lawful owner of the item, and shall have the record signed by the seller. This record shall be made available to any law enforcement agency or officer upon request.
(b) (1) The party asserting ownership of any property that the party alleges is stolen and that is in the possession of a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 may recover the property by making a report to any law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located and providing the law enforcement agency with proof of ownership of the property; provided, that a report of the theft of the property was made to the proper authorities within twenty (20) days after obtaining knowledge of the theft or loss; and provided, further, that the party asserting ownership will assist in the prosecution of the seller of the item. Upon the receipt of proof of ownership, an officer of a law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located shall recover the property from the buyer or dealer, without expense to the rightful owner of the property, unless the buyer or dealer presents evidence of having received proof of ownership of the property by the seller. Any property recovered from a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 shall be returned to the rightful owner of the property, subject to evidence in any criminal proceeding. (2) In the event that the party asserting ownership of the property has provided a timely report of the theft or loss of the property, and the buyer or dealer presents acceptable evidence to the law enforcement agency of having received proper proof of ownership from the seller of the property, then and only then shall the law enforcement agency have satisfied its processes, duties and responsibilities. It shall then inform the party alleging ownership that it will be necessary for that person to commence an appropriate civil action for the return of the property within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice. If the buyer or dealer is ordered to return the property pursuant to such civil action, then the court shall also order that the buyer or dealer pay all litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The buyer or dealer shall not be required to surrender the property to any law enforcement officer or agency or any other person absent an appropriate warrant. (3) If for any reason after the local authorities have seized certain property and are unable to locate the rightful owner of the property after due diligence, then the property may be returned to the buyer or dealer upon the buyer or dealer executing a hold-harmless agreement to the local authorities pursuant to title 40, chapter 33.
(1) The party asserting ownership of any property that the party alleges is stolen and that is in the possession of a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 may recover the property by making a report to any law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located and providing the law enforcement agency with proof of ownership of the property; provided, that a report of the theft of the property was made to the proper authorities within twenty (20) days after obtaining knowledge of the theft or loss; and provided, further, that the party asserting ownership will assist in the prosecution of the seller of the item. Upon the receipt of proof of ownership, an officer of a law enforcement agency in the county or municipality in which the property is located shall recover the property from the buyer or dealer, without expense to the rightful owner of the property, unless the buyer or dealer presents evidence of having received proof of ownership of the property by the seller. Any property recovered from a buyer or dealer subject to § 38-1-201 shall be returned to the rightful owner of the property, subject to evidence in any criminal proceeding.
(2) In the event that the party asserting ownership of the property has provided a timely report of the theft or loss of the property, and the buyer or dealer presents acceptable evidence to the law enforcement agency of having received proper proof of ownership from the seller of the property, then and only then shall the law enforcement agency have satisfied its processes, duties and responsibilities. It shall then inform the party alleging ownership that it will be necessary for that person to commence an appropriate civil action for the return of the property within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice. If the buyer or dealer is ordered to return the property pursuant to such civil action, then the court shall also order that the buyer or dealer pay all litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The buyer or dealer shall not be required to surrender the property to any law enforcement officer or agency or any other person absent an appropriate warrant.
(3) If for any reason after the local authorities have seized certain property and are unable to locate the rightful owner of the property after due diligence, then the property may be returned to the buyer or dealer upon the buyer or dealer executing a hold-harmless agreement to the local authorities pursuant to title 40, chapter 33.
Acts 2009, ch. 282, § 3; 2011, ch. 225, §§ 1-5; 2012, ch. 675, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-5-111 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 5 / Section 38-5-111
Verdict of jury
Status: in_force

The jury, after inspecting the body, hearing the testimony, and making all needful inquiries, shall render a verdict by an inquisition in writing, signed by the jury, setting forth as near as may be, who the person was, when, where, and by what means the person died, and whether by the act of another, and what other person, and whether by unlawful means. Code 1858, § 5307; Shan., § 7285; Code 1932, § 11886; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-411.
The jury, after inspecting the body, hearing the testimony, and making all needful inquiries, shall render a verdict by an inquisition in writing, signed by the jury, setting forth as near as may be, who the person was, when, where, and by what means the person died, and whether by the act of another, and what other person, and whether by unlawful means.
Code 1858, § 5307; Shan., § 7285; Code 1932, § 11886; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-411.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-201 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-201
Creation and purpose
Status: in_force

(a) There is created the Jerry F. Agee Tennessee law enforcement training academy, for the purpose of training police and law enforcement officers in the methods of maintaining law enforcement services in state, municipal, county and metropolitan jurisdictions. (b) In addition to attendance by law enforcement officers at the academy, students pursuing a degree with a major in law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science in a college or university of this state, and former members of the military who have been honorably discharged and who served a minimum of three (3) years' full-time service in the military, shall also be eligible for enrollment and training, the same as if the students and former members of the military were law enforcement officers in the academy. The students and former military members shall also meet the requirements set forth in § 38-8-106 and the standards established by the peace officer standards and training commission as required for law enforcement officers attending the academy. (c) The academy shall also have the authority to provide specialized training to other government or private sector employees whose work impacts public safety, such as court officials, emergency services personnel, process servers, hospital personnel and employees of the criminal justice system. It is the intent of the general assembly that the training be provided at no additional cost to the state. The director of the academy shall have full discretion in scheduling any additional training sessions offered by the academy; provided, that the training of state or local governmental law enforcement employees be given priority over private employee training. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 2/1/2016. Acts 1963, ch. 173, § 1; 1969, ch. 144, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 93, § 1; T.C.A., § 38-801; Acts 2006, ch. 659, § 1.
(a) There is created the Jerry F. Agee Tennessee law enforcement training academy, for the purpose of training police and law enforcement officers in the methods of maintaining law enforcement services in state, municipal, county and metropolitan jurisdictions.
(b) In addition to attendance by law enforcement officers at the academy, students pursuing a degree with a major in law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science in a college or university of this state, and former members of the military who have been honorably discharged and who served a minimum of three (3) years' full-time service in the military, shall also be eligible for enrollment and training, the same as if the students and former members of the military were law enforcement officers in the academy. The students and former military members shall also meet the requirements set forth in § 38-8-106 and the standards established by the peace officer standards and training commission as required for law enforcement officers attending the academy.
(c) The academy shall also have the authority to provide specialized training to other government or private sector employees whose work impacts public safety, such as court officials, emergency services personnel, process servers, hospital personnel and employees of the criminal justice system. It is the intent of the general assembly that the training be provided at no additional cost to the state. The director of the academy shall have full discretion in scheduling any additional training sessions offered by the academy; provided, that the training of state or local governmental law enforcement employees be given priority over private employee training.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 2/1/2016.
Acts 1963, ch. 173, § 1; 1969, ch. 144, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 93, § 1; T.C.A., § 38-801; Acts 2006, ch. 659, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-901 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-901
Short title
Status: in_force

This part is known and may be cited as the "Sexual Assault Response Team Act." Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 212, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
This part is known and may be cited as the "Sexual Assault Response Team Act."
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 212, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-3-120 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 3 / Section 38-3-120
Peace officers for Tennessee valley authority
Status: in_force

