Nebraska Arrest Records

Nebraska Public Records /Nebraska Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Nebraska?

Yes. Arrest-related information in Nebraska—such as arrest reports and criminal history—is generally considered public under the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84‑712.01 et seq.). The Nebraska State Patrol’s Criminal Identification Division serves as the central criminal history repository, and anyone can request a Records of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheet via its online or mail-in system—typically for a nominal fee (about $30).

However, access has important statutory limitations under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523. Arrests that did not result in charges are removed from public record after one year; arrests resolved via diversion after two years; and arrests resulting in dismissal or acquittal are removed immediately. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are confidential by law and excluded from RAP disclosures, and mugshots or arrest logs are only posted at county or city level depending on local agency policies.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Nebraska?

Access to arrest records in Nebraska is primarily governed by the Nebraska Public Records Law, specifically Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09. This law establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access public records, including most arrest records.

Key provisions of the Nebraska Public Records Law include:

§ 84-712: Establishes that public records are open to inspection by citizens during normal business hours
§ 84-712.01: Defines public records as those belonging to or received by any public body
§ 84-712.05: Outlines specific categories of records that may be withheld from the public
§ 84-712.08: Provides for judicial review if access to records is denied

Additionally, several other laws impact access to arrest records in Nebraska:

Criminal History Information Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3501 to 29-3528): Regulates the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history information
Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3501 to 29-3528): Establishes the framework for criminal justice information sharing
Nebraska Security, Privacy, and Dissemination of Criminal History Information Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3501 to 29-3528): Provides additional protections for criminal history information

These laws collectively create a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and law enforcement needs.

What Information Is Included in a Nebraska Arrest Record?

A typical Nebraska arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The specific content may vary depending on the agency maintaining the record, but generally includes:

Personal Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Address at time of arrest
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Booking information
Detention facility information

Case Processing Information:

Court case number
Court appearance dates
Bail or bond information
Plea information
Case disposition (if available)
Sentencing information (if applicable)

Additional Information:

Property seized during arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant)
Witness information (may be redacted)
Victim information (typically redacted)
Narrative of the incident

Arrest records document allegations, not convictions. The presence of an arrest record does not indicate guilt, as individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Nebraska in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Nebraska can be accomplished through several methods, depending on the specific information needed and the agency that maintains the records. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Nebraska in 2025:

1. Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Criminal History Reports

The Nebraska State Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state. To obtain official criminal history records:

Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 471-4545
Nebraska State Patrol

Request options include:

In-person at NSP Troop Area offices (bring government-issued photo ID)
Mail-in requests with completed forms
Online through the Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Request Portal

2. Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The agency that made the arrest typically maintains detailed arrest records. Contact the specific police department or sheriff's office where the arrest occurred.

3. County Courts

Court records related to arrests can be obtained from the clerk of the district court in the county where the case was processed.

4. Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

For individuals who were incarcerated following an arrest:

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
801 West Prospector Place, Building 1
Lincoln, NE 68522
(402) 471-2654
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

5. Nebraska Crime Commission

The Nebraska Crime Commission maintains statistical data and certain records related to criminal justice:

Nebraska Crime Commission
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94946
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2194
Nebraska Crime Commission

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

Full name of the individual
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Location of arrest (if known)
Case number (if available)
Your contact information
Proper identification
Required fees

Processing times vary by agency but typically range from 3-15 business days for standard requests.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Nebraska

Nebraska offers several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest records in Nebraska:

1. Nebraska State Patrol Online Criminal History Check

The Nebraska State Patrol offers an online portal for requesting criminal history information:

Visit the Nebraska Criminal History Request Portal
Create an account or log in
Provide the required information
Pay the applicable fee
Receive results electronically

2. Nebraska Judicial Branch JUSTICE Portal

The Nebraska Judicial Branch maintains an online case search system called JUSTICE:

Access the JUSTICE Case Search
Search by name, case number, or citation number
View case information, including charges, court dates, and dispositions
Note that this system provides court records, not complete arrest records

3. County Sheriff and Police Department Websites

Many local law enforcement agencies in Nebraska maintain online inmate/arrest databases:

4. Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Inmate Search

For individuals who were incarcerated following an arrest:

Visit the NDCS Inmate Search
Search by name or inmate ID number
View current status, location, and sentence information

5. Nebraska Sex Offender Registry

For sex offense-related arrests and convictions:

Access the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry
Search by name, location, or other criteria
View registration information and offense details

When using online resources, be aware of these limitations:

Not all arrest records are available online
Some systems require registration or fees
Information may be limited compared to official records
Older records may not be digitized
Some information may be redacted

For the most comprehensive and accurate information, combining online searches with formal requests to the appropriate agencies is recommended.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Nebraska?

