Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility

County Jail

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
3801 West "O" St, Lincoln, NE 68528
Beds
786
County
Lancaster
Phone
402-441-1900
Fax
402-441-8946
Email
bjohnson@lancaster.ne.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131

Lancaster Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is IC Solutions, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is AccessCorrections There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at Lancaster Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 402-441-1900.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Lancaster Co Jail is a detention center located at 3801 West "O" St Lincoln, NE which is operated locally by the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Lancaster County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Lincoln Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Nebraska here.

The Adult Detention Facility (ADF) opened in July 2013 to address the issue of overcrowding in previous detention facilities. With a maximum capacity of 786 inmates, the ADF was designed to accommodate the growing inmate population while ensuring safe and efficient operations. This modern facility reflects the county’s commitment to managing its detention needs responsibly and effectively.

The Lancaster County Department of Corrections has announced that, due to capacity issues, some incarcerated individuals will be housed offsite at the Washington County Jail. The Lancaster County Jail has an operational capacity of 665 individuals, with a designated capacity of 107 for females. Currently, the jail population stands at 696 individuals, including 133 females, exceeding its operational limits. To address this overcrowding, a portion of the female population will be temporarily transferred to the Washington County Jail. This measure aims to ensure the continued safety and security of those housed at Lancaster County Jail, which remains the facility's top priority. The Department of Corrections is committed to collaborating with local criminal justice stakeholders to implement innovative and sustainable solutions across the system. These efforts aim to bring the facility back within operational capacity while maintaining safe and effective housing protocols for all individuals in its care.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Nebraska. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Lancaster County Jail Visitation Policy

Contact Visits:
Contact visits are strictly regulated to maintain safety and security. Only attorneys and law enforcement officers may have contact visits without prior approval. All other professional visits, including those from clergy, require approval from the Programs Director or a Shift Supervisor. Clergy who are also family members of an inmate may only visit during regular visitation hours, and these visits count toward the inmate’s weekly quota. Visitors may not bring personal items such as purses, bags, or car seats into the contact visitation room, and all visitors are subject to pat searches and must pass through a metal detector. Refusal to comply with searches or attempts to introduce contraband may result in loss of visitation privileges and potential prosecution under Nebraska State Law.

Video Visits:
Video visitation is available, with inmates allowed two to four personal visits per week depending on housing classification. Visits are one hour long, though extended visits may be granted in special circumstances. Up to three visitors, including children, are permitted per session, and visitors may schedule visits one to seven days in advance. Visitors are limited to one visit per day and may only visit one inmate unless special permission is granted. Disruptive behavior, lewd conduct, or failure to supervise children in the visitation center will result in termination of the visit. All visitors must register for video visitation, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and adhere to the rules and guidelines established by the facility.

Special Visits:
Special visits may be approved in advance by the superintendent or shift supervisor under circumstances such as visitors traveling over 150 miles or in the event of a personal crisis like a family death. Attorneys may visit at any time, excluding lockdown periods (10:40 to 11:50 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:40 p.m.) and meal times.

Dress Code:
Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code that prohibits revealing or inappropriate clothing. Examples of prohibited attire include sheer or see-through fabrics, shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, crop tops, low-cut shirts, tank tops, and leggings worn without appropriate coverage. Undergarments must be worn at all times. Visitors wearing attire deemed inappropriate will be denied entry.

These policies are designed to ensure the safety and security of the Lancaster County Jail while providing inmates the opportunity to maintain contact with family and legal counsel. Noncompliance with these rules may result in suspension or revocation of visitation privileges.

Lancaster County Detention Center Video Visitation Information

The Detention Center offers video visitation through The Visitor™ system, allowing friends, family, and professionals to schedule and conduct video visits conveniently without the need for in-person travel or waiting in long lines. This system replaces traditional face-to-face visits conducted through a glass partition with video kiosks, enabling inmates to remain in their housing units while visitors can connect either onsite at the facility or offsite from any location.

Onsite Video Visitation:
Onsite visits are conducted using video terminals located in the facility’s visitation center. All visitors must register at icsolutions.com (at no cost) before scheduling a visit.

Offsite Video Visitation:
For offsite visits, visitors can connect using a personal Windows computer, Android device, or iOS device (iPhone or iPad). To participate, visitors must download the ICS Mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and test the system before scheduling. Offsite visitation is fee-based, with costs varying by facility, and refunds are not provided for internet connectivity issues.

Registration and Setup:
Visitors must register at icsolutions.com to participate in video visitation. The ICS Mobile application can be downloaded at no cost from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for "ICSolutions."

Video visitation offers a flexible and convenient way to connect with inmates while ensuring security and reducing the need for travel to the facility. For additional details, visit the Lancaster County Detention Center’s website or the ICSolutions portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Lancaster Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Lancaster Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Lancaster Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Lancaster County NE Correctional Facility?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

Ask The Inmate

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