(a) The Tennessee valley authority (TVA) may apply to the commissioner of safety for the appointment and commissioning of such number of its agents, servants, or employees as TVA shall designate to act as peace officers, as provided in this section. The commissioner, upon the application, shall appoint persons as TVA designates to be peace officers, and shall give commissions to those appointed. Any agent, servant, or employee of TVA so designated shall be eligible for the appointment and commission. (b) Before entering into the performance of duties, every officer appointed pursuant to subsection (a) shall take and subscribe an oath of office and enter into a surety bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), payable to the state of Tennessee, conditioned upon the faithful performance of all duties as officer. The oath of office and bond, with a copy of the commission, shall be filed with the secretary of state. In lieu of individual bonds, a duly executed blanket bond covering all TVA peace officers appointed and commissioned pursuant to this section, as principals, with TVA as surety, in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each officer and conditioned upon the faithful performance of the officers' duties, may be filed by TVA with the secretary of state, in which event individual bonds shall not be required. (c) Each officer, throughout every county in the state in which TVA does business, operates, or owns or controls property, including leaseholds and rights-of-way, shall have and exercise, for the sole purpose of carrying out the scope of assigned duties as specified or limited within the exclusive judgment of TVA board of directors, all of the powers of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against TVA officials or employees or committed upon, about, or against TVA property or on public roads or rights-of-way passing through or over such property, and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrest anywhere in the state. Further, the officers may provide security at TVA's nuclear facilities, may serve process in criminal and penal prosecutions for such offenses, and shall have authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of the officers' assigned duties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section. (d) The keepers of jails in any county or municipality in which the violation occurs for which any such arrest is made by a TVA peace officer shall receive all persons arrested by such officers to be dealt with according to law, and persons so arrested shall be received by keepers of jails on the same basis and shall have the same status as prisoners arrested by any other law enforcement officer. (e) Every officer appointed pursuant to subsection (a) shall, when on duty, have in possession a badge or identification card identifying the officer as a TVA peace officer, and the officer shall exhibit the badge or identification card on demand and before making an arrest. (f) All compensation of TVA peace officers appointed and commissioned pursuant to subsection (a) shall be fixed and paid exclusively by TVA. (g) When TVA no longer requires the services of a person appointed and commissioned as a TVA peace officer pursuant to this section, TVA shall file a notice to that effect with the commissioner of safety. Thereupon, the powers of the officer shall cease and terminate. (h) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no cause of action arising out of any act or omission by a TVA peace officer commissioned under this section shall be brought against the state, or any agency, official or employee of the state. (i) (1) Subsections (a)-(h) shall apply to the owner of a category I nuclear facility and the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall have the same rights, authority and limitations as TVA possesses with regard to the appointment of peace officers pursuant to this section. (2) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall possess all of the powers, in any county where the facility is located, of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the category I nuclear facility and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests anywhere in the state. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to investigate anywhere in the state any such offense and shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of their assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section. (3) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility is authorized to use deadly force under conditions of necessity, when all lesser means have failed or cannot reasonably be employed and when one (1) or more of the following circumstances exist: (A) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to protect the peace officer, who reasonably believes the peace officer is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury; (B) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the imminent infliction or threatened infliction of death or serious bodily harm or the sabotage of an occupied facility by explosives; (C) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the theft, sabotage, or unauthorized control of a nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device or special nuclear material from a category I nuclear facility; or (D) Deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to apprehend or prevent the escape of a person reasonably believed to: (i) Have committed an offense of the nature specified in subdivision (i)(3)(A), (B) or (C); or (ii) Be escaping by use of a weapon or explosive or who otherwise poses an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to peace officers or others unless apprehended without delay. (4) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "category I nuclear facility" means a facility that possesses a formula quantity of strategic special nuclear material, as defined and licensed by the United States nuclear regulatory commission, and that must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR part 73. (j) Subsections (a)-(h) shall apply to air carriers holding an air carrier certificate issued under 14 CFR part 119 and operating under 14 CFR part 121, or to the corporate parent of such entities, either of which shall have the same rights, authority and limitations as TVA possesses with regard to the appointment of peace officers, known under this section as transportation security officers. The following shall apply to transportation security officers: (1) The air carrier or the parent of the entity employing and designating transportation security officers shall own or lease property, and employ persons within the state of Tennessee; (2) Only personnel of the air carrier, or its parent, who are designated as transportation security officers by such air carrier shall receive appointments; (3) Each transportation security officer appointed or designated by air carriers holding an air carrier certificate under 14 CFR part 119 and operating under 14 CFR part 121, or the corporate parent of such entities, shall possess all of the powers of a peace officer described in this section, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the air carrier or its corporate parent and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of the officers' assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section; (4) The air carrier, or its parent, and any personnel employed by the carrier shall comply with all requirements of federal law pertaining to security operations associated with air carriers; (5) Transportation security officers appointed under this section must complete appropriate initial and recurrent law enforcement training substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission; (6) Any air carrier qualifying under the provisions of this subsection (j) shall, at the time of the first appointment of transportation security officers, notify the proprietors of the airports served by the air carrier of the appointment of the officers, and the air carrier shall comply with the security plans of each airport with respect to the carrying of arms by the officers; and (7) This subsection (j) shall not require an air carrier to designate any transportation security officers or otherwise staff law enforcement positions. Acts 1989, ch. 76, §§ 1-9; 2001, ch. 25, § 1; 2002, ch. 849, §10; 2007 , ch. 14, § 1.
(a) The Tennessee valley authority (TVA) may apply to the commissioner of safety for the appointment and commissioning of such number of its agents, servants, or employees as TVA shall designate to act as peace officers, as provided in this section. The commissioner, upon the application, shall appoint persons as TVA designates to be peace officers, and shall give commissions to those appointed. Any agent, servant, or employee of TVA so designated shall be eligible for the appointment and commission.
(b) Before entering into the performance of duties, every officer appointed pursuant to subsection (a) shall take and subscribe an oath of office and enter into a surety bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), payable to the state of Tennessee, conditioned upon the faithful performance of all duties as officer. The oath of office and bond, with a copy of the commission, shall be filed with the secretary of state. In lieu of individual bonds, a duly executed blanket bond covering all TVA peace officers appointed and commissioned pursuant to this section, as principals, with TVA as surety, in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each officer and conditioned upon the faithful performance of the officers' duties, may be filed by TVA with the secretary of state, in which event individual bonds shall not be required.
(c) Each officer, throughout every county in the state in which TVA does business, operates, or owns or controls property, including leaseholds and rights-of-way, shall have and exercise, for the sole purpose of carrying out the scope of assigned duties as specified or limited within the exclusive judgment of TVA board of directors, all of the powers of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against TVA officials or employees or committed upon, about, or against TVA property or on public roads or rights-of-way passing through or over such property, and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrest anywhere in the state. Further, the officers may provide security at TVA's nuclear facilities, may serve process in criminal and penal prosecutions for such offenses, and shall have authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of the officers' assigned duties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section.
(d) The keepers of jails in any county or municipality in which the violation occurs for which any such arrest is made by a TVA peace officer shall receive all persons arrested by such officers to be dealt with according to law, and persons so arrested shall be received by keepers of jails on the same basis and shall have the same status as prisoners arrested by any other law enforcement officer.
(e) Every officer appointed pursuant to subsection (a) shall, when on duty, have in possession a badge or identification card identifying the officer as a TVA peace officer, and the officer shall exhibit the badge or identification card on demand and before making an arrest.
(f) All compensation of TVA peace officers appointed and commissioned pursuant to subsection (a) shall be fixed and paid exclusively by TVA.
(g) When TVA no longer requires the services of a person appointed and commissioned as a TVA peace officer pursuant to this section, TVA shall file a notice to that effect with the commissioner of safety. Thereupon, the powers of the officer shall cease and terminate.
(h) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no cause of action arising out of any act or omission by a TVA peace officer commissioned under this section shall be brought against the state, or any agency, official or employee of the state.
(i) (1) Subsections (a)-(h) shall apply to the owner of a category I nuclear facility and the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall have the same rights, authority and limitations as TVA possesses with regard to the appointment of peace officers pursuant to this section. (2) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall possess all of the powers, in any county where the facility is located, of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the category I nuclear facility and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests anywhere in the state. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to investigate anywhere in the state any such offense and shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of their assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section. (3) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility is authorized to use deadly force under conditions of necessity, when all lesser means have failed or cannot reasonably be employed and when one (1) or more of the following circumstances exist: (A) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to protect the peace officer, who reasonably believes the peace officer is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury; (B) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the imminent infliction or threatened infliction of death or serious bodily harm or the sabotage of an occupied facility by explosives; (C) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the theft, sabotage, or unauthorized control of a nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device or special nuclear material from a category I nuclear facility; or (D) Deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to apprehend or prevent the escape of a person reasonably believed to: (i) Have committed an offense of the nature specified in subdivision (i)(3)(A), (B) or (C); or (ii) Be escaping by use of a weapon or explosive or who otherwise poses an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to peace officers or others unless apprehended without delay. (4) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "category I nuclear facility" means a facility that possesses a formula quantity of strategic special nuclear material, as defined and licensed by the United States nuclear regulatory commission, and that must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR part 73.
(1) Subsections (a)-(h) shall apply to the owner of a category I nuclear facility and the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall have the same rights, authority and limitations as TVA possesses with regard to the appointment of peace officers pursuant to this section.
(2) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility shall possess all of the powers, in any county where the facility is located, of a peace officer, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the category I nuclear facility and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests anywhere in the state. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to investigate anywhere in the state any such offense and shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of their assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section.
(3) Each peace officer appointed or designated by the owner of a category I nuclear facility is authorized to use deadly force under conditions of necessity, when all lesser means have failed or cannot reasonably be employed and when one (1) or more of the following circumstances exist: (A) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to protect the peace officer, who reasonably believes the peace officer is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury; (B) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the imminent infliction or threatened infliction of death or serious bodily harm or the sabotage of an occupied facility by explosives; (C) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the theft, sabotage, or unauthorized control of a nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device or special nuclear material from a category I nuclear facility; or (D) Deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to apprehend or prevent the escape of a person reasonably believed to: (i) Have committed an offense of the nature specified in subdivision (i)(3)(A), (B) or (C); or (ii) Be escaping by use of a weapon or explosive or who otherwise poses an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to peace officers or others unless apprehended without delay.
(A) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to protect the peace officer, who reasonably believes the peace officer is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury;
(B) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the imminent infliction or threatened infliction of death or serious bodily harm or the sabotage of an occupied facility by explosives;
(C) Deadly force appears reasonably necessary to prevent the theft, sabotage, or unauthorized control of a nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device or special nuclear material from a category I nuclear facility; or
(D) Deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to apprehend or prevent the escape of a person reasonably believed to: (i) Have committed an offense of the nature specified in subdivision (i)(3)(A), (B) or (C); or (ii) Be escaping by use of a weapon or explosive or who otherwise poses an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to peace officers or others unless apprehended without delay.
(i) Have committed an offense of the nature specified in subdivision (i)(3)(A), (B) or (C); or
(ii) Be escaping by use of a weapon or explosive or who otherwise poses an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to peace officers or others unless apprehended without delay.
(4) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "category I nuclear facility" means a facility that possesses a formula quantity of strategic special nuclear material, as defined and licensed by the United States nuclear regulatory commission, and that must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR part 73.
(j) Subsections (a)-(h) shall apply to air carriers holding an air carrier certificate issued under 14 CFR part 119 and operating under 14 CFR part 121, or to the corporate parent of such entities, either of which shall have the same rights, authority and limitations as TVA possesses with regard to the appointment of peace officers, known under this section as transportation security officers. The following shall apply to transportation security officers: (1) The air carrier or the parent of the entity employing and designating transportation security officers shall own or lease property, and employ persons within the state of Tennessee; (2) Only personnel of the air carrier, or its parent, who are designated as transportation security officers by such air carrier shall receive appointments; (3) Each transportation security officer appointed or designated by air carriers holding an air carrier certificate under 14 CFR part 119 and operating under 14 CFR part 121, or the corporate parent of such entities, shall possess all of the powers of a peace officer described in this section, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the air carrier or its corporate parent and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of the officers' assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section; (4) The air carrier, or its parent, and any personnel employed by the carrier shall comply with all requirements of federal law pertaining to security operations associated with air carriers; (5) Transportation security officers appointed under this section must complete appropriate initial and recurrent law enforcement training substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission; (6) Any air carrier qualifying under the provisions of this subsection (j) shall, at the time of the first appointment of transportation security officers, notify the proprietors of the airports served by the air carrier of the appointment of the officers, and the air carrier shall comply with the security plans of each airport with respect to the carrying of arms by the officers; and (7) This subsection (j) shall not require an air carrier to designate any transportation security officers or otherwise staff law enforcement positions.
(1) The air carrier or the parent of the entity employing and designating transportation security officers shall own or lease property, and employ persons within the state of Tennessee;
(2) Only personnel of the air carrier, or its parent, who are designated as transportation security officers by such air carrier shall receive appointments;
(3) Each transportation security officer appointed or designated by air carriers holding an air carrier certificate under 14 CFR part 119 and operating under 14 CFR part 121, or the corporate parent of such entities, shall possess all of the powers of a peace officer described in this section, including the power to make arrests for public offenses committed against employees or agents or against the property of the air carrier or its corporate parent and, while in pursuit of a person fleeing after committing such an offense, may pursue the person and make arrests. Additionally, the officers shall possess authority to carry weapons for the reasonable purposes of the officers' offices and while in the performance of the officers' assigned duties. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authorities, responsibilities and liabilities of the officers shall be limited as provided for under this section;
(4) The air carrier, or its parent, and any personnel employed by the carrier shall comply with all requirements of federal law pertaining to security operations associated with air carriers;
(5) Transportation security officers appointed under this section must complete appropriate initial and recurrent law enforcement training substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission;
(6) Any air carrier qualifying under the provisions of this subsection (j) shall, at the time of the first appointment of transportation security officers, notify the proprietors of the airports served by the air carrier of the appointment of the officers, and the air carrier shall comply with the security plans of each airport with respect to the carrying of arms by the officers; and
(7) This subsection (j) shall not require an air carrier to designate any transportation security officers or otherwise staff law enforcement positions.
Acts 1989, ch. 76, §§ 1-9; 2001, ch. 25, § 1; 2002, ch. 849, §10; 2007 , ch. 14, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-102 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-102
Removing or disturbing body or other articles at scene of death unlawful
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to touch, disturb, move or remove the body, clothing, personal effects, or weapons of, at or near any person who has died or reasonably appears to have died from wounds or injuries inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of violence, drowning, suffocation, poison, or hanging, until the immediate notification and arrival on the death scene or place where such body is found, of the chief of police, or the chief of police's lawful representative, if the body is found in an incorporated town or city, or of the sheriff or the sheriff's lawful representative, if the body is found in the county outside the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city or of the district attorney general or a member of the district attorney general's staff of the judicial district in which such body is found. Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.33 (Williams, § 5717.36); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-602.
It is unlawful for any person to touch, disturb, move or remove the body, clothing, personal effects, or weapons of, at or near any person who has died or reasonably appears to have died from wounds or injuries inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of violence, drowning, suffocation, poison, or hanging, until the immediate notification and arrival on the death scene or place where such body is found, of the chief of police, or the chief of police's lawful representative, if the body is found in an incorporated town or city, or of the sheriff or the sheriff's lawful representative, if the body is found in the county outside the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city or of the district attorney general or a member of the district attorney general's staff of the judicial district in which such body is found.
Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.33 (Williams, § 5717.36); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-602.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-6-207 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 6 / Section 38-6-207
Presentation of written report to the general assembly
Status: in_force

