Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-10-102

(a) The department is authorized to recruit, train and appoint volunteers to programs of the department without regard to state employment regulations as administered by the department of human resources. Volunteers shall, however, be required to comply with all applicable department of correction policies. The department is further authorized to provide such incidental reimbursement as is consistent with this chapter and with appropriate state regulations.

(b) The board is authorized to recruit, train and appoint volunteers to programs of the board without regard to state employment regulations as administered by the department of human resources. Volunteers shall be required to comply with all applicable board policies. The board is further authorized to provide such incidental reimbursement as is consistent with this chapter and with appropriate state regulations.

(c) No court or law enforcement agency shall refuse to allow inspection of the court or agency's files and records by any volunteer demonstrating a need to know the contents of those files and records for the performance of official duties.