The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) is the oldest state correctional facility in Nebraska. It opened its doors in 1869 and has been in operation ever since. It was the only adult correctional facility in the state until after World War I, and it remains one of the most important correctional facilities in the state today.
The NSP is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. It is operated by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), which is responsible for the management and operation of all state prisons in Nebraska. The NDCS’s mission is to “keep people safe,” and it employs over 2,300 team members in more than 150 different job classifications to achieve this goal. The NSP is one of the agency’s nine prisons in five communities across Nebraska.
The NSP has undergone significant changes over the years. During 1980-1981, the existing cellblocks constructed during the second half of the 19th century were replaced by four new housing units. Today, the NSP has a capacity of 1,023 inmates and offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life after release. These include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1023 |
| Physical Address | 4201 S 14th St Lincoln, NE 68502 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box #22500 Lincoln, NE 68542-2500 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 402.471.3161 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facilities
Nebraska State Penitentiary is a state correctional facility located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is the oldest state correctional facility in Nebraska, opening in 1869. The facility is divided into several sections, each with its own purpose and security level.
Administrative Complex
The Administrative Complex is the main hub of the prison. It houses the warden’s office, mailroom, visiting room, and other administrative offices. The complex also has a medical unit that provides medical and dental services to the inmates.
Medium Security Facility
The Medium Security Facility is designed to house medium-security inmates. The facility is divided into several housing units, each with its own dining area, recreational area, and bathroom facilities. Inmates in this facility have access to various educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for life after their release.
High-Security Segregation Facility
The High-Security Segregation Facility is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders. Inmates in this facility are kept in individual cells for most of the day and have limited access to educational and vocational programs. The facility also has a maximum-security control unit for inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
Industries Plant
The Industries Plant is a vocational training center where inmates can learn various skills such as welding, carpentry, and metalworking. The plant also houses a printing shop, where inmates can produce various printed materials for the state of Nebraska.
Dormitory Building
The Dormitory Building is designed to house minimum-security inmates. Inmates in this facility have more freedom of movement and are allowed to participate in various recreational and educational programs. The building has several dormitory-style housing units, each with its own bathroom facilities.
Control Unit
The Control Unit is a maximum-security facility designed to house inmates who pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the facility. Inmates in this facility are kept in individual cells and have limited access to recreational and educational programs. The unit is staffed by highly trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
Overall, the Nebraska State Penitentiary is a well-managed institution that provides inmates with various educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for life after their release. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is responsible for managing the facility and ensuring that all inmates are treated humanely and with respect.
General Population Inmates
The general population at NSP consists of inmates who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes, from minor offenses to serious felonies. These inmates are housed in various housing units throughout the facility and are typically allowed to participate in a variety of programs and activities, including educational and vocational programs, religious services, and recreational activities.
High-Security Segregation Inmates
The Nebraska State Penitentiary also houses a number of high-security segregation inmates. These inmates are typically housed in a separate unit within the facility and are subject to stricter security measures and more limited privileges than general population inmates. High-security segregation inmates are often those who have been convicted of violent crimes or who have exhibited violent or disruptive behavior while in custody.
In addition to the general and high-security segregation inmate populations, the NSP also provides medical and mental health services to inmates who require them. The facility has a medical unit staffed by licensed medical professionals, as well as a mental health unit staffed by licensed mental health professionals. These units provide a range of services, including medical and psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and counseling.
Overall, the inmate population at NSP is carefully managed and monitored to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. The facility is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for all inmates, while also working to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Visiting Hours
Nebraska State Penitentiary allows visitors to meet with their incarcerated loved ones. The facility has specific visiting hours that visitors must adhere to. It is important to note that visiting hours may change without notice. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to check the facility’s website or call the facility to confirm the visiting hours before making travel arrangements.