The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation and the assistant director of the narcotics investigation division shall present a written report each year to the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives and the judiciary committee of the senate. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the number of investigations currently under way by the division, investigations that resulted in arrests during the previous year, the number of such arrests that resulted in convictions, the class of felony or misdemeanor convictions resulting from such arrests, and the schedule of drug or drugs involved in such arrests and convictions. The report shall also include information regarding the levels of cooperation encountered among the various agencies, internally and otherwise, and other related information regarding the activities of the narcotics investigation division. The purpose of the report shall be to inform the general assembly as to the effectiveness and needs of the division. The above information shall be reported by race or ethnicity where available. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 42, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 51, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 39, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 1998, ch. 1069, § 4.
The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation and the assistant director of the narcotics investigation division shall present a written report each year to the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives and the judiciary committee of the senate. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the number of investigations currently under way by the division, investigations that resulted in arrests during the previous year, the number of such arrests that resulted in convictions, the class of felony or misdemeanor convictions resulting from such arrests, and the schedule of drug or drugs involved in such arrests and convictions. The report shall also include information regarding the levels of cooperation encountered among the various agencies, internally and otherwise, and other related information regarding the activities of the narcotics investigation division. The purpose of the report shall be to inform the general assembly as to the effectiveness and needs of the division. The above information shall be reported by race or ethnicity where available.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 42, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 51, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 39, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 1998, ch. 1069, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-903 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-903
SART team meetings - Members - Confidential meetings
Status: in_force

