Shelby County Wanted Persons

Wanted Persons searches in Memphis now combine fast online lookup with official law‑enforcement data, giving families and investigators a clear path to verify if someone appears on a wanted persons list. By entering a name, case number, or alias into the Shelby County Sheriff’s public portal, users can instantly see a wanted person photograph, physical description, birth date, height, weight, and any distinguishing marks. The system also displays alleged offense information, warrant status, issuing agency, and last known location, allowing you to answer questions like “how to check if someone is wanted” or “how to find a wanted person by name.” Because records are refreshed daily, the search results reflect the most current wanted person status, whether the individual is currently wanted, recently added, captured, or removed from the list. This transparency supports public safety and helps citizens report tips with accurate details.

Wanted Persons lookup tools also guide you through the steps to verify a wanted individual’s record and understand why a person may appear on a wanted list. Whether you need to search a wanted persons list, check a wanted suspect’s case number, or learn how often wanted person records are updated, the portal provides concise case information, warrant details, and contact instructions for anonymous tips. By matching names, aliases, and identifying characteristics, you can quickly determine if the person you’re researching is an active wanted individual or a cleared case, ensuring you act responsibly and support law‑enforcement efforts.

How to Search Wanted Persons

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee runs a public online portal where you can search active wanted persons across the county. The portal pulls fresh records from the sheriff’s records division and shows names, photographs, charges, and the issuing agency for each entry, which can also be verified through official active warrants details for complete records. You can run a search from a desktop computer, a tablet, or a phone, and the page loads in seconds for most users.

Official Search Portal: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/83/Shelby-County-Sheriff

• Open your web browser and visit the official Shelby County Sheriff’s Office portal listed above.
• Click the “Wanted Persons” link on the main menu under the public records section.
• Type the full legal name, last name first, or any known alias into the search box.
• Add a case number or reference number if you have one to narrow your results.
• Press the search button and read the names that appear on screen.
• Compare each listing’s date of birth, height, weight, and eye color to confirm a match.
• Read the offense details and warrant status to see if the person is still active.
• Call the sheriff’s office at the number at the end of this page if you have a tip or need help reading a record.

Search by Name

Searching by name is the fastest path for most people checking the Memphis wanted persons list. You should type the full legal name if you have it, but the system can also pull records when you enter only a last name.

The portal sorts the names it finds so you can scan the list quickly. Aliases appear right under the main name on each card.

Common nicknames, shortened names, and legal name changes are all listed. This makes it easier for you to confirm or rule out a match without calling the station.

If you type a name with two or three possible spellings, the search engine still works because it looks at phonetic matches.

Search by Case or Reference Number

A case number search is useful when you already have paperwork from a court or an attorney. Each criminal case in Shelby County gets a unique number when the charges are filed.

Type that number into the search box, and the system pulls up the matching wanted person entry. You will see the offense, the court of record, and the current warrant status on screen.

This method removes any doubt about which person you are reading because the case number ties to one file. Use this path when you want to verify a specific record and skip name spelling issues.

Details Needed for a Search

Before you run a search, gather a few key facts so the tool can give you the right answer on the first try. A full name and date of birth work well for a basic search.

If you know the person’s last known address in Shelby County, that helps narrow the list faster. A case number from a court document works even better when you have it handy.

The search tool does not ask for a Social Security number, and you should never share that data on a public website. Stay safe by only entering public details, and clear your browser cache after you finish.

Wanted Person Records

Each entry on the Shelby County wanted persons list shows a standard set of facts about the person being sought. These details help you confirm a match and learn why the person is being searched for.

The records are written in plain language so anyone can read them without legal training. The sheriff’s office updates the entries as new facts come in from the courts.

Name and Identifying Details

The first field on every listing is the person’s full legal name. Under that, you often see one or more aliases, nicknames, or maiden names.

Both versions are spelled out so you can spot a match against your own records. Sometimes the record shows a former name from a past legal change.

Clear naming data keeps the list fair and helps you make a confident choice. This also helps you avoid mixing up two people who share a first or last name.

Photograph and Physical Description

Most listings carry a current photograph of the wanted person along with a written physical description. You see eye color, hair color, height, and weight in clear numbers.

