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NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)
State Prison
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
Official Resources
Nearby Facilities
If your loved one is at NSP, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 402-471-3161 with any immediate questions.
NSP is a State - maximum state correctional facility in Lincoln, NE, operated by the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Inmates serve sentences ranging from one year to life and have access to programs including education, vocational training, and work assignments. This page covers how to locate an inmate, schedule visits, make calls, send money, and stay connected throughout their sentence at NSP.
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.
On this page - NSP
Inmate Locator
Finding a State Inmate at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)
If you're trying to locate someone in Nebraska state custody at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) in Lincoln, the Nebraska Department of Corrections maintains a state-level inmate locator that covers all DOC facilities. Every state runs its own system, so the search experience differs significantly from federal or county-level locators. If the DOC locator does not return the person you're looking for, call NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) directly at 402-471-3161 to confirm current custody status.
Using the State DOC Inmate Locator
The Nebraska DOC inmate locator searches by full name, DOC inmate number, or both. The state inmate number is assigned at intake and stays with the inmate across transfers between facilities within the state, but it does not transfer if the inmate moves to another state or to federal custody. State locators typically return the inmate's current housing facility, custody level, projected release date, and parole eligibility, though specific data fields vary by state.
When the Inmate Doesn't Appear in the DOC Locator
A state inmate may be missing from the DOC locator for several reasons. Newly sentenced inmates often spend weeks at a county jail awaiting transfer to the state reception center, during which they are not yet in the DOC system. Inmates in transit between facilities may be temporarily missing. Some states delay public records by 24 to 72 hours after intake. The InmateAid inmate search can help locate someone during this gap period because it pulls from county jail rosters as well as state systems.
State Inmate Numbers and Out-of-State Transfers
If the inmate was recently transferred from another state under an interstate compact, or moved to federal custody on writ, the Nebraska DOC locator may show them as "in transit" or remove the record entirely. To track inmates across state or federal jurisdictional moves, call 402-471-3161 for current location and case status.
Once You've Located the Inmate
When you confirm the person is at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), set up an inmate phone account with the facility's contracted provider and arrange any money transfer or commissary funding needed. For phone discount plans, money transfer, and mail services that work with Nebraska state facilities, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 402-471-3161.
To confirm current custody status, recent transfers, or release information at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), call 402-471-3161.
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.
How to Save Money on Inmate Calls
Understanding Prison Phone Services: How to Save on Inmate Calls
Prison phone companies hold a monopoly within the facilities they are contracted with, resulting in shared profits and minimal incentives for representatives to promote cost-saving measures to customers. These companies typically display their rates, often offering multiple pricing tiers. However, the primary factor determining call costs is the type of phone number used and the location of both the caller and the inmate.
In federal prisons, acquiring a new local number can significantly reduce call rates, lowering costs from $0.21 to only $0.06 per minute. The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides inmates with 300 minutes per month, and local line services like InmateAid cost $5.00 per line, without any hidden fees or bundled services.
For non-federal facilities (county jail, state prison, private and ICE detention centers), the benefits of using a local number have diminished, making market intelligence crucial. InmateAid specializes in identifying the best deals in various scenarios. While approximately 30% of the time no savings can be achieved—a reality acknowledged by other providers—InmateAid guarantees a refund if they cannot save you money.
For more detailed information on inmate calls, individuals are encouraged to visit the InmateAid website and navigate to the facility where their inmate is incarcerated. By accessing the Prison Directory and following the links to the Discount Telephone Service, individuals can obtain an honest estimate before making any purchases.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
How to Send an Inmate Money in Nebraska
These are general guidelines for sending money to an inmate's commissary account. Inmates need money to access several privileges like weekly shopping at the commissary, making phone calls, using the email service where offered, using the electronic tablets where offered and paying their co-pay when needing the medical or dental services.
What is a Commissary?
A commissary is a store within the correctional institution. Commissary day is usually held once a week and can only be enjoyed if the inmate has funds in their commissary account. An inmate's commissary account is like a bank account within the prison. If the inmate has a job, their paycheck is deposited into this account, too.