(a) By January 1, 2024, each local law enforcement agency must begin collaboration between existing law enforcement agency resources and available community resources as an adult sexual assault response team (SART), which will assist in identifying gaps in service and improving response systems for sexual assault involving adult victims that occur within the agency's jurisdiction. A team may meet, in person or by telephone or virtual means, periodically as needed. (b) A team may include members who respond to and work with victims and have expertise in a variety of disciplines relevant to sexual assault response. A SART may include, but is not limited to: (1) Victim advocates; (2) Law enforcement; (3) Criminal prosecutors; (4) Healthcare services providers; and (5) Mental health services providers. (c) (1) Except by court order or as provided in subdivision (c)(2), communications occurring at a SART meeting are confidential and not subject to title 10, chapter 7. (2) This subsection (c) does not prevent the district attorney general and counsel for a defendant from providing to each other in a pending criminal case, where the constitutional rights of the defendant require it, information which otherwise would be held confidential under this subsection (c). Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 212, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
(a) By January 1, 2024, each local law enforcement agency must begin collaboration between existing law enforcement agency resources and available community resources as an adult sexual assault response team (SART), which will assist in identifying gaps in service and improving response systems for sexual assault involving adult victims that occur within the agency's jurisdiction. A team may meet, in person or by telephone or virtual means, periodically as needed.
(b) A team may include members who respond to and work with victims and have expertise in a variety of disciplines relevant to sexual assault response. A SART may include, but is not limited to: (1) Victim advocates; (2) Law enforcement; (3) Criminal prosecutors; (4) Healthcare services providers; and (5) Mental health services providers.
(1) Victim advocates;
(2) Law enforcement;
(3) Criminal prosecutors;
(4) Healthcare services providers; and
(5) Mental health services providers.
(c) (1) Except by court order or as provided in subdivision (c)(2), communications occurring at a SART meeting are confidential and not subject to title 10, chapter 7. (2) This subsection (c) does not prevent the district attorney general and counsel for a defendant from providing to each other in a pending criminal case, where the constitutional rights of the defendant require it, information which otherwise would be held confidential under this subsection (c).
(1) Except by court order or as provided in subdivision (c)(2), communications occurring at a SART meeting are confidential and not subject to title 10, chapter 7.
(2) This subsection (c) does not prevent the district attorney general and counsel for a defendant from providing to each other in a pending criminal case, where the constitutional rights of the defendant require it, information which otherwise would be held confidential under this subsection (c).
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 212, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-101 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-101
Reports to law enforcement officials of certain types of injuries - Immunity for reporting - Exception
Status: in_force

(a) (1) All hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, undertakers, embalmers, or other persons called upon to tender aid to persons suffering from any wound or other injury inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of violence, or suffering from the effects of poison, suffocation, or a fatal drug overdose, to the extent allowed by state and federal law, or where a wound or injury is reasonably believed to have resulted from exposure to a methamphetamine laboratory or a methamphetamine related fire, explosion, or chemical release, or appears to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 , shall report the same immediately to the chief of police, if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in an incorporated town or city, or to the sheriff if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in the county outside the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city, and shall also, in either event, report the same immediately to the district attorney general or a member of the district attorney general's staff of the judicial district in which the injured person is, or has been brought into, or the injury occurred. Such report shall state the name, residence, and employer of such person, if known, such person's whereabouts at the time the report is made, the place the injury occurred, and the character and extent of such injuries. (2) No later than January 15 of each year, district attorneys general shall report the number of reports of a person who appeared to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 received pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) to the senate judiciary committee and the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives. (b) Injuries to minors that are required to be reported by § 37-1-403 are not required to be reported under this section. (c) (1) Where a person acts in good faith in making a report under subsection (a), that person shall be immune from any civil liability and shall have an affirmative defense to any criminal liability arising from that protected activity. (2) There exists a rebuttable presumption that a person making a report under subsection (a) is doing so in good faith. (d) For purposes of this part, "person" means any individual, firm, partnership, co-partnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent, servant, or combination of persons thereof. (e) (1) The reporting provisions in subsection (a) do not apply if the person seeking or receiving treatment: (A) Is 18 years of age or older; (B) Objects to the release of any identifying information to law enforcement officials; and (C) Is a victim of a sexual assault offense or domestic abuse as defined in § 36-3-601 . (2) This exception shall not apply and the injuries shall be reported as provided in subsection (a) if the injuries incurred by the sexual assault or domestic abuse victim are considered by the treating healthcare professional to be life threatening, or the victim is being treated for injuries inflicted by strangulation, a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon. (3) A hospital, healthcare provider or other person who is required to report under subsection (a) shall be immune from civil liability for not reporting if in good faith the hospital, healthcare provider or other person does not report the injury in order to comply with this subsection (e). (4) If a person injured as provided in subsection (a) is first treated by an EMT, EMT-P, emergency medical or rescue worker, firefighter or other first responder, it shall not be the duty of the first responder to determine if the patient comes within the provisions of subdivision (e)(1). If the first responder transports the patient to a healthcare facility, the first responder's duty is to notify the treating physician or emergency room staff at the facility of the suspected cause of the patient's injury. If the patient is not transported to a healthcare facility, the first responder shall report the result of the call to the 911 center. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1094, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 40, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 50, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 619, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.32 (Williams, § 5717.35); Acts 1963, ch. 247, § 1; 1965, ch. 60, § 7; 1973, ch. 81, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-601; Acts 2005, ch. 18, § 4; 2012 , ch. 688, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 817, § 1; 2012, ch. 1093, § 1.
(a) (1) All hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, undertakers, embalmers, or other persons called upon to tender aid to persons suffering from any wound or other injury inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of violence, or suffering from the effects of poison, suffocation, or a fatal drug overdose, to the extent allowed by state and federal law, or where a wound or injury is reasonably believed to have resulted from exposure to a methamphetamine laboratory or a methamphetamine related fire, explosion, or chemical release, or appears to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 , shall report the same immediately to the chief of police, if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in an incorporated town or city, or to the sheriff if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in the county outside the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city, and shall also, in either event, report the same immediately to the district attorney general or a member of the district attorney general's staff of the judicial district in which the injured person is, or has been brought into, or the injury occurred. Such report shall state the name, residence, and employer of such person, if known, such person's whereabouts at the time the report is made, the place the injury occurred, and the character and extent of such injuries. (2) No later than January 15 of each year, district attorneys general shall report the number of reports of a person who appeared to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 received pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) to the senate judiciary committee and the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives.
(1) All hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, undertakers, embalmers, or other persons called upon to tender aid to persons suffering from any wound or other injury inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of violence, or suffering from the effects of poison, suffocation, or a fatal drug overdose, to the extent allowed by state and federal law, or where a wound or injury is reasonably believed to have resulted from exposure to a methamphetamine laboratory or a methamphetamine related fire, explosion, or chemical release, or appears to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 , shall report the same immediately to the chief of police, if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in an incorporated town or city, or to the sheriff if the injured person is in or brought into or the injury occurred in the county outside the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city, and shall also, in either event, report the same immediately to the district attorney general or a member of the district attorney general's staff of the judicial district in which the injured person is, or has been brought into, or the injury occurred. Such report shall state the name, residence, and employer of such person, if known, such person's whereabouts at the time the report is made, the place the injury occurred, and the character and extent of such injuries.
(2) No later than January 15 of each year, district attorneys general shall report the number of reports of a person who appeared to be suffering from or to have been the victim of female genital mutilation in violation of § 39-13-110 received pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) to the senate judiciary committee and the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives.
(b) Injuries to minors that are required to be reported by § 37-1-403 are not required to be reported under this section.
(c) (1) Where a person acts in good faith in making a report under subsection (a), that person shall be immune from any civil liability and shall have an affirmative defense to any criminal liability arising from that protected activity. (2) There exists a rebuttable presumption that a person making a report under subsection (a) is doing so in good faith.
(1) Where a person acts in good faith in making a report under subsection (a), that person shall be immune from any civil liability and shall have an affirmative defense to any criminal liability arising from that protected activity.
(2) There exists a rebuttable presumption that a person making a report under subsection (a) is doing so in good faith.
(d) For purposes of this part, "person" means any individual, firm, partnership, co-partnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent, servant, or combination of persons thereof.
(e) (1) The reporting provisions in subsection (a) do not apply if the person seeking or receiving treatment: (A) Is 18 years of age or older; (B) Objects to the release of any identifying information to law enforcement officials; and (C) Is a victim of a sexual assault offense or domestic abuse as defined in § 36-3-601 . (2) This exception shall not apply and the injuries shall be reported as provided in subsection (a) if the injuries incurred by the sexual assault or domestic abuse victim are considered by the treating healthcare professional to be life threatening, or the victim is being treated for injuries inflicted by strangulation, a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon. (3) A hospital, healthcare provider or other person who is required to report under subsection (a) shall be immune from civil liability for not reporting if in good faith the hospital, healthcare provider or other person does not report the injury in order to comply with this subsection (e). (4) If a person injured as provided in subsection (a) is first treated by an EMT, EMT-P, emergency medical or rescue worker, firefighter or other first responder, it shall not be the duty of the first responder to determine if the patient comes within the provisions of subdivision (e)(1). If the first responder transports the patient to a healthcare facility, the first responder's duty is to notify the treating physician or emergency room staff at the facility of the suspected cause of the patient's injury. If the patient is not transported to a healthcare facility, the first responder shall report the result of the call to the 911 center.
(1) The reporting provisions in subsection (a) do not apply if the person seeking or receiving treatment: (A) Is 18 years of age or older; (B) Objects to the release of any identifying information to law enforcement officials; and (C) Is a victim of a sexual assault offense or domestic abuse as defined in § 36-3-601 .
(A) Is 18 years of age or older;
(B) Objects to the release of any identifying information to law enforcement officials; and
(C) Is a victim of a sexual assault offense or domestic abuse as defined in § 36-3-601 .
(2) This exception shall not apply and the injuries shall be reported as provided in subsection (a) if the injuries incurred by the sexual assault or domestic abuse victim are considered by the treating healthcare professional to be life threatening, or the victim is being treated for injuries inflicted by strangulation, a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon.
(3) A hospital, healthcare provider or other person who is required to report under subsection (a) shall be immune from civil liability for not reporting if in good faith the hospital, healthcare provider or other person does not report the injury in order to comply with this subsection (e).
(4) If a person injured as provided in subsection (a) is first treated by an EMT, EMT-P, emergency medical or rescue worker, firefighter or other first responder, it shall not be the duty of the first responder to determine if the patient comes within the provisions of subdivision (e)(1). If the first responder transports the patient to a healthcare facility, the first responder's duty is to notify the treating physician or emergency room staff at the facility of the suspected cause of the patient's injury. If the patient is not transported to a healthcare facility, the first responder shall report the result of the call to the 911 center.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1094, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 40, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 50, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 619, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.32 (Williams, § 5717.35); Acts 1963, ch. 247, § 1; 1965, ch. 60, § 7; 1973, ch. 81, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-601; Acts 2005, ch. 18, § 4; 2012 , ch. 688, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 817, § 1; 2012, ch. 1093, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-601 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-601
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Department" means the department of commerce and insurance; and (2) "Wireless telecommunications service provider" means a provider of commercial mobile radio service as defined by 47 CFR 20.3 . Acts 2012, ch. 815, § 2.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Department" means the department of commerce and insurance; and
(2) "Wireless telecommunications service provider" means a provider of commercial mobile radio service as defined by 47 CFR 20.3 .
Acts 2012, ch. 815, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-13-104 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 13 / Section 38-13-104
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 201, s 1, eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1998, ch. 994, § 7.
Repealed by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 201, s 1, eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1998, ch. 994, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-8-132 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 8 / Section 38-8-132
Training on proper testing procedures for use in investigating cases of suspected driving under the influence
Status: in_force