Access to arrest records in Nebraska varies depending on the type of information requested and the purpose of the request. The state has established different levels of access for various categories of requesters:

General Public Access:

Basic arrest information (name, charges, date of arrest)
Court records related to arrests
Booking photos (mugshots) in most cases
Conviction information
Information about current inmates

Limited Access (Requires Authorization or Special Status):

Complete criminal history reports
Juvenile records (with court order)
Sealed or expunged records
Records containing sensitive personal information
Records related to ongoing investigations

Specific Access Rights by Category:

The Individual Subject of the Record
- Has the right to access their own complete criminal history
- May obtain records for review, correction, or legal purposes
- Must provide proper identification
Law Enforcement Agencies
- Have comprehensive access to all arrest records
- Can access sealed or expunged records for legitimate law enforcement purposes
- Share information through the Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System
Government Agencies
- Access varies based on statutory authority and need
- May access records for background checks, licensing, and regulatory purposes
- Subject to information sharing agreements
Employers
- Limited access for background check purposes
- Must typically have consent from the individual
- May face restrictions on how information can be used
- Subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for third-party background checks
Researchers and Media
- Access to statistical data and public information
- May face restrictions on personally identifiable information
- Subject to privacy protections
Private Investigators and Attorneys
- Access based on professional credentials and purpose
- May require authorization or court orders for certain information
- Subject to ethical and legal restrictions on use

Under Nebraska law, agencies may require requesters to identify themselves and state the purpose of their request when seeking certain types of records. This helps ensure that records are used for legitimate purposes and in accordance with applicable laws.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Nebraska?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in Nebraska. These fees vary depending on the agency providing the records, the type of record requested, and the method of delivery. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the fees charged by various Nebraska agencies:

Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Reports:

Name-based search: $18.00 per person
Fingerprint-based search: $38.00 per person
Certified records: Additional $5.00
Notarized records: Additional $5.00
Expedited processing: Additional $10.00

County Sheriff's Offices:

Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $5.00 to $25.00 per record
Some counties charge additional fees for certified copies
Research fees may apply for older records ($20-$50 per hour)

Municipal Police Departments:

Local arrest records: $5.00-$20.00 per record
Incident reports: $5.00-$15.00 per report
Accident reports: $10.00-$25.00 per report

Nebraska Court System:

Court records: $1.00 per page
Certified court records: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
Case searches: $15.00 per name
Complete case files: Varies based on number of pages

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services:

Inmate records: $5.00-$25.00 depending on information requested
Research fee for archived records: $25.00 per hour

Payment Methods Accepted:

Most agencies accept credit/debit cards, checks, and money orders
Online requests typically require credit/debit card payment
In-person requests may allow cash payment
Some agencies require payment in advance

Fee Waivers:

Available in limited circumstances for indigent individuals
May require proof of financial hardship
Generally not available for commercial requests
Some agencies waive fees for victims requesting their own case information

It's important to note that under Nebraska Public Records Law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees that cover the actual costs of fulfilling records requests. These fees may include costs for staff time, materials, and technology used to provide the records.

Before requesting records, it's advisable to contact the specific agency to confirm current fee schedules, as they may change over time.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Nebraska

Nebraska maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the alleged offense, and the outcome of the case. The state follows specific record retention policies established by the Nebraska Records Management Division under the Secretary of State's office.

Agency-Specific Retention Policies:

Nebraska State Patrol
- Criminal history information is maintained permanently in the central repository
- Fingerprint records are kept permanently
- Arrest reports are retained for at least 25 years
County Sheriff's Offices
- Booking records typically kept for 10-25 years
- Arrest reports maintained for 10-50 years (depending on severity)
- Investigative files kept 25 years to permanently
Municipal Police Departments
- Arrest records generally kept 10-25 years
- Incident reports maintained 7-25 years
- Field contact information kept 3-7 years
Nebraska Court System
- Court case files for felonies are permanent
- Misdemeanor case files kept 25-50 years
- Traffic case files maintained 5-10 years
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
- Inmate records maintained permanently
- Probation records kept 10 years after discharge
- Parole records kept 25 years after discharge

Even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may still exist in various databases, news archives, and private information services. Additionally, digital records have made it increasingly common for information to persist beyond official retention schedules.

