Nebraska State Penitentiary

The Nebraska State Penitentiary, situated in Lincoln, Nebraska, stands as the oldest correctional facility in the state. Since its establishment in 1869, it has maintained its significance as a renowned prison. Currently, the facility caters to a diverse range of inmates, including those classified under minimum, medium, and maximum security levels. With an approximate population of around 1100 prisoners, the Nebraska State Penitentiary serves as a mixed custody institution for adult males.

Inmate Programs: Empowering Change and Growth

At the Nebraska State Penitentiary, inmates are encouraged to actively engage in a variety of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs. These initiatives aim to foster personal development and equip individuals with valuable skills for their future. The prison offers opportunities to earn a GED (General Education Development) certificate, pursue college courses, and acquire adult basic education. Additionally, inmates have access to parenting courses, substance abuse treatment programs, and mental health counseling services. By actively participating in these programs, individuals can gain essential knowledge and develop the necessary tools to reintegrate into society successfully.

Moreover, the Nebraska State Penitentiary actively participates in the Cornhusker State Industries program. This program provides inmates with the chance to work in various industries, such as furniture production, metal fabrication, laundry services, soap and detergent manufacturing, and license plate production. By engaging in productive work, inmates can develop valuable vocational skills, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Visiting Hours: Connecting Inmates with Loved Ones

In order to visit an inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, approval is required. The facility adheres to specific visiting hours, ensuring a structured and secure environment for both inmates and visitors. The visiting hours for General Population inmates are as follows:

1. Wednesdays: 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm.
2. Thursdays: 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
3. Fridays: 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
4. Saturdays: 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
5. Sundays: 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm.

For Restrictive Housing Inmates, the designated visiting hours are:

1. Wednesdays: 5:30pm-8:30pm.
2. Sundays: 5:30pm-8:30pm.

For more detailed information regarding visiting hours, please visit the official Nebraska State Penitentiary visiting hours page.

Contact Information and Mailing Address

If you need to get in touch with the Nebraska State Penitentiary, here are the relevant contact details:

Physical Address: Nebraska State Penitentiary 4201 South 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68502

Telephone: (402)-471-3161

Inmate Mailing Address: [Inmate Name, ID Number] Nebraska State Penitentiary P.O. Box 2500 Lincoln, NE 68542-2500

By maintaining open lines of communication, the Nebraska State Penitentiary ensures that families and friends can maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones, promoting a sense of support and connection during their time of confinement.

Location and Size

The Nebraska State Penitentiary is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is the capital city of the state. It is spread over a total area of 50 acres and includes multiple buildings and facilities within its perimeter.

History of Nebraska State Penitentiary

The Nebraska State Penitentiary has a long and rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1869. In the early years, the prison was known for its harsh conditions and lack of rehabilitation programs. However, over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations to improve the conditions and provide better services to inmates.

Inmate Population

The Nebraska State Penitentiary houses approximately 2,000 inmates, making it one of the largest prisons in the state. The majority of the inmate population is male, with a small percentage of female inmates. The inmates come from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and are serving sentences for a variety of crimes, including murder, assault, and drug offenses.

Security Measures

Security is a top priority at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, and the facility has several measures in place to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The perimeter of the facility is secured by multiple layers of fencing, cameras, and guard towers. The internal security of the facility includes regular cell searches, random pat-downs, and frequent security checks.

Programs and Services

The Nebraska State Penitentiary offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including education programs, rehabilitation programs, and health services. Inmates have access to educational programs such as GED classes and vocational training, which can help them prepare for life after release. The rehabilitation programs offered include substance abuse treatment, anger management classes, and mental health services. These programs aim to help inmates overcome their challenges and make positive changes in their lives.

Controversies and Criticisms

Like many prisons, the Nebraska State Penitentiary has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some have raised concerns about the conditions of the facilities and the treatment of inmates. There have also been reports of staff misconduct, including abuse and mistreatment of inmates. The facility has taken steps to address these concerns and improve the conditions for inmates, but there is still work to be done.

Visitation and Communication Policies

The Nebraska State Penitentiary has strict policies in place for visitation and communication with inmates. Visitation is allowed on weekends and holidays, and visitors must go through a security screening before entering the facility. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls and send mail, but these communications are monitored for security reasons.

Death Row

The Nebraska State Penitentiary houses the state’s death row, where inmates who have been sentenced to death are housed. There are currently 17 inmates on death row, and the state uses lethal injection as the method of execution.

Famous Inmates

Over the years, the Nebraska State Penitentiary has housed several notable and infamous inmates. Some of the most famous include serial killer Charles Starkweather and former state senator Ernie Chambers.

Jobs and Employment Opportunities

The Nebraska State Penitentiary provides employment opportunities for both staff and inmates. The facility is always looking for qualified individuals to join its team, and offers competitive salaries and benefits. Inmates are also given the opportunity to participate in job training programs, which can help them gain valuable skills and prepare for life after release.

Community Outreach and Involvement

The Nebraska State Penitentiary is committed to being an active and involved member of the community. The facility offers volunteer programs for individuals and groups who want to make a difference in the lives of inmates. The prison also partners with local organizations to provide support and resources for inmates and their families.

Future Plans and Expansion

The Nebraska State Penitentiary has plans for future expansion and renovation to improve the conditions and services offered to inmates. These plans include the construction of new facilities, the renovation of existing buildings, and the implementation of new programs and services.

Conclusion

The Nebraska State Penitentiary is a maximum-security prison that has a long history of serving the state of Nebraska. With its strict security measures, comprehensive programs and services, and commitment to community involvement, it is clear that the facility is dedicated to helping inmates make positive changes in their lives. While there have been controversies and criticisms, the facility is working to address these issues and improve the conditions for all those who call it home.

FAQs

1. What is the history of Nebraska State Penitentiary?
   • The Nebraska State Penitentiary was established in 1869 and has a long history as one of the oldest and largest prisons in the state. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations to improve the conditions and provide better services to inmates.
2. Where is the facility located?
   • The Nebraska State Penitentiary is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is the capital city of the state.
3. What programs and services are offered to inmates?
   • Inmates have access to education programs, rehabilitation programs, and health services, including substance abuse treatment, anger management classes, and mental health services.

4. What security measures are in place?
   • The Nebraska State Penitentiary has several measures in place to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff, including perimeter security, internal security measures, and regular security checks.
5. Are there job opportunities available at the facility?
   • Yes, the Nebraska State Penitentiary provides employment opportunities for both staff and inmates, offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as job training programs for inmates.