Tennessee § 37-10-204 - Reports to juvenile court judge — Missing child order.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-10-204 — Reports to juvenile court judge — Missing child order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 37-10-204. Reports to juvenile court judge — Missing child order.

The law enforcement agency taking or making a report of a missing child shall submit its report, together with any additional data reduced to writing in the form of statements or notes, to a judge of the juvenile court within a reasonable time. The judge shall review the report and information and determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe the child is a missing child. If a decision of “missing child” is made, a “missing child” order shall be issued and delivered to any lawful officer or the Tennessee bureau of investigation authorizing the bureau or any officer holding the order, a true copy thereof or possessing knowledge of the existence thereof, to investigate the circumstances relating to the missing child in compliance with existing constitutional, statutory and case law and upon identification or location of the missing child to take custody of the child, using legal process when necessary, for immediate delivery to a judge of any juvenile or other court of record for appropriate orders and disposition pursuant to law. If probable cause for issuance of a “missing child” order is not found, the judge shall so order and the missing child report should be cancelled by the bureau, which shall give notice of the cancellation to all appropriate law enforcement agencies. If the court issues a “missing child” order pursuant to this section and believes that certain telephone records are necessary to or would be of assistance in locating such child, the court may send a copy of the “missing child” order and a written request for any telephone records the court believes to be pertinent to the missing child who is the subject of the order to any telecommunications service provider as defined in § 65-4-101. The request shall state with all reasonable specificity the precise telephone records requested and the reason such records are pertinent to locating the missing child. Upon receiving such a request, the telecommunications service provider shall, without delay and at no charge, supply the requested telephone records to the juvenile court judge issuing the request. Acts 1985, ch. 158, § 4; 2004, ch. 627, § 1. Cross-References. Interstate communication of criminal statistics, title 38, ch. 10.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 37-10-204

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-10-204 cover?

Section 37-10-204 ("Reports to juvenile court judge — Missing child order.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 37-10-204?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-10-204" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 37-10-204 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.