The Nebraska Records Management Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-1201 to 84-1227) provides the legal framework for records retention throughout the state, requiring agencies to follow approved schedules for maintaining and disposing of public records.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Nebraska Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Nebraska, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of the justice system. The specific information that is withheld varies depending on the requesting party, the purpose of the request, and applicable laws.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifiers
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
- Home addresses of certain individuals
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Sensitive Case Information
- Names of confidential informants
- Undercover officer identities
- Victim information in sensitive cases
- Witness information (when safety concerns exist)
- Juvenile information (in most circumstances)
- Medical and mental health information
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Special Protected Categories
- Sexual assault victim identities (protected under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-4308)
- Domestic violence victim information
- Child abuse victim identities
- Human trafficking victim information
- Information about individuals in witness protection
Law Enforcement Sensitive Information
- Tactical details and procedures
- Information about security measures
- Details that would reveal investigative techniques
- Information that could compromise officer safety
Legally Protected Records
- Sealed records (pursuant to court order)
- Expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records subject to grand jury secrecy
- Information protected by court protective orders

The redaction of information is governed by several Nebraska laws, including:

Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05) - Lists specific categories of records that may be withheld
Nebraska Criminal History Information Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3520) - Regulates access to criminal history information
Nebraska Juvenile Code (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2,108) - Protects juvenile records
Nebraska Address Confidentiality Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-1201 to 42-1210) - Protects addresses of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Government agencies in Nebraska are required to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and public safety concerns when determining what information to redact from arrest records.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Nebraska

Nebraska law provides several mechanisms for sealing or setting aside arrest records under specific circumstances. The process varies depending on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the individual's circumstances.

Sealing Non-Conviction Records:

Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, individuals may petition to have non-conviction records sealed if:

The arrest did not result in charges being filed within one year
Charges were dismissed by the prosecutor
The individual was acquitted at trial
The case was otherwise resolved without a conviction

Process for Sealing Non-Conviction Records:

File a petition in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred
Include all relevant case information and documentation
Serve copies on the county attorney and arresting agency
Attend the scheduled hearing (if required)
If granted, obtain a certified copy of the order
Submit the order to all agencies holding records

Set-Aside for Convictions:

Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-2264, certain convictions may be eligible for a "set-aside" which does not completely destroy the record but removes the conviction from public view:

Eligibility Requirements:

Successfully completed probation, paid all fines, or served the sentence
No pending criminal charges
Sufficient time has passed since completion of sentence
Not convicted of certain serious offenses (ineligible offenses include most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and motor vehicle offenses)

Process for Set-Aside:

File a motion in the court where the conviction occurred
Include all relevant case information and documentation
Demonstrate rehabilitation and reasons for seeking the set-aside
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, obtain a certified copy of the order
Submit the order to relevant agencies

Juvenile Record Sealing:

Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-2,108.01, juvenile records may be sealed:

Automatically upon reaching age 17 for certain minor offenses
By petition for more serious offenses after a waiting period
Must demonstrate rehabilitation and no subsequent law violations

Clean Slate Legislation:

As of 2025, Nebraska has implemented limited "clean slate" provisions that allow for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period without requiring individual petitions. Eligibility requirements include:

Completion of all sentence requirements
Payment of all fines and restitution
No subsequent convictions during the waiting period
Not convicted of excluded offenses

For assistance with sealing or setting aside records, individuals may contact:

Nebraska State Bar Association
635 S 14th St #200
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 475-7091
Nebraska State Bar Association

Legal Aid of Nebraska
209 S 19th St #200
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 348-1060
Legal Aid of Nebraska

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Nebraska?

Nebraska law places several important restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations are designed to protect individuals from unfair discrimination while balancing public safety concerns.

