In early 2026 Clerk Sawyer hosted two justice career-minded St. Mary's Episcopal School seniors for Career Connect day, showcasing her commitment to innovation—which includes investing in women leaders of the future. 

Shelby County Community,


As we welcome March, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize Women's History Month and Employee Appreciation Day. These two celebrations remind us of the powerful impact of service, leadership, and community. This month invites us to honor the women who have shaped our nation and our local courts, and to appreciate the dedicated professionals who keep General Sessions running every single day.


With winter finally behind us and spring on the horizon, our team is moving forward with renewed energy. Each day, we work hard to improve court operations, reduce silos, and innovate to serve the public better. I am proud of the progress we continue to make, and even more proud of the collaborative spirit that drives our work.


February and March have already brought important wins. We have advanced several technology implementations across our court systems and strengthened our collaboration with the Interagency Justice Operations Workgroup. The IJOW Dashboard continues to grow as a powerful resource for community organizations that rely on accurate arrest and jail data. These efforts, along with our focus on process improvement, contributed to the strongest winter weather operations we've seen in recent memory.


As we move into this new season, I am deeply grateful for our General Sessions staff who show up with commitment and care, and for the generations of women who have supported, strengthened, and sustained Shelby County General Sessions Court. Their leadership lights the path we continue to walk today.



Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in the work we do. I look forward to a spring filled with progress, innovation, and community.



In Service, 

Tamara A. Sawyer 

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk 

Shelby County Interagency Justice Operations Workgroup Secures Major Operational Wins



For nearly six months, the Interagency Justice Operations Workgroup (IJOW) has been meeting weekly to strengthen coordination across Shelby County’s justice system. During this time, the IJOW has:


  • Reduced intake‑to‑release backlogs
  • Improved citation processing,
  • Coordinated justice operations during the 2026 winter storm to keep court functional
  • Released the IJOW Dashboard

  

This workgroup has shown that real progress is visible, and more is on the way. Thank you to all of our Shelby County justice agency partners who help move this important work forward.

Subscribe Now for More News from General Sessions!



In the coming months, the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office plans to offer additional newsletter content to the community, including communications for community partners, attorneys, and more. If you are interested in receiving our newsletter directly, click the button below to subscribe.

🍿Congratulations Pop Out Award Winners 🏆

Congratulations to our January and February Pop Out Award winners, Vernon Johnson and Angela Waller! 

The Pop Out Award signifies General Sessions Court Clerk's Office teammates who go above and beyond in their professionalism and dedication to service. Both Vernon and Angela bring warm energy, caring attention, and consistent professionalism to their work, and we are glad to have them on our team!

Thanks Women of General Sessions

Women make up 80 percent of the nearly 200 staff members who help the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office deliver gold‑standard service to the people of Shelby County. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we want to shoutout the amazing women who keep our office moving forward.

March Birthdays

Join us in celebrating our March team birthdays:

Carolyn Taylor - March 2

Genesis McNeal - March 12

Keisha Humes - March 19

Mikal Stephen - March 19

Letecia Coleman - March 23

Terrance Harris - March 24

Antonio Suggs - March 25

Happy Birthday to our General Sessions Court Clerk's Office Teammates!

Events and Key Dates

Under Two Weeks Until We Reclaim & Rise!


Our expungement clerks are looking forward to seeing you in two weeks at our Reclaim & Rise Expungement Clinic and Job Fair

 

✅ Misdemeanor Expungement Support 

✅ Actively Hiring Employers 

✅ Community Vendors and Resources 

 

📍 Hollywood Community Center 

📅 Saturday, Jan 31 

⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM 


We hope to see you there!

Court Schedule Updates

The Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk’s Offices and General Sessions Civil Court will be closed on Friday, April 3 for the Good Friday holiday and Monday, April 6 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Holiday.


General Sessions Criminal Court will not hold holiday court on Friday, April 3.


The next holiday court session will take place on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 AM, with the following schedule:


  • Arraignments – Division 11
  • Bail Hearings – Division 15
  • Attorney Consultation – Division 12


The Clerk’s 24‑Hour Bail & Release Office will remain open throughout the holiday period.


Click below to access the complete court calendar.

Your Data. Your Story.


The Interagency Justice Operations Workgroup (IJOW) Dashboard is a first-of-its kind tool powered by the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office in partnership with local justice agencies and the University of Memphis. The IJOW Dashboard presents the public with firsthand justice system data from the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office. Explore the IJOW Dashboard Below.

Public Records Requests


Shelby County citizens have the right to access certain types of public records through the Tennessee Records Act. If you've ever needed access to public records but didn't know where to start, contact us!


Click below or call (901) 222-3585 for more information.

Expungement Resources


Expungement is the legal erasure of certain criminal records. Wondering if you or someone you know may qualify for expungement?


Click below or call (901) 222-0303 for more information.

Domestic Violence Resources


If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, you are not alone. Shelby County has trusted partners ready to help with safety, counseling, legal support, and emergency assistance.


General Sessions operates the Domestic Violence Court, and connecting our community to resources is part of our commitment to gold‑standard service.


Find support resources on our website. Click the link below to explore more.


If you have questions about court processes, need assistance with court documents, or just need to speak with someone in our office, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 


Here’s how you can contact us: 

 

In-Person:

  • Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse
    140 Adams, Rm 106 Memphis, TN


  • Walter L. Bailey, Jr. Criminal Justice Center 201 Poplar, LL-81 Memphis, TN 


Satellite Offices:

  • Mullins Station
    1075 Mullins Station Road Rm W115 
    Memphis, TN 38134
     
  • Southbrook Mall
    1254 East Shelby Drive, Suite 270 
    Memphis, TN 38116 


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