The portal also lists any tattoos, scars, or other marks that stand out. A photo helps you confirm a match from a face you may recognize.

Written details back up the photo so you can work from memory if a picture is years old. If you see someone who looks like the photo but the height differs by more than two inches, keep looking.

Date of Birth and Age

A date of birth field helps you sort through people with similar names. The age shown is the age at the time the record was last updated.

Because the portal refreshes its records on a set schedule, the listed age may be off by a few months. Use the date of birth instead of the age for any official match.

This field also rules out wrong matches when two people share a name in the same county.

Alleged Offense Details

The offense field lists the criminal charge or charges filed against the person. You see a short phrase like “assault,” “theft,” or “failure to appear” tied to a Tennessee code.

The wording covers what the person is accused of, not a verdict of guilt. Each charge links back to the issuing court and the case number on file.

Reading the offense helps you understand the seriousness of the warrant. Some cases list several offenses if the person faces multiple charges.

Warrant or Case Reference

Every entry shows a warrant number or case number you can quote to the sheriff’s office. This reference ties the record to the file at the court.

The warrant status shows whether it is still active, served, or recalled. A police officer or attorney can look up the file with this number in seconds.

When you call the station with a tip, sharing this number speeds up the response time and helps deputies act quickly.

Wanted Status

The wanted status field tells you the current standing of the case. The portal labels each person as “active,” “located,” “captured,” or “removed.”

An active status means the warrant is still open and the person is being sought. A located or captured status means the person has been found by deputies.

A removed status means the case is closed and the name stays on the archive page. Always check this field before you take any action based on the listing.

Wanted Person Search Results

After you run a search, the screen shows a list of records that fit your input. Reading these results takes care because names can repeat across the county.

The page sorts the records by last name, date of birth, and case number. You can click any record to open a full view with all the details.

Identifying the Correct Person

When two or more people share a name, you must use more than the name to pick the right record. Compare the date of birth, height, weight, and aliases for each name on the list.

The photograph is the easiest way to confirm a match. If you still feel unsure, call the sheriff’s office and share the details you have on hand.

Staff can help you confirm a match without a long wait at the station.

Matching Names and Identifying Details

Many common names show up more than once in the search results. The portal lists each match under the same search bar so you can scan them quickly.

Look for the right age range and the right city within Shelby County. A close match on multiple fields points to the right person.

If the data is fuzzy or the photo is years old, keep digging for more clues. A single field match is not always enough for a confident call.

Reviewing Wanted Status

The status tag on each result tells you what is happening with the case right now. Active wanted status means the sheriff’s deputies are still looking for the person.

Located or captured status means the person is in custody or has been found. Removed status means the case is closed or the warrant was recalled.

Always read this tag before you act on the result or share it with others.

Checking Record Updates

Records on the portal carry a last updated date at the bottom of each entry. This date shows when the sheriff’s office last reviewed the file.

The office refreshes most records on a weekly cycle. Some records update faster when new facts come in from the courts or deputies.

The update date helps you know how fresh the data is when you read it.

Verifying Available Details

You should double-check key facts before sharing them with anyone else. The date of birth and warrant number are easy to cross-check against public court records.

The physical description should match the photograph on the listing. A simple review catches typos and old entries.

This habit makes your search safer and more accurate for everyone who reads it.

Wanted Person Status

The status of a wanted person changes as the case moves through the courts. The Shelby County portal tracks each shift and posts it on the listing.

Status tags help you know what action, if any, to take. The four main statuses are active, located, captured, and removed.

Currently Wanted Persons

An active wanted person is someone the sheriff’s office is still seeking. The warrant is open, and deputies are looking for the person across the county.

You will see this status most often when you search the list. The portal keeps the record at the top of the page so it is easy to find.

You can report any tips you may have about active cases through the contact methods below.

Recently Added Listings

The portal lists new entries at the top of the search results with a “recently added” tag. These names appeared in the last few days.

You can browse them to see who is new to the list. Checking this section often keeps you aware of fresh cases in your area.

The tag disappears once the listing has been on the site for a set number of days.

Located or Captured Persons

When a wanted person is found, the status changes to located or captured. Located means deputies know where the person is.

Captured means the person is in custody. The sheriff’s office updates the listing soon after a capture on the streets.