Employment Restrictions:

Under Nebraska law and federal regulations:

Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to convictions in most circumstances
Public employers are generally required to follow "ban-the-box" principles, delaying criminal history inquiries until after an initial application screening
Employers must consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position
Blanket policies excluding all applicants with arrest records may violate anti-discrimination laws
Employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party background check services

Housing Restrictions:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on the use of arrest records
Private landlords may face liability for blanket policies excluding applicants with arrest records
Housing providers should consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation
Policies that have a disparate impact on protected classes may violate fair housing laws

Licensing and Professional Certification:

Nebraska licensing boards must follow the Occupational Board Reform Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-933 to 84-948), which:

Requires consideration of whether a conviction is directly related to the occupation
Prohibits vague standards like "good moral character" without specific criteria
Requires boards to list disqualifying offenses and consider evidence of rehabilitation
Allows individuals to petition for pre-determination of eligibility before investing in education

Educational Institutions:

Colleges and universities in Nebraska generally cannot make admissions decisions based solely on arrest records
Financial aid eligibility may be affected by certain drug-related convictions
Campus housing decisions must follow fair housing principles

Commercial Use Restrictions:

Commercial data providers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Records that have been sealed or set aside should not be reported in background checks
Providers must maintain accuracy and allow individuals to dispute incorrect information
Mugshot websites and similar services face restrictions on charging fees for removal

Privacy Protections:

The Nebraska Privacy Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 20-201 to 20-211) provides additional protections against invasion of privacy
Individuals have the right to know what information is being collected about them by government agencies
Improper disclosure of sealed or protected records may result in civil liability

Violations of these limitations may result in administrative penalties, civil liability, or in some cases, criminal charges. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated regarding the use of arrest records may file complaints with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission or seek legal counsel.

Lookup Arrest Records in Nebraska

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 471-4545
Nebraska State Patrol

State Department of Corrections:

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
801 West Prospector Place, Building 1
Lincoln, NE 68522
(402) 471-2654
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

State Court System:

Nebraska Judicial Branch
Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1213
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3730
Nebraska Judicial Branch

Nebraska Supreme Court
Nebraska State Capitol, Room 2413
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3731
Nebraska Supreme Court

Nebraska Court of Appeals
Nebraska State Capitol, Room 2411
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3729
Nebraska Court of Appeals

Attorney General's Office:

Nebraska Attorney General's Office
2115 State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2682
Nebraska Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Douglas County Sheriff's Office
3601 N 156th Street
Omaha, NE 68116
(402) 444-6641
Douglas County Sheriff

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
575 S 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 441-6500
Lancaster County Sheriff

Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
8335 Platteview Road
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2288
Sarpy County Sheriff

Hall County Sheriff's Office
111 Public Safety Drive
Grand Island, NE 68801
(308) 385-5200
Hall County Sheriff

Buffalo County Sheriff's Office
2025 Avenue A
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 236-8555
Buffalo County Sheriff

Dodge County Sheriff's Office
428 N Broad Street
Fremont, NE 68025
(402) 727-2700
Dodge County Sheriff

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
302 N Jeffers Street
North Platte, NE 69101
(308) 535-9599
Lincoln County Sheriff

Madison County Sheriff's Office
1313 N Main Street
Madison, NE 68748
(402) 454-2110
Madison County Sheriff

Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office
1825 10th Street
Gering, NE 69341
(308) 436-6667
Scotts Bluff County Sheriff

Platte County Sheriff's Office
2610 14th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-3229
Platte County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Omaha Police Department
505 S 15th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 444-5600
Omaha Police Department

Lincoln Police Department
575 S 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 441-6000
Lincoln Police Department

Grand Island Police Department
111 Public Safety Drive
Grand Island, NE 68801
(308) 385-5400
Grand Island Police Department

Kearney Police Department
2025 Avenue A
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 237-2104
Kearney Police Department

Bellevue Police Department
2207 Washington Street
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 293-3100
Bellevue Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Nebraska:

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Omaha Field Office
4411 S 121st Court
Omaha, NE 68137
(402) 493-8688
FBI Omaha

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Nebraska
111 S 18th Plaza, Suite 1152
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 661-7350
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Nebraska

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FCI Yankton (serves Nebraska)
1016 Douglas Avenue
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-3262
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska
111 S 18th Plaza, Suite 1152
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 661-7350
U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska