Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-11-108

(a) The county may file the civil action in the circuit court. If the defendant is still an inmate in the county jail, venue is proper in the county in which the jail is located.

(b) If necessary to protect the county's right to obtain reimbursement under this chapter against the disposition of known property, the county may seek issuance of a temporary restraining order to restrain the defendant from disposing of the property pending a hearing on an order to show cause why the particular property should not be applied to reimbursement of the county for the maintenance and support of the defendant as an inmate. No bond shall be required of the county before a temporary restraining order is issued.

(c) To protect and maintain the property pending resolution of the matter, the court, upon request, may appoint a receiver.