Reporting Stalking to Tennessee Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Tennessee.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Tennessee resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Tennessee's Order of Protection is available to any stalking victim, regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Tennessee Highway Patrol (find your local district)
Via tn.gov/safety
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
TN Dept. of Correction — Victim Services
615-253-8145
Notification and support if a stalker is in state custody.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Tennessee — Statewide Agencies
Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program
615-741-2734
Criminal.Injury@tn.gov · reimbursement of last resort for medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. The crime must be reported to police within 15 days (exceptions apply).
tn.gov/claims ↗TN Board of Probation and Parole — Victim Services
615-532-8112
Information on an offender's parole status and other services for victims.
tn.gov/bop ↗Tennessee Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program)
615-253-3043
Run by the Secretary of State · helps survivors of stalking, domestic abuse, or sexual assault keep their address confidential.
sos.tn.gov ↗TN Attorney General — Victim Information Services
615-741-3491
Victim liaisons for cases on appeal.
attorneygeneral.tn.gov/victim ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Tennessee.
Your Circuit, Chancery, or General Sessions Court
Find yours via tncourts.gov
File an Order of Protection — available to any stalking victim, regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Orders of Protection in Tennessee
Who can petition: any stalking victim, regardless of your relationship to the person — plus victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Two stages: an ex parte order gives immediate emergency protection; an Order of Protection follows after a hearing and can last up to one year.
Where you file: generally the county where the stalking happened, or where you or the other person lives — the court clerk can confirm the right venue and any costs.
Victim/Witness Coordinators
Your county's District Attorney office has a coordinator who can help you through the criminal side of a case.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the Circuit, Chancery, or General Sessions Court clerk in your county and ask for an Order of Protection petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition; a judge can issue an ex parte order quickly, often without the other party present.
- 4A full hearing follows, where the court decides whether to issue an Order of Protection.
- 5Keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
TN DCS Child Abuse Hotline
1-877-237-0004
24/7, statewide · reports can also be made online at apps.tn.gov/carat.
TN Adult Protective Services (Dept. of Human Services)
1-888-277-8366
For abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Tennessee Highway Patrol (find your local district) | Via tn.gov/safety | Emergency |
| TN Dept. of Correction — Victim Services | 615-253-8145 | Emergency |
| Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program | 615-741-2734 | Statewide |
| TN Board of Probation and Parole — Victim Services | 615-532-8112 | Statewide |
| Tennessee Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program) | 615-253-3043 | Statewide |
| TN Attorney General — Victim Information Services | 615-741-3491 | Statewide |
| TN DCS Child Abuse Hotline | 1-877-237-0004 | Specialized |
| TN Adult Protective Services (Dept. of Human Services) | 1-888-277-8366 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Tennessee
How do I report stalking in Tennessee?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Tennessee?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Tennessee?
Who can petition: any stalking victim, regardless of your relationship to the person — plus victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Two stages: an ex parte order gives immediate emergency protection; an Order of Protection follows after a hearing and can last up to one year. Where you file: generally the county where the stalking happened, or where you or the other person lives — the court clerk can confirm the right venue and any costs.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Tennessee?
Filing fees vary by court in Tennessee, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Tennessee?
Yes — Tennessee has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program at 615-741-2734.
What counts as stalking under Tennessee law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Tennessee, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Tennessee if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Tennessee?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Tennessee?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Tennessee reporting guide?
You can download the free Tennessee reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Tennessee-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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