The portal keeps these names visible for a short time so the public knows the case has moved forward.

Removed Wanted Listings

Some entries get removed from the active list when the case closes alongside official arrest online registry for accurate details. Removal can happen after a court recall, a dropped charge, or a quiet resolution.

The name still appears in the archive section for records. The public list does not show closed cases.

Removal does not mean the case was dropped on its own; it just means the public search no longer shows it.

Status Updates

The sheriff’s office pushes status updates as soon as new facts arrive. Updates go out on a regular schedule each week.

Some cases update faster when the courts act quickly. You can check back on a listing you viewed before to see fresh status changes.

The date stamp on each entry lets you know when the status was last changed.

Why a Person May Appear on a Wanted List

Many people wonder why a name shows up on a wanted persons list. There are several legal reasons a person can be on the list.

The most common reasons are open warrants, court orders, and probation issues. Each reason is tied to a specific court action that you can read on the portal.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

An outstanding arrest warrant is the most common reason for a wanted listing. A judge signs the warrant after police file a criminal complaint in court.

The warrant tells deputies to take the person into custody. Until the person is arrested or the warrant is recalled, the case stays open on the books.

The portal shows the warrant number and the issuing court for each active entry.

Failure to Appear in Court

A person can be listed as wanted for missing a scheduled court date. Courts require a defendant to show up for hearings, and a missed date can trigger a warrant.

Once the bench issues a new warrant for the failure to appear, the sheriff’s office adds the name to the list. Resolving a failure to appear usually means returning to court and clearing the warrant.

You can check the case number on the portal to learn which date was missed.

Probation or Parole Violations

A probation or parole violation can also put a name on the list. When a probation officer believes a person broke the rules of release, they can ask the court for a warrant.

The court may then add the person to the wanted list. Some of these cases resolve quickly with a short hearing.

Others can take more time, depending on the violation and the court’s schedule.

Serious Criminal Allegations

Serious allegations like violent crimes, major theft, or drug trafficking lead to wanted listings. The seriousness of the charge affects the urgency of the search by deputies.

High-profile cases often appear at the top of the list. You may also see these names on state or federal public sites.

The Shelby County portal shares data with these other agencies when needed to keep the public safe.

Other Reasons for Wanted Status

Other reasons a person can be listed include unpaid fines, child support orders, and sex offender registration failures. Each reason has a different court process behind it.

The portal lists the specific reason on each entry. This helps you understand the legal base for the listing at a glance.

If you have questions, the sheriff’s office can explain the case background during a phone call.

Wanted Person Records

Each wanted person record carries a set of public data points. The sheriff’s office publishes only what Tennessee law allows on the portal.

You can read the data online without creating an account. The records are written in plain English so anyone can follow them.

Warrant Details

The warrant section lists the warrant number, the type, and the date it was issued. You can see the name of the judge who signed it on the page.

The warrant data also shows the court of record. This data lets you look up the file at the courthouse in person.

It also tells you how old the warrant is and when it went into effect.

Case Details

The case file shows the docket number and the court division. You see a short list of the charges and the dates of each hearing.

Each case has a public record you can request at the courthouse. The portal gives you the case number so you can ask for copies of the documents.

Reading the case data helps you see the full path of the legal process through the courts.

Alleged Offense Details

The alleged offense details spell out the criminal statute or local code the person is accused of breaking. You see the statute number and a short description.

The wording uses plain language so you can read it without legal training. The offense field is required by law on every listing.

It also helps you see how serious the case is before you read further.

Issuing Agency

The issuing agency field tells you which police or sheriff’s department filed the original complaint. In Shelby County, most cases start with the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, or a local town police force.

The portal shows this data on each entry. Knowing the issuing agency helps you understand where the case began.

It also helps you know who to contact with tips about the case.

Last Known Details

The last known section lists the last address or city tied to the person. It may also show the last known employer or hangout spot.

This data is for public safety only. Do not use it for any personal action of any kind.

Always let the sheriff’s office handle any approach to a listed person on the site.

Record Publication Date

The record publication date shows when the entry first appeared on the portal. This date helps you see how long the case has been open to the public.

Old records may have updated facts attached to them on the page. You can compare the publication date with the last updated date to see if the case has moved forward.

