NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 16, 2024
Address
4201 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68542-2500
Beds
718
County
Lancaster
Phone
402-471-3161
Email
allyson.bennett@nebraska.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 22500, Lincoln, NE 68542-2500

NSP is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

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 State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

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 NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)

You can support your loved ones at NSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 402-471-3161.

Located at 4201 S 14th St in Lincoln, NE, NSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. NSP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison 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. 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.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches 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. Prisons and jails enforce 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.

The NSP, established in 1869 in Lincoln, stands as the state's oldest correctional facility, a testament to its enduring role in the penal system. From its inception until after World War I, NSP stood as the sole bastion of adult correctional services within Nebraska's borders, shaping the landscape of incarceration in the state. Over the years, NSP has evolved to meet the changing demands of the justice system and the needs of its inmate population.

During the transformative period of 1980-1981, NSP underwent significant upgrades, shedding its antiquated cellblocks in favor of modern modular housing units. This overhaul marked a pivotal moment in NSP's history, ushering in a new era of facility design aimed at enhancing both security and living conditions for inmates. Accompanying this renovation was the construction of a state-of-the-art administrative complex and an EPA-approved multi-fuel power plant, reflecting NSP's commitment to modern penological practices and environmental sustainability.

Further enhancements followed in subsequent years, with the addition of two 100-bed dormitory units in 1998, expanding NSP's capacity to accommodate a growing inmate population. Additionally, a 36-bed control unit, originally built in the 1950s as a high-security segregation facility, underwent a remarkable transformation in 2020. Repurposed to house minimum security of general population inmates, this adaptive reuse project reflects NSP's innovative approach to facility management and rehabilitation efforts.

NSP's dedication to excellence is underscored by its accreditation from the American Correctional Association since 1985, a testament to its adherence to rigorous standards of correctional excellence. This accreditation serves as a badge of honor for NSP, affirming its commitment to upholding the highest levels of professionalism, safety, and security in its operations.

At the heart of NSP's mission is its inmate population, a diverse community comprising individuals of varying ages and sentences. Through the implementation of a unit management concept, NSP endeavors to foster a rehabilitative environment that promotes positive staff-inmate relationships and personalized service delivery. This approach involves dividing the larger inmate population into smaller, more manageable groups, allowing for greater individual attention and tailored interventions to address specific needs.

In addition to housing maximum and medium-security inmates, NSP boasts three housing units dedicated to minimum-security inmates, including a specialized residential substance abuse unit. These units play a vital role in NSP's efforts to provide targeted support and programming aimed at addressing substance abuse issues and facilitating successful reintegration into society.

In summary, the Nebraska State Penitentiary stands as a beacon of correctional excellence, rooted in a rich history of service and innovation. Through its steadfast commitment to professionalism, safety, and rehabilitation, NSP continues to uphold its mission of fostering positive change and promoting public safety within the state of Nebraska and beyond.

Inmate Locator

NSP maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Schedule a Virtual Visit at NSP

VISITATION INFORMATION

NDCS utilizes a pre-registration process for visitation in all facilities. All visits must be scheduled at least seven days in advance. To select a time and date for visitation, please click the button above to complete the online form.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Be sure to review the following guidelines:

  • All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list
  • While health screening procedures are no longer necessary, if you are not feeling well, please consider rescheduling your visit
  • Wearing of masks is voluntary.
  • Up to four adult visitors and a reasonable number of children are allowed at each visit, per inmate
  • If additional adults are attending the same visitation session, you need only complete one registration form. However, be sure to list the full names of all other visitors and include all of the necessary contact information (phone & email) for each person.
  • Children of any age are permitted, when accompanied by at least one adult. Children’s names should also be included on the form.
  • All visitation requests must be submitted at least seven days prior to the selected date
  • Visits may be scheduled up to four weeks from the date of the request
  • Visits are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. You will be notified by email at least three days in advance of your approved visit
  • Be sure to include alternative dates and times for your visit. If your first preference is already filled, staff will try to grant your second or third request
  • If you need to cancel a visit for any reason, notify the facility as soon as possible

*** NOTE: You will want to arrive before your scheduled visitation time to allow for processing into the facility.

Questions about any of the information above can be directed to the facility. Contact information is available on this page.

To view a PDF version of this schedule, click here: NSP Visiting Schedule

Incarcerated persons at the Nebraska State Penitentiary are allowed either two weekday visits or one weekend visit per week.
Visits may be scheduled in advance, as long as they do not exceed the quota mentioned above.




To view a PDF version of this schedule, click here: NSP Virtual Visiting Schedule

Incarcerated persons at the Nebraska State Penitentiary are allowed one virtual visit per month.
Individuals will be notified via email of the virtual visit once it has been approved.
Requests will be granted in the order received.

Facility Visitation Procedures

The link below will take you to visiting procedures that apply to this facility.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.