Visiting Hours Schedule
NSP offers two types of visitation: in-person and virtual. In-person visits can be scheduled at least seven days in advance using the web form available on the facility’s website. The form allows visitors to schedule visits up to four weeks from the date of the request. Visitors are required to complete the necessary form for scheduling a visit. Four adults and a reasonable number of children are allowed at each visit. If additional adults are attending the same visitation session, the visitor needs to complete only one registration form.
In-Person Visitation
- General Population:
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Thursday: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Restrictive Housing/Limited Movement
- Sunday: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Virtual Visitation
- General Population
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm
- Thursday: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm
- Saturday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm
- General Population 6C-Bay
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Visitors can also schedule virtual visits using the same web form. Virtual visits are available for both men’s and women’s units. Visitors are required to create an account with JPay, a secure online platform that provides video visitation services. Once the account is created, visitors can schedule virtual visits online.
Contact Information
For more information on visiting hours, visitors can contact the facility at (402) 471-3161. The facility’s physical address is 4201 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68502. Visitors should use this address when using GPS or other mapping services to locate the facility.
Inmate Mailing Address
Visitors can send mail to their incarcerated loved ones at the following address:
Inmate Name and Serial Number
Nebraska State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 2500
Lincoln, NE 68542All incoming mail must have a complete return address, including the sender’s first and last name, street address, city, state, and zip code. Visitors should avoid sending cash, personal checks, or money orders through the mail. Money can be deposited into an inmate’s account through JPay’s website or kiosks located in the facility’s lobby.
Notable Programs
The Nebraska State Penitentiary offers several notable programs to help inmates with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These programs are designed to address various aspects of an inmate’s life, including mental health and family relationships.
Domesti-PUPS
Domesti-PUPS is a program that brings dogs into the prison to be trained by inmates. The dogs are then used as service animals for people with disabilities. This program not only helps the inmates develop new skills but also provides them with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Additionally, the program provides a valuable service to the community by training service animals for those in need.
Kairos
Kairos is a Christian-based program that provides spiritual guidance and support to inmates. The program is designed to help inmates develop a deeper understanding of their faith and to provide them with the tools to make positive changes in their lives. The program includes a weekend retreat where inmates can reflect on their lives, receive counseling, and participate in group activities.
Prison Fellowship Academy
The Prison Fellowship Academy is a program that provides inmates with educational opportunities. The program offers courses in a variety of subjects, including life skills, vocational training, and college-level courses. The goal of the program is to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful once they are released from prison.
These programs, along with others offered at NSP, provide inmates with the opportunity to develop new skills, build relationships, and prepare for life outside of prison. By addressing the mental health and family needs of inmates, these programs help to reduce recidivism rates and increase the likelihood of successful reintegration into society.
Industries
Nebraska State Penitentiary provides a variety of industries for its inmates to work in. These industries include furniture production, metal fabrication, license plate production, and laundry.
Furniture Production
The furniture production industry at the Nebraska State Penitentiary produces a variety of furniture items, including desks, chairs, and bookcases. Inmates are trained in woodworking and furniture assembly, and the finished products are sold to government agencies, schools, and other customers.
Metal Fabrication
The metal fabrication industry at the Nebraska State Penitentiary produces a variety of metal products, including shelving, lockers, and storage cabinets. Inmates are trained in welding and metalworking, and the finished products are sold to government agencies, schools, and other customers.
License Plate Production
The license plate production industry at the Nebraska State Penitentiary produces license plates for the state of Nebraska. Inmates are trained in screen printing and license plate production, and the finished products are sold to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.
Laundry
The laundry industry at the Nebraska State Penitentiary provides laundry services for the facility and other government agencies. Inmates are trained in laundry operations, and the finished products are sold to government agencies and other customers.
Overall, these industries provide valuable job training and work experience for inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. They also provide important products and services to government agencies and other customers.
Officers and documents play an important role in the operation of these industries. Officers supervise the inmates and ensure that they are following safety protocols and procedures. Documents such as work orders and production schedules are used to track the progress of each industry and ensure that orders are completed on time.