Frequently Asked Questions

1. Whom should I contact if an emergency has occurred and I need to forward the information to an inmate?
2. When can I visit an inmate?
3. Where do I go to post someone's bond or fine?
4. Will the Corrections Department take a personal check?
5. If I post someone's bond, will I receive the refund?
6. When and where can I place money in an inmate's account?
7. When an individual is released, in what form will his/her inmate account be returned?
8. How can I contact an inmate via telephone?
9. May I send mail to an inmate?
10. What inmates are eligible for House Arrest and Work Release?
11. What is Good Time?

1. Whom should I contact if an emergency has occurred and I need to forward the information to an inmate?
   Call 402-444-7400 and ask for the Shift Supervisor. Explain your situation and they will assist you. You will not be able to talk with an inmate immediately. The inmate may be permitted to call you after the emergency has been verified.
   
   
2. When can I visit an inmate?
   Please see the Visitation page.
   
   
3. Where do I go to post someone's bond or fine?
   Douglas County Department of Corrections, 710 South 17th St. Cash or Money Orders orders will be accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for bonds, fines and costs (except on Sunday 0500-1300 for system maintenance). Other deposits will only be accepted 07:00 A.M - 08:00 P.M.  A local bank's cashiers check that can be verified will be accepted during normal business hours. 
   
   
4. Will the Corrections Department take a personal check?
   NO. The Department will only accept cash, United States Postal Money Order or Western Union Money Order.
   
   
5. If I post someone's bond, will I receive the refund?
   No. The bond is written in the inmate's name and the Court will issue a refund to the inmate, minus 10% for the Court. It is the inmate's responsibility to return the money to you.
   
   
6. When and where can I place money in an inmate's account?
   Cash and Money Orders are accepted at the Corrections Records Department 07:00 A.M - 08:00 P.M, 7 days a week.  You may also mail a money order, to 710 S. 17th St. Omaha, NE 68102,  please ensure the inmate's name is on the money order.
   
   
7. When an individual is released, in what form will his/her inmate account be returned?
   All inmates will receive a maximum of $25.00 cash. The remaining balance will be a check.
   
   
8. How can I contact an inmate via telephone?
   Telephone calls cannot be placed to inmates. Inmates have daily access to telephones that allow them to place collect local and long distance calls. Inmates also have the opportunity to purchase phone time through the inmate phone system with money on their inmate account. Please see the Telephone Service page for more information.
   
   
9. May I send mail to an inmate?
   Yes, as long as the correspondence does not jeopardize the public or facility safety or security. Incoming mail will not be delivered to inmates if it contains contraband items, stickers, Polaroid photographs or stains. Paper back books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher. Inmates may purchase envelopes from the commissary and stamps from Records, therefore these items will not be given to inmates if received through the mail.  Please include the inmate data number on all correspondence.  Proper address should read:

                  Name & Data#
                  710 S. 17th St.
                  Omaha, NE 68102

10. What inmates are eligible for House Arrest and Work Release?
    To apply, inmates must be sentenced to county time with no bonds or holds. The sentencing Judge must authorize Work Release and/or House Arrest. Inmates receiving House Arrest must have access to an acceptable home environment and a hardwired phone, not cellular phones. Inmates on both programs are subject to random drug testing. All inmates are tested for illegal drugs upon their admittance to the program. Any upward deviation in the level of an illegal drug in their system will result in their removal back to the Correctional Center and possible loss of all good time credits.
    
    
11. What is Good Time?
    Good Time credit is authorized by Nebraska State Statute 47-502.  The new revised statute went into effect on July 15, 2010.  The new statute effects those senteced on July 15, 2010 going forward.  Anybody sentenced prior to July 15, 2010 should refer to the old statute 29-501.   After the first 15 days of an inmates sentence they shall earn 1 day of good time for each day served (one for one) without any major misconduct violations.  Inmates awaiting trial are not given Good Time credits. For example:
    
    

    Sentence	Good Time Credit	Days Served
    30 days	7	23
    60 days	22	38
    90 days	37	53
    180 days	82	98
    365 days	175	190