(a) Each law enforcement officer specifically assigned to the traffic division of a local law enforcement agency or its equivalent, or for whom a county sheriff or chief of police deems it necessary, shall undergo training on the proper testing procedures for use in investigating cases of suspected driving under the influence, as prohibited by § 55-10-401 . (b) For certifications completed on or after January 1, 2023, the training required by subsection (a) must be completed as part of the required annual in-service training in order to maintain law enforcement certification by the POST commission. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694, s 1, eff. 3/18/2022.
(a) Each law enforcement officer specifically assigned to the traffic division of a local law enforcement agency or its equivalent, or for whom a county sheriff or chief of police deems it necessary, shall undergo training on the proper testing procedures for use in investigating cases of suspected driving under the influence, as prohibited by § 55-10-401 .
(b) For certifications completed on or after January 1, 2023, the training required by subsection (a) must be completed as part of the required annual in-service training in order to maintain law enforcement certification by the POST commission.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694, s 1, eff. 3/18/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-103 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-103
Violation of Sections 38-1-101 and 38-1-102
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who knowingly fails to make the report required by § 38-1-101 within twenty-four (24) hours of tendering aid for any wound or injury as described in § 38-1-101 commits a Class A misdemeanor. (b) Any person in violation of § 38-1-102 commits a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.34 (Williams, § 5717.37); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-603; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2012 , ch. 688, § 3.
(a) Any person who knowingly fails to make the report required by § 38-1-101 within twenty-four (24) hours of tendering aid for any wound or injury as described in § 38-1-101 commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) Any person in violation of § 38-1-102 commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1943, ch. 107, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.34 (Williams, § 5717.37); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-603; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2012 , ch. 688, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-201 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-201
Registration - Applicability of part
Status: in_force

(a) Any person, firm, or corporation purchasing or otherwise dealing in antique, used or scrap jewelry and precious metals, where the purchase is for resale in its original form or as changed by remounting, melting, reforming, remolding or recasting or for resale as scrap or in bulk, shall be required to register with the chief of police and sheriff of each city and county in which the activity is carried on. (b) This part shall not be applicable to: (1) Any person, firm or corporation purchasing or otherwise dealing solely in coins or recyclable aluminum cans; or (2) Any transaction between dealers, when the selling dealer has previously complied with the requirements set out in §§ 38-1-202 and 38-1-203 relative to the items sold pursuant to the transaction. (c) Business activities regulated under this part shall be subject to the Business Tax Act, compiled in title 67, chapter 4, part 7. Acts 1980, ch. 766, §§ 1, 5; T.C.A., § 38-606; Acts 2009, ch. 179, § 1; 2009, ch. 282, § 5.
(a) Any person, firm, or corporation purchasing or otherwise dealing in antique, used or scrap jewelry and precious metals, where the purchase is for resale in its original form or as changed by remounting, melting, reforming, remolding or recasting or for resale as scrap or in bulk, shall be required to register with the chief of police and sheriff of each city and county in which the activity is carried on.
(b) This part shall not be applicable to: (1) Any person, firm or corporation purchasing or otherwise dealing solely in coins or recyclable aluminum cans; or (2) Any transaction between dealers, when the selling dealer has previously complied with the requirements set out in §§ 38-1-202 and 38-1-203 relative to the items sold pursuant to the transaction.
(1) Any person, firm or corporation purchasing or otherwise dealing solely in coins or recyclable aluminum cans; or
(2) Any transaction between dealers, when the selling dealer has previously complied with the requirements set out in §§ 38-1-202 and 38-1-203 relative to the items sold pursuant to the transaction.
(c) Business activities regulated under this part shall be subject to the Business Tax Act, compiled in title 67, chapter 4, part 7.
Acts 1980, ch. 766, §§ 1, 5; T.C.A., § 38-606; Acts 2009, ch. 179, § 1; 2009, ch. 282, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-5-105 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 5 / Section 38-5-105
Subpoenas for witnesses
Status: in_force

The coroner may issue subpoenas for witnesses, returnable immediately, or at the time and place as the coroner may appoint, and may enforce witnesses' attendance and punish for contempt and other causes, in like manner as a court of general sessions in a state case. Code 1858, § 5301; Shan., § 7279; Code 1932, §11880; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-405.
The coroner may issue subpoenas for witnesses, returnable immediately, or at the time and place as the coroner may appoint, and may enforce witnesses' attendance and punish for contempt and other causes, in like manner as a court of general sessions in a state case.
Code 1858, § 5301; Shan., § 7279; Code 1932, §11880; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-12-104 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 12 / Section 38-12-104
Annual report
Status: in_force

The coordinating council shall provide an annual report on its activities to the Tennessee department of finance and administration office of criminal justice programs, the governor, and to the chief clerk of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 779,s 6, eff. 7/1/2014.
The coordinating council shall provide an annual report on its activities to the Tennessee department of finance and administration office of criminal justice programs, the governor, and to the chief clerk of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 779,s 6, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-301 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-301
Purpose of part
Status: in_force

The purpose of this part is to curtail the crime of statutory rape, to require the reporting of a condition believed to be indicative of statutory rape, and, being necessary for the health, peace and safety of the public, to protect minors in a specified age range, who are not legally competent to consent to sex, from rape. Acts 1996, ch. 842, § 1.
The purpose of this part is to curtail the crime of statutory rape, to require the reporting of a condition believed to be indicative of statutory rape, and, being necessary for the health, peace and safety of the public, to protect minors in a specified age range, who are not legally competent to consent to sex, from rape.
Acts 1996, ch. 842, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-10-102 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 10 / Section 38-10-102
Reports by state and local agencies - Report by Tennessee bureau of investigation on law enforcement-related deaths
Status: in_force