The Commissary sells various products that the inmates may purchase if they have money on their books. The commissary sells clothing, shoes, snacks and food, as well as hygienic products like soap, shampoo, and shavers. The commissary might also sell entertainment-related products like books, magazines, televisions, radios, playing cards, headphones, MP3 players, electronic tablets like an iPads (no internet access), songs, and educational programming.
How do you send money to an inmate?
Sending money to an inmate varies from state to state, depending if it is county, state, or federal, their ways of accepting money for inmates change by the money transfer company they’ve contracted with.
Federal Prisons and some state-level prisons have centralized banking systems which means that you do not need to know where they are specifically, just that they are in the state systems of for instance the California, Texas, Florida DOC, or the FBOP to name a few.
Some facilities will allow you to deposit cash through the lobby window stand-alone kiosk in the lobby or visitation room. Most facilities will also accept a postal money order mailed to the institution’s inmate mailing address made payable to the full inmate’s name.
Electronic banking allows friends and family members to send the funds online, and correctional departments are starting to favor this method because it is less work for staff and more accurate/easier to keep track of, as well as being more convenient.
Regardless of the method of sending funds, there are several key things you will need to know:
• Inmate’s full committed name
• Inmate’s ID number
• Inmate’s location – or a system like the federal BOP
Before sending any funds you should find out what online transfer companies the institution your inmate is incarcerated in uses. You can find this information on our site by navigating to the facilities page click on the Money Transfer button under the address and phone number. Pay close attention to the rules of the facility. Sometimes they will require money senders to be on the inmate's visitation list. Some correctional facilities have a deposit limit, like $200-300 at a time, but in federal, there is no limit.
Some of the money transfer firms are MoneyGram, Securus Pay, JPay, AccessCorrections, JailATM, and CommissaryDeposit
Who else can access the money you send?
An inmate with fines or restitution will be subject to commissary/trust account garnishment. If the inmate has these financial obligations, they will be extracted from the inmate’s bank account. It may be a percentage or the entire amount depending on the situation. We recommend inmates who are going into their bid contact the counselor and make an arrangement beforehand. If you go in knowing they are taking 20-25% of all deposits is better than have them take it all and you find out in the commissary line when the account is zero.
Why is my inmate asking for more than I normally send?
This is generally a signal that the inmate is doing something they shouldn’t and need money to get them out of or through a situation. It could be gambling, it could be extortion it could be other things you don’t need to know on this forum (for now). Set boundaries with your inmate. Tell them that “this is the amount I can send each month” and that is it. There are no extras beyond the boundary. Also, NEVER send money to the account of another inmate on your inmate’s instruction. This is a sign that something is not right. If the corrections people discover this, and they do more times than not, it will result in some severe disciplinary action to the inmate, and certainly the loss of all privileges.
Who can I call if I suspect something?
We recommend speaking with the counselor or case manager of the facility and using a generic reference if your suspicions are wrong. You needn’t put them in a more difficult position if they are.
How do I send money using MoneyGram?
Send Photos, Letters, and Postcards
Sending Mail to Inmates at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP): Guidelines and Services
Looking to send heartfelt greetings to your loved one in prison? Some facilities have recently updated their rules for incoming mail to protect staff from potential drug contamination through the ink used in mail pieces. These new rules require mail to be sent to a third-party post office box, where it is scanned into computer files and shared with inmates without anyone physically handling the original mail. When sending letters, photos, postcards, greeting cards, and magazines to inmates at NDCS - Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), adherence to specific guidelines is essential. Both incoming and outgoing mail undergo inspection to prevent the introduction of contraband that could compromise the safety, security, or well-being of the facility, its staff, and residents.
Inmate mail must not contain content that poses an immediate threat to jail order, such as descriptions of manufacturing weapons, bombs, incendiary devices, or escape tools that could realistically endanger jail security. Content advocating violence, racial supremacy, or ethnic purity is also prohibited. Additionally, inmate-to-inmate mail is not allowed and will be destroyed.
To simplify the process, individuals can utilize the mailing services offered by InmateAid. This automated system makes sending special messages or pictures to loved ones convenient and efficient. InmateAid has successfully sent tens of thousands of mail pieces per month without encountering issues with prisons or jails. Envelopes bearing the InmateAid logo assure mail room staff that the contents comply with regulations, establishing a trust that has been maintained since 2012.
