Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-7-114: Enforcement of anti-theft laws

(a) The members of the Tennessee highway patrol have jurisdiction and authority, and it is their duty, to aid in the enforcement of the criminal provisions of title 55, chapter 5 and § 39-14-103 , whenever an alleged violation of those statutory provisions involves unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

(b) Members of the highway patrol have authority to investigate and to make arrests for violations of such statutory provisions whenever an alleged violation involves unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.