(a) All state, county, and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies, and courts, shall submit to the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation reports setting forth their activities in connection with law enforcement and criminal justice, including uniform crime reports and reports of law enforcement-related deaths. (b) The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall provide to the commissioner of health and to the general assembly, by March 31 of each year, a report on all law enforcement-related deaths that occurred in the prior calendar year. (c) The Tennessee bureau of investigation, in consultation with the department of health, has the authority to promulgate rules regarding the collection and reporting of information concerning law enforcement-related deaths, with such rules to be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (d) As used in this section, "law enforcement-related death" means: (1) The death of an individual in custody, whether in a prison, jail, or otherwise in the custody of law enforcement, pursuant to an arrest or a transfer between institutions; or (2) The death of an individual potentially resulting from an interaction with law enforcement, while the law enforcement officer is on duty or while the law enforcement officer is off duty but performing activities that are within the scope of the officer's law enforcement duties, without regard to: (A) Whether the individual was in custody; or (B) Whether a weapon was involved. (e) All government entities required to report under this section shall maintain a record of deaths of individuals in custody as defined in subdivision (d)(1) that is open for public inspection and that contains: (1) The identity and age of the deceased individual; (2) The time and date of the death; and (3) The cause of death as determined by the county or state medical examiner pursuant to § 38-7-109 . Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 850, s 1, eff. 4/20/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 896, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 1973, ch. 159, § 2; 1980, ch. 636, § 6; T.C.A., § 38-1202.
(a) All state, county, and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies, and courts, shall submit to the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation reports setting forth their activities in connection with law enforcement and criminal justice, including uniform crime reports and reports of law enforcement-related deaths.
(b) The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall provide to the commissioner of health and to the general assembly, by March 31 of each year, a report on all law enforcement-related deaths that occurred in the prior calendar year.
(c) The Tennessee bureau of investigation, in consultation with the department of health, has the authority to promulgate rules regarding the collection and reporting of information concerning law enforcement-related deaths, with such rules to be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(d) As used in this section, "law enforcement-related death" means: (1) The death of an individual in custody, whether in a prison, jail, or otherwise in the custody of law enforcement, pursuant to an arrest or a transfer between institutions; or (2) The death of an individual potentially resulting from an interaction with law enforcement, while the law enforcement officer is on duty or while the law enforcement officer is off duty but performing activities that are within the scope of the officer's law enforcement duties, without regard to: (A) Whether the individual was in custody; or (B) Whether a weapon was involved.
(1) The death of an individual in custody, whether in a prison, jail, or otherwise in the custody of law enforcement, pursuant to an arrest or a transfer between institutions; or
(2) The death of an individual potentially resulting from an interaction with law enforcement, while the law enforcement officer is on duty or while the law enforcement officer is off duty but performing activities that are within the scope of the officer's law enforcement duties, without regard to: (A) Whether the individual was in custody; or (B) Whether a weapon was involved.
(A) Whether the individual was in custody; or
(B) Whether a weapon was involved.
(e) All government entities required to report under this section shall maintain a record of deaths of individuals in custody as defined in subdivision (d)(1) that is open for public inspection and that contains: (1) The identity and age of the deceased individual; (2) The time and date of the death; and (3) The cause of death as determined by the county or state medical examiner pursuant to § 38-7-109 .
(1) The identity and age of the deceased individual;
(2) The time and date of the death; and
(3) The cause of death as determined by the county or state medical examiner pursuant to § 38-7-109 .
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 850, s 1, eff. 4/20/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 896, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 1973, ch. 159, § 2; 1980, ch. 636, § 6; T.C.A., § 38-1202.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-10-101 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 10 / Section 38-10-101
System established - National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall establish a system of intrastate communication of vital statistics and information relating to crime, criminals, and criminal activity. (b) (1) Criminal history information shall be made available according to the provisions of the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, codified in § 38-14-101 . (2) (A) The general assembly approves and ratifies the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, 42 U.S.C. § 14616 , as it existed on January 1, 2001, and the compact shall remain in effect until legislation is enacted renouncing the compact. (B) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall execute, administer and implement the compact on behalf of the state and may adopt necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the national exchange of criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes. (C) Ratification of the compact does not affect the obligations and responsibilities of the Tennessee bureau of investigation regarding the dissemination of criminal history records within Tennessee. Acts 1973, ch. 159, § 1; 1978, ch. 803, § 1; 1980, ch. 636, § 6; T.C.A., §38-1201; Acts 2003 , ch. 186, § 1.
(a) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall establish a system of intrastate communication of vital statistics and information relating to crime, criminals, and criminal activity.
(b) (1) Criminal history information shall be made available according to the provisions of the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, codified in § 38-14-101 . (2) (A) The general assembly approves and ratifies the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, 42 U.S.C. § 14616 , as it existed on January 1, 2001, and the compact shall remain in effect until legislation is enacted renouncing the compact. (B) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall execute, administer and implement the compact on behalf of the state and may adopt necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the national exchange of criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes. (C) Ratification of the compact does not affect the obligations and responsibilities of the Tennessee bureau of investigation regarding the dissemination of criminal history records within Tennessee.
(1) Criminal history information shall be made available according to the provisions of the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, codified in § 38-14-101 .
(2) (A) The general assembly approves and ratifies the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, 42 U.S.C. § 14616 , as it existed on January 1, 2001, and the compact shall remain in effect until legislation is enacted renouncing the compact. (B) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall execute, administer and implement the compact on behalf of the state and may adopt necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the national exchange of criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes. (C) Ratification of the compact does not affect the obligations and responsibilities of the Tennessee bureau of investigation regarding the dissemination of criminal history records within Tennessee.
(A) The general assembly approves and ratifies the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, 42 U.S.C. § 14616 , as it existed on January 1, 2001, and the compact shall remain in effect until legislation is enacted renouncing the compact.
(B) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall execute, administer and implement the compact on behalf of the state and may adopt necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the national exchange of criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes.
(C) Ratification of the compact does not affect the obligations and responsibilities of the Tennessee bureau of investigation regarding the dissemination of criminal history records within Tennessee.
Acts 1973, ch. 159, § 1; 1978, ch. 803, § 1; 1980, ch. 636, § 6; T.C.A., §38-1201; Acts 2003 , ch. 186, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-6-103 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 6 / Section 38-6-103
Forensic services division - Purchase of breathalyzer tests by local governments
Status: in_force