Both dates are visible on the entry so you can read the timeline at a glance.

Wanted Persons Outside the Local Area

Some wanted persons in the Shelby County database come from outside the county or even outside Tennessee. The portal lists these cases because suspects sometimes cross borders.

The sheriff’s office works with other agencies to keep the data fresh on the site. You can still search and read these records on the same portal.

Persons Located in Other Jurisdictions

A person who lives in another county or state may appear on the Shelby County list if the crime happened here. The portal marks these listings with a note about the out-of-area status.

Deputies will work with the local police where the person lives to make an arrest. You can still report tips on these cases through the Shelby County portal.

Your tip can help deputies make contact with officers in other states.

Out-of-Area Wanted Persons

An out-of-area listing means the person is from somewhere else but is being sought in Shelby County. The case file shows where the person is thought to be living.

Some cases involve people who moved away long ago and have not returned. The portal keeps the listing active until the court recalls the warrant.

You can help by sharing tips if you see a match in your daily travels.

Extradition Details

Extradition is the legal process of returning a wanted person to the county where the crime happened. Tennessee has rules on when a person can be extradited from another state.

The portal may show an extradition flag on the entry. The court makes the final call on whether to bring someone back for trial.

Extradition can take time, but the case stays open until the matter is resolved.

Interagency Cooperation

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office works with many other police agencies on active warrants. This includes the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local town departments.

Each agency adds data to the shared database. The portal pulls from these shared records when a case crosses city or county lines.

Cooperation speeds up arrests and keeps records fresh on the public portal.

Reporting Information About a Wanted Person

If you see someone you recognize on the wanted list, the safest path is to report it. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has a clear tip system for the public.

You can share what you know without giving your name. The office takes every tip seriously and checks each one fast.

How to Submit a Tip

You can submit a tip by calling the sheriff’s office phone line, sending an email, or using the online form on the portal. The online form lets you type in the details and attach a photo if you have one.

Be as clear as you can about where you saw the person and when. Avoid any direct contact with the person you are reporting.

Your tip will reach a deputy on duty within minutes of your submission.

Anonymous Tip Options

You can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers or the sheriff’s tip line. Both methods keep your name out of the public record.

Anonymous tips are common and welcome at the office. Officers still act on them the same way they act on named tips from the public.

Your safety matters more than your name being on file with the case.

Details to Include in a Tip

A good tip has time, place, vehicle details, and what the person was doing. Add a photo or video if you have it on your phone.

List any names of other people with the wanted person at the scene. The more facts you share, the faster deputies can act on the ground.

Never put yourself at risk to gather facts for a tip from the public by reviewing sex offenders to ensure complete verification.

When to Contact the Sheriff’s Office

Call the sheriff’s office right away if you see a wanted person in a public place. Do not wait or try to handle the situation alone.

Trained deputies know how to make an arrest safely. If you only have non-urgent details, use the online tip form.

Save the phone line for active sightings and emergencies in your area.

Do Not Approach a Wanted Person

You should never approach a wanted person on your own. The person may be dangerous or unpredictable in close contact.

Let deputies handle the arrest with proper training. Move to a safe place and call the sheriff’s office.

Your safety is more important than making a citizen arrest under any circumstance.

Wanted Person Records That Are Unavailable

Some wanted person records are not available on the public portal. The sheriff’s office follows Tennessee law on what can be shared with the public.

Some cases involve juveniles, sealed files, or safety risks. You may see a name without full data in these cases on the site.

Recently Added Persons

A person who was just added may not have a full record on the site yet. Deputies need time to type up the data and post it on the portal.

You might see a name with only a basic note. The full record usually appears within a day or two.

Check back often if you only see partial data on a name you are tracking.

Removed or Archived Listings

Once a case is closed, the name moves to the archived section of the site. The public search box does not show closed cases.

You can ask the sheriff’s office for archived data if you need it for a legal reason. Most archived records show a closure date and a case outcome.

The archive keeps public safety data tidy and easy to search.

Sealed or Restricted Records

Some records are sealed by court order. This happens in cases involving juveniles, victims, or sensitive facts.

The portal hides sealed records from the public search. Only the court can lift a seal, and that does not happen often.

You cannot see these records online, even with a direct request to the office.