Inmates are permitted to receive only metered, unstamped, plain white postcards no larger than 4" x 6". Writing must be done in pencil or blue or black ink. Any other type of mail will be returned to the sender. If there is no return address, unauthorized mail will be stored in the inmate's locker until their release. Again, InmateAid's service for postcards and greeting cards complies with the old and new rules. You can get 8 postcards/greeting cards for only $8.
By following these guidelines and using reliable services like InmateAid, you can ensure your mail reaches your loved one safely and without complications.
Inmate Commissary
Understanding Inmate Commissary
An inmate commissary, often referred to as a "canteen," is a store within a correctional facility where incarcerated individuals can purchase items not provided by the institution. Commissary services play an essential role in improving the quality of life for inmates by giving them access to additional goods and services. Here's what you need to know about how commissaries function and the impact they have:
What Is Available at Commissary?
Commissary stores typically offer a wide range of products, including:
- Snacks and Beverages: Chips, candy, coffee, and instant noodles are common purchases.
- Hygiene Products: Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene items.
- Writing Supplies: Paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps to facilitate correspondence with loved ones.
- Entertainment Items: Books, playing cards, radios, and sometimes MP3 players or tablets for facilities with digital programs.
- Clothing and Accessories: Basic clothing, shoes, and thermal wear.
- Miscellaneous Items: Batteries, headphones, and over-the-counter medications.
How Do Inmates Pay for Commissary?
Inmates use funds from their trust accounts to make purchases. These accounts are funded by money sent from family or friends, as well as wages earned from jobs within the facility. Without available funds, inmates cannot access commissary items unless they qualify as indigent, in which case the facility may provide limited basic supplies like paper and stamps.
Why Is Commissary Important?
Commissary services enhance the overall well-being of inmates in several ways:
- Comfort: Access to familiar snacks and hygiene products provides a sense of normalcy.
- Communication: Purchasing writing supplies and stamps enables inmates to stay connected with family and friends.
- Rehabilitation: Items like books and educational materials contribute to personal growth and development.
- Autonomy: The ability to choose and purchase items fosters a sense of independence.
Regulations and Limits
Each facility has strict rules governing commissary purchases:
- Spending Limits: Weekly or monthly caps are set to prevent hoarding or misuse of funds.
- Item Restrictions: Facilities may prohibit certain products to maintain safety and security.
- Delivery Schedules: Commissary orders are typically processed and distributed on designated days.
Inmate commissaries provide more than just goods—they offer a vital connection to the outside world and an opportunity for inmates to manage their daily needs. For families and friends, ensuring your loved one has funds in their trust account can significantly improve their experience during incarceration. Always check the specific rules and options available at the facility to better support your loved one.
Inmate Care Packages
How to Buy Inmate Commissary Care Packages Online
Purchasing commissary care packages for an inmate is a thoughtful way to show support and provide essential items they may not otherwise have access to. These packages often include a variety of approved products such as snacks, hygiene items, and personal necessities. Here’s how you can buy commissary care packages online:
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Find the Facility’s Approved Vendor
Correctional facilities typically partner with approved providers like Keefe Group, Access Securpak, Union Supply Direct, Walkenhorst’s, or CareACell. These vendors work directly with facilities to ensure that the items in the packages meet all regulations. -
Search for the Inmate’s Facility
Visit the vendor’s website and select the correctional facility where your loved one is housed. This ensures that you see the packages and items specifically allowed for that institution. -
Select a Package
Browse the available packages, which often include bundles of snacks, toiletries, and even seasonal or holiday-themed items. Many services also allow customization, so you can tailor the package to your loved one’s preferences. -
Enter the Inmate’s Details
Provide the inmate’s full name and ID number to ensure the package is delivered to the correct person. Double-check this information to avoid delivery issues. -
Complete Your Purchase
Add the selected package to your cart, proceed to checkout, and make your payment using a credit or debit card. Some vendors may also offer alternative payment methods. -
Confirm Delivery Guidelines
Delivery schedules vary by facility, so check when packages are typically distributed. Most vendors provide estimated delivery times and tracking options.
By following these steps, you can easily send a commissary care package to brighten an inmate’s day. These packages not only provide comfort but also remind your loved one that they are supported and cared for. For added convenience, many vendors offer affordable pricing and frequent promotions to help you maximize your support