(a) The forensic services division shall consist of experts in the scientific detection of crime. The director is empowered to employ, either upon a temporary or permanent basis, but is not limited to, ballistics experts, pathologists, toxicologists, experts in the detection of human bloodstains and fingerprint experts and such other persons of expert knowledge in the detection of crime as may be found feasible. It shall be the duty of the forensic services division to keep a complete record of fingerprints obtained by it through exchange with the federal bureau of investigation, with similar bureaus in other states and from fingerprints obtained in this state. Each peace officer of this state, upon fingerprinting any person arrested, shall furnish a copy of the fingerprints to the forensic services division of the bureau. Likewise, such fingerprints as are now on file at the state penitentiary shall be transferred from the penitentiary to the bureau and maintained by it. Each person received at the state penitentiary shall be fingerprinted and a copy of the fingerprints furnished to the bureau. The bureau is authorized to exchange with the federal bureau of investigation any and all information obtained by the bureau in the course of its work and to request of the federal bureau of investigation such information as the bureau may desire. (b) The services of the forensic services division may be made available by the director to any district attorney general of this state, the chief medical examiner and all county medical examiners in the performance of their duties under the post-mortem examination law or to any peace officer upon the approval of the district attorney general of the district in which such peace officer is located. The forensic services division likewise is authorized to avail itself of the services of any and all other departments of the state where the same may be of benefit to it, including, but not limited to, the state chemists and other expert personnel. (c) The Tennessee crime laboratory and all regional crime laboratories shall be under the supervision of the director of the bureau or the director's designated representatives. (d) (1) (A) The following fees shall be adjudged as a part of the costs in each case upon conviction of the following offenses: (i) Controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, narcotics, drugs ....................$20.00 (ii) Driving a motor vehicle, or operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, except as provided in § 55-10-413(d) ....................17.50 (iii) Certification of criminal histories and records ....................Amount fixed by the federal bureau of investigation (iv) Upon the forfeiture of a cash bond or other surety entered as a result of a municipal traffic citation, whether considered a fine, a bond or a tax....................13.75. (B) Such fees shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law. (C) Except when and as provided in this subdivision (d)(1) and subdivision (e)(2), the appropriate clerk, after deducting five percent (5%) as compensation when applicable, shall identify those fees set out in subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation and remit the fees to the state treasury to be expended as appropriated by the general assembly. (D) Any moneys in the TBI fund, created pursuant to Chapter 1019 of the Public Acts of 2010, on June 30, 2020, shall revert to the general fund on such date, to be used only as appropriated by the general assembly. (2) Upon approval of the director, local governing bodies which have the responsibility for providing funding for sheriffs' offices and police departments are authorized to purchase from state contracts approved for bureau purchases, scientific instruments designed to examine a person's breath and measure the alcohol content of a person's breath, for use as evidence in the trial of cases; provided, that prior to use of the scientific instruments, such instruments must be delivered to the forensic services division for testing and certification pursuant to subsection (g). The bureau shall continue to maintain and certify the instruments and operating personnel, pursuant to subsection (g), and furnish expert testimony in support of the use of the scientific instruments when required. (e) (1) Any fees authorized for services rendered by the bureau that are not incident to a court case shall be paid to the Tennessee bureau of investigation for deposit with the state treasurer for expenditure as provided for by this section. (2) Every local governing body purchasing the instruments pursuant to subsection (d) shall report the use of the instrument to the clerk of the court, for inclusion of the service fee as a part of the court costs, which service fee shall be disbursed to the local governing body until the purchase price is recovered. Thereafter, the service fee shall be disbursed by the clerk to the bureau, for payment to the state treasurer as required by subsection (f). (f) All revenue resulting from fines, forfeitures and services rendered by the bureau shall be paid to the state treasurer and used only as appropriated by the general assembly. (g) The bureau, through its forensic services division, shall establish, authorize, approve and certify techniques, methods, procedures and instruments for the scientific examination and analysis of evidence, including blood, urine, breath or other bodily substances, and teach and certify qualifying personnel in the operation of such instruments to meet the requirements of the law for the admissibility of evidence. When examinations, tests and analyses have been performed in compliance with these standards and procedures, the results shall be prima facie admissible into evidence in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, subject to the rules of evidence as administered by the courts. (h) (1) Effective July 1, 2006, there is created within the Tennessee bureau of investigation's serology/DNA unit, six (6) additional special agent/forensic scientist positions to perform DNA analysis in criminal investigations. The positions shall be in addition to any position that was created and funded prior to July 1, 2006, or that may be created in the future. The director shall determine to which of the bureau's forensic laboratories each of the six (6) special agents/forensic scientists employed pursuant to this subsection (h) shall be assigned. The assignments shall be based upon the number of criminal investigations requiring DNA analysis in each of the laboratories, the DNA analysis backlog and such other factors as the director determines will most quickly and efficiently reduce the backlog of DNA samples awaiting analysis. (2) When the backlog of criminal investigations awaiting DNA analysis becomes current, the director shall continue to utilize these six (6) positions in the various bureau laboratories, as needed to prevent any future backlog of analysis requests and to expedite the analysis of future requests. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 668, s 1, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 32, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1951, ch. 173, § 3 (Williams, § 11465.12); Acts 1980, ch. 636, § 3; 1980, ch. 810, § 1; 1981, ch. 512, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-503; Acts 1985, ch. 124, §§ 1-3; 1987, ch. 104, § 1; 1990, ch. 847, § 1; 2006, ch. 891, § 1; 2006, ch. 998, § 3; 2007 , ch. 374, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1019, § 1; 2011 , ch. 49, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 10; 2012, ch. 1088, § 1.
(a) The forensic services division shall consist of experts in the scientific detection of crime. The director is empowered to employ, either upon a temporary or permanent basis, but is not limited to, ballistics experts, pathologists, toxicologists, experts in the detection of human bloodstains and fingerprint experts and such other persons of expert knowledge in the detection of crime as may be found feasible. It shall be the duty of the forensic services division to keep a complete record of fingerprints obtained by it through exchange with the federal bureau of investigation, with similar bureaus in other states and from fingerprints obtained in this state. Each peace officer of this state, upon fingerprinting any person arrested, shall furnish a copy of the fingerprints to the forensic services division of the bureau. Likewise, such fingerprints as are now on file at the state penitentiary shall be transferred from the penitentiary to the bureau and maintained by it. Each person received at the state penitentiary shall be fingerprinted and a copy of the fingerprints furnished to the bureau. The bureau is authorized to exchange with the federal bureau of investigation any and all information obtained by the bureau in the course of its work and to request of the federal bureau of investigation such information as the bureau may desire.
(b) The services of the forensic services division may be made available by the director to any district attorney general of this state, the chief medical examiner and all county medical examiners in the performance of their duties under the post-mortem examination law or to any peace officer upon the approval of the district attorney general of the district in which such peace officer is located. The forensic services division likewise is authorized to avail itself of the services of any and all other departments of the state where the same may be of benefit to it, including, but not limited to, the state chemists and other expert personnel.
(c) The Tennessee crime laboratory and all regional crime laboratories shall be under the supervision of the director of the bureau or the director's designated representatives.
(d) (1) (A) The following fees shall be adjudged as a part of the costs in each case upon conviction of the following offenses: (i) Controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, narcotics, drugs ....................$20.00 (ii) Driving a motor vehicle, or operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, except as provided in § 55-10-413(d) ....................17.50 (iii) Certification of criminal histories and records ....................Amount fixed by the federal bureau of investigation (iv) Upon the forfeiture of a cash bond or other surety entered as a result of a municipal traffic citation, whether considered a fine, a bond or a tax....................13.75. (B) Such fees shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law. (C) Except when and as provided in this subdivision (d)(1) and subdivision (e)(2), the appropriate clerk, after deducting five percent (5%) as compensation when applicable, shall identify those fees set out in subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation and remit the fees to the state treasury to be expended as appropriated by the general assembly. (D) Any moneys in the TBI fund, created pursuant to Chapter 1019 of the Public Acts of 2010, on June 30, 2020, shall revert to the general fund on such date, to be used only as appropriated by the general assembly. (2) Upon approval of the director, local governing bodies which have the responsibility for providing funding for sheriffs' offices and police departments are authorized to purchase from state contracts approved for bureau purchases, scientific instruments designed to examine a person's breath and measure the alcohol content of a person's breath, for use as evidence in the trial of cases; provided, that prior to use of the scientific instruments, such instruments must be delivered to the forensic services division for testing and certification pursuant to subsection (g). The bureau shall continue to maintain and certify the instruments and operating personnel, pursuant to subsection (g), and furnish expert testimony in support of the use of the scientific instruments when required.
(1) (A) The following fees shall be adjudged as a part of the costs in each case upon conviction of the following offenses: (i) Controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, narcotics, drugs ....................$20.00 (ii) Driving a motor vehicle, or operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, except as provided in § 55-10-413(d) ....................17.50 (iii) Certification of criminal histories and records ....................Amount fixed by the federal bureau of investigation (iv) Upon the forfeiture of a cash bond or other surety entered as a result of a municipal traffic citation, whether considered a fine, a bond or a tax....................13.75. (B) Such fees shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law. (C) Except when and as provided in this subdivision (d)(1) and subdivision (e)(2), the appropriate clerk, after deducting five percent (5%) as compensation when applicable, shall identify those fees set out in subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation and remit the fees to the state treasury to be expended as appropriated by the general assembly. (D) Any moneys in the TBI fund, created pursuant to Chapter 1019 of the Public Acts of 2010, on June 30, 2020, shall revert to the general fund on such date, to be used only as appropriated by the general assembly.
(A) The following fees shall be adjudged as a part of the costs in each case upon conviction of the following offenses: (i) Controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, narcotics, drugs ....................$20.00 (ii) Driving a motor vehicle, or operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, except as provided in § 55-10-413(d) ....................17.50 (iii) Certification of criminal histories and records ....................Amount fixed by the federal bureau of investigation (iv) Upon the forfeiture of a cash bond or other surety entered as a result of a municipal traffic citation, whether considered a fine, a bond or a tax....................13.75.
(i) Controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, narcotics, drugs ....................$20.00
(ii) Driving a motor vehicle, or operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, except as provided in § 55-10-413(d) ....................17.50
(iii) Certification of criminal histories and records ....................Amount fixed by the federal bureau of investigation
(iv) Upon the forfeiture of a cash bond or other surety entered as a result of a municipal traffic citation, whether considered a fine, a bond or a tax....................13.75.
(B) Such fees shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law.
(C) Except when and as provided in this subdivision (d)(1) and subdivision (e)(2), the appropriate clerk, after deducting five percent (5%) as compensation when applicable, shall identify those fees set out in subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) to the Tennessee bureau of investigation and remit the fees to the state treasury to be expended as appropriated by the general assembly.
(D) Any moneys in the TBI fund, created pursuant to Chapter 1019 of the Public Acts of 2010, on June 30, 2020, shall revert to the general fund on such date, to be used only as appropriated by the general assembly.
(2) Upon approval of the director, local governing bodies which have the responsibility for providing funding for sheriffs' offices and police departments are authorized to purchase from state contracts approved for bureau purchases, scientific instruments designed to examine a person's breath and measure the alcohol content of a person's breath, for use as evidence in the trial of cases; provided, that prior to use of the scientific instruments, such instruments must be delivered to the forensic services division for testing and certification pursuant to subsection (g). The bureau shall continue to maintain and certify the instruments and operating personnel, pursuant to subsection (g), and furnish expert testimony in support of the use of the scientific instruments when required.
(e) (1) Any fees authorized for services rendered by the bureau that are not incident to a court case shall be paid to the Tennessee bureau of investigation for deposit with the state treasurer for expenditure as provided for by this section. (2) Every local governing body purchasing the instruments pursuant to subsection (d) shall report the use of the instrument to the clerk of the court, for inclusion of the service fee as a part of the court costs, which service fee shall be disbursed to the local governing body until the purchase price is recovered. Thereafter, the service fee shall be disbursed by the clerk to the bureau, for payment to the state treasurer as required by subsection (f).
(1) Any fees authorized for services rendered by the bureau that are not incident to a court case shall be paid to the Tennessee bureau of investigation for deposit with the state treasurer for expenditure as provided for by this section.
(2) Every local governing body purchasing the instruments pursuant to subsection (d) shall report the use of the instrument to the clerk of the court, for inclusion of the service fee as a part of the court costs, which service fee shall be disbursed to the local governing body until the purchase price is recovered. Thereafter, the service fee shall be disbursed by the clerk to the bureau, for payment to the state treasurer as required by subsection (f).
(f) All revenue resulting from fines, forfeitures and services rendered by the bureau shall be paid to the state treasurer and used only as appropriated by the general assembly.
(g) The bureau, through its forensic services division, shall establish, authorize, approve and certify techniques, methods, procedures and instruments for the scientific examination and analysis of evidence, including blood, urine, breath or other bodily substances, and teach and certify qualifying personnel in the operation of such instruments to meet the requirements of the law for the admissibility of evidence. When examinations, tests and analyses have been performed in compliance with these standards and procedures, the results shall be prima facie admissible into evidence in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, subject to the rules of evidence as administered by the courts.
(h) (1) Effective July 1, 2006, there is created within the Tennessee bureau of investigation's serology/DNA unit, six (6) additional special agent/forensic scientist positions to perform DNA analysis in criminal investigations. The positions shall be in addition to any position that was created and funded prior to July 1, 2006, or that may be created in the future. The director shall determine to which of the bureau's forensic laboratories each of the six (6) special agents/forensic scientists employed pursuant to this subsection (h) shall be assigned. The assignments shall be based upon the number of criminal investigations requiring DNA analysis in each of the laboratories, the DNA analysis backlog and such other factors as the director determines will most quickly and efficiently reduce the backlog of DNA samples awaiting analysis. (2) When the backlog of criminal investigations awaiting DNA analysis becomes current, the director shall continue to utilize these six (6) positions in the various bureau laboratories, as needed to prevent any future backlog of analysis requests and to expedite the analysis of future requests.
(1) Effective July 1, 2006, there is created within the Tennessee bureau of investigation's serology/DNA unit, six (6) additional special agent/forensic scientist positions to perform DNA analysis in criminal investigations. The positions shall be in addition to any position that was created and funded prior to July 1, 2006, or that may be created in the future. The director shall determine to which of the bureau's forensic laboratories each of the six (6) special agents/forensic scientists employed pursuant to this subsection (h) shall be assigned. The assignments shall be based upon the number of criminal investigations requiring DNA analysis in each of the laboratories, the DNA analysis backlog and such other factors as the director determines will most quickly and efficiently reduce the backlog of DNA samples awaiting analysis.
(2) When the backlog of criminal investigations awaiting DNA analysis becomes current, the director shall continue to utilize these six (6) positions in the various bureau laboratories, as needed to prevent any future backlog of analysis requests and to expedite the analysis of future requests.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 668, s 1, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 32, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1951, ch. 173, § 3 (Williams, § 11465.12); Acts 1980, ch. 636, § 3; 1980, ch. 810, § 1; 1981, ch. 512, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-503; Acts 1985, ch. 124, §§ 1-3; 1987, ch. 104, § 1; 1990, ch. 847, § 1; 2006, ch. 891, § 1; 2006, ch. 998, § 3; 2007 , ch. 374, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1019, § 1; 2011 , ch. 49, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 10; 2012, ch. 1088, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-701 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 1 / Section 38-1-701
Immunity from civil liability for defect or malfunction in software program for registration of non-communicative person with law enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person or entity does not have a cause of action against a local government or the officers, employees, or agents of a local government for any defect or malfunction in a software program intended to assist families of non-communicative persons register the non-communicative person with law enforcement in order to ensure the non-communicative person's safety, when the program was designed and distributed in good faith by the local government and without cost to the recipient local government or user of the program. (b) No immunity conferred pursuant to subsection (a) attaches if the cause of action is based on gross negligence, willful misconduct, or bad faith. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 141, s 1, eff. 4/5/2019.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person or entity does not have a cause of action against a local government or the officers, employees, or agents of a local government for any defect or malfunction in a software program intended to assist families of non-communicative persons register the non-communicative person with law enforcement in order to ensure the non-communicative person's safety, when the program was designed and distributed in good faith by the local government and without cost to the recipient local government or user of the program.
(b) No immunity conferred pursuant to subsection (a) attaches if the cause of action is based on gross negligence, willful misconduct, or bad faith.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 141, s 1, eff. 4/5/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-5-106 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 5 / Section 38-5-106
Who shall be summoned as witnesses
Status: in_force