Incorrect or Incomplete Details

Sometimes a record has a typo or a missing field. The sheriff’s office fixes these errors when they see them on the site.

You can report an error through the contact form on the portal. Staff will review the entry and update it as soon as possible.

Correct data is a top priority for the office staff each week.

Delayed Status Updates

Status updates can lag during court holidays or staff shortages at the office. The portal shows the last update time so you know how fresh the data is.

A delay does not mean the case is closed. The sheriff’s office catches up on updates as soon as they can.

You can check back in a few days if you see old data on a listing.

Wanted Persons and Related Records

Wanted persons records are one of several public data sets you can search in Shelby County. Each set has a different purpose on the portal.

Knowing the difference helps you pick the right search for your needs. Here is how wanted persons compare to other common record types.

Wanted Persons vs. Active Warrants

Wanted persons and active warrants are very close but not the same. A wanted persons entry is a public summary of an open case.

An active warrant is the court order that tells deputies to arrest someone. Each warrant creates a wanted persons entry on the portal.

You may see a warrant that has not yet shown up on the public list. Both tools serve public safety, but they live in different systems.

Wanted Persons vs. Arrest Records

Arrest records show past arrests, while wanted persons lists show open cases. A person can be on a wanted list with no arrest yet on file.

After an arrest, the person may appear on an arrest record later. The two records have different data points to read.

Wanted persons focus on current threats, while arrest records show history with the office.

Wanted Persons vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records show past convictions and charges. Wanted persons focus on open warrants that have not been served.

A person can have a criminal record without being on a wanted list today. The criminal record shows outcomes, while the wanted list shows open risks.

Both records are public but serve different purposes for the reader.

Wanted Persons vs. Inmate Records

Inmate records show people who are already in custody. Wanted persons show people who are still being sought by deputies.

An inmate record closes when a person is released. A wanted persons entry closes when the warrant is cleared by the court.

Both records feed the public safety picture for the community.

Contact Details

You can reach the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in person, by phone, or through the official website. The main office is open on weekdays for in-person questions.

The phone line is staffed during office hours for tips and records help. The online portal is open all day, every day for searches.

• Address: 201 Poplar Avenue, Suite 902, Memphis, TN 38103
• Phone: (901) 222-5500
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Call the office during business hours for help with a search or to add a tip. For after-hours emergencies, dial 911 and ask for the sheriff’s deputy on duty. The online portal is the fastest way to look up a record at any time of day or night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about searching, checking status, and handling wanted persons in Shelby County.

How can I search for wanted persons in Shelby County?

Use the official Shelby County Sheriff online portal at https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/83/Shelby-County-Sheriff. The site lets you enter a name, partial name, or alias and returns matching entries. Results show the person’s photograph, charges, and issuing agency. The portal works on desktops, tablets, and phones, and updates automatically with the latest records from the sheriff’s records division. If you have trouble, call the sheriff’s office at (901) 222‑5500 for assistance during business hours.

Where can I find a wanted person’s photo and charges?

The public portal displays a thumbnail photo and a list of alleged offenses for each entry. After entering the name or alias, click the matching record to view full details. The charge summary includes the statute, description of the alleged crime, and the agency that issued the warrant. Photos are taken from official booking images, so they match the most recent law‑enforcement records. For unclear images, contact the sheriff’s office for clarification.

How do I check if someone is currently wanted?

Enter the person’s full name or known alias in the online search field. The system returns active warrants only; removed or archived cases are not shown. An active entry will display a status label such as “Active” or “Currently Wanted.” If no match appears, the individual is not listed as active in Shelby County. For cross‑jurisdiction checks, you may need to contact neighboring law‑enforcement agencies or state databases.

What should I do if I see a wanted individual?

Do not approach the person. Immediately call the Shelby County Sheriff at (901) 222‑5500 or dial 911 if you believe the situation is dangerous. Provide the suspect’s description, location, and any observed behavior. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s tip line. Law enforcement will assess the risk and decide on the appropriate response.

How often are the wanted persons records updated?

The online list refreshes several times each day as new warrants are filed and existing ones are resolved. Changes such as captures, dismissals, or status updates appear within a few hours of the official record change. For the most current information, always use the live portal rather than printed copies or third‑party sites.