The coroner shall summon and examine as a witness every person who, in the coroner's opinion, or that of any of the coroner's jury, has any knowledge of the facts. Code 1858, § 5302; Shan., § 7280; Code 1932, § 11881; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-406.
The coroner shall summon and examine as a witness every person who, in the coroner's opinion, or that of any of the coroner's jury, has any knowledge of the facts.
Code 1858, § 5302; Shan., § 7280; Code 1932, § 11881; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-406.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-2-103 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 2 / Section 38-2-103
Resistance by others
Status: in_force

Any other person, in aid or defense of the person about to be injured, may make resistance sufficient to prevent the offense. Code 1858, § 4930; Shan., § 6891; Code 1932, § 11415; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-103.
Any other person, in aid or defense of the person about to be injured, may make resistance sufficient to prevent the offense.
Code 1858, § 4930; Shan., § 6891; Code 1932, § 11415; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-103.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-6-123 — TN Code / Title 38 / Chapter 6 / Section 38-6-123
Inventory of sexual assault collection kits
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Forensic medical examination" means an examination provided to the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense by a healthcare provider for the purpose of gathering and preserving evidence of a sexual assault for use in a court of law; (2) "Sexual assault collection kit" means a human biological specimen or specimens collected by a healthcare provider during a forensic medical examination from the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense; and (3) "Untested sexual assault collection kit" means a sexual assault collection kit that has not been submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation or a similar qualified laboratory for either a serology or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test. (b) By July 1, 2014, all law enforcement agencies and departments charged with the maintenance, storage and preservation of sexual assault collection kits shall conduct an inventory of all such kits being stored by the agency or department. (c) By July 1, 2014, each law enforcement agency shall compile, in writing, a report containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits in the possession of the agency or department and the date the sexual assault kit was collected. The report shall be transmitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. (d) By September 1, 2014, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall prepare and transmit a report to the speaker of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits being stored by each county, by each law enforcement agency or department, and the date the untested kit was collected. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 733,s 1, eff. 4/22/2014.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Forensic medical examination" means an examination provided to the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense by a healthcare provider for the purpose of gathering and preserving evidence of a sexual assault for use in a court of law; (2) "Sexual assault collection kit" means a human biological specimen or specimens collected by a healthcare provider during a forensic medical examination from the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense; and (3) "Untested sexual assault collection kit" means a sexual assault collection kit that has not been submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation or a similar qualified laboratory for either a serology or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test.
(1) "Forensic medical examination" means an examination provided to the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense by a healthcare provider for the purpose of gathering and preserving evidence of a sexual assault for use in a court of law;
(2) "Sexual assault collection kit" means a human biological specimen or specimens collected by a healthcare provider during a forensic medical examination from the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense; and
(3) "Untested sexual assault collection kit" means a sexual assault collection kit that has not been submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation or a similar qualified laboratory for either a serology or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test.
(b) By July 1, 2014, all law enforcement agencies and departments charged with the maintenance, storage and preservation of sexual assault collection kits shall conduct an inventory of all such kits being stored by the agency or department.
(c) By July 1, 2014, each law enforcement agency shall compile, in writing, a report containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits in the possession of the agency or department and the date the sexual assault kit was collected. The report shall be transmitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation.
(d) By September 1, 2014, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall prepare and transmit a report to the speaker of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits being stored by each county, by each law enforcement agency or department, and the date the untested kit was collected.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 733,s 1, eff. 4/22/2014.