The Omaha Correctional Center (OCC) is a state prison located on a 37-acre site in East Omaha, Nebraska. It was opened in April 1984 with a design capacity of 240 inmates, which has since grown to an operational capacity of 495 inmates in double and multiple occupancy rooms. The facility is managed by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and is one of the largest prisons in the state.
The OCC provides a range of programs and services to inmates, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in work programs that allow them to earn money and develop job skills.
The facility is committed to promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates successfully transition back into society upon release. The OCC also offers a variety of visitation options, including in-person and virtual visits, to help inmates maintain connections with their families and loved ones.
Despite its commitment to rehabilitation, the OCC has faced criticism and controversy over the years. In 2015, the facility was the subject of a lawsuit alleging poor conditions and inadequate medical care for inmates. The lawsuit was settled in 2017, with the NDCS agreeing to make several improvements to the facility. The OCC has also faced scrutiny over issues such as overcrowding and understaffing, which can contribute to safety concerns for both inmates and staff.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 396 |
| Physical Address | 2323 Avenue J Omaha, NE 68110-0099 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box #11099 Omaha, NE 68110-2766 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Sunday and Saturday: 7:30 am – 9:30 am, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 402.595.3963 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
The Omaha Correctional Center is located on a 37-acre site in East Omaha, just south of Eppley Airfield. The facility’s address is 2323 Avenue J, Omaha, NE 68110. The location is easily accessible by road, with several major highways and interstates within a few miles of the facility.
The OCC is situated in a relatively quiet area, with mostly industrial and commercial buildings nearby. The facility is surrounded by a high fence and has several guard towers to ensure security. The immediate vicinity of the OCC is not particularly scenic, but there are several parks and recreational areas within a few miles of the facility.
Visitors to the OCC can park in the designated visitor parking lot, which is located near the entrance to the facility. The parking lot is well-lit and monitored by security cameras. Visitors should follow the posted signs and instructions from staff when entering and exiting the parking lot.
Overall, the location of the Omaha Correctional Center is convenient for visitors and staff, but it is not a particularly attractive or scenic area. However, the facility’s focus on security and safety means that it is well-suited for its intended purpose.
History
The Omaha Correctional Center was established on April 24, 1984, with a design capacity of 240 inmates at a total cost of approximately $17 million. It is located on a 37-acre site in East Omaha, just south of Eppley Airfield. Today, the facility has an operational capacity of 766 inmates in double and multiple occupancy rooms.
In 1994, an additional housing unit was brought in to increase the capacity of the facility. The OCC has been committed to providing the best correctional services to inmates, with a focus on rehabilitation and reentry programs.
The OCC has a long history of providing vocational and educational programs to inmates. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational education courses such as welding, automotive technology, and computer applications.
The OCC has also implemented several innovative programs to help inmates with substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral issues. These programs include the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RSAT), the Dual Diagnosis Program, and the Prison Fellowship Academy.
Over the years, the OCC has received several awards and recognitions for its efforts in providing quality correctional services to inmates. In 2019, the OCC was awarded the American Correctional Association (ACA) accreditation, which is a testament to the facility’s commitment to excellence in corrections.
Overall, the OCC has a rich history of providing quality correctional services to inmates, with a focus on rehabilitation and reentry programs. The facility continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the inmates and the community it serves.
Facilities
The OCC comprises several buildings, including housing units, medical facilities, administrative offices, and more. The facility has a total of 14 housing units, each with a different security level and capacity. The housing units include general population, segregation, protective custody, and mental health units.
The OCC also has a medical unit that provides healthcare services to inmates. The medical unit is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals. The medical staff provides a range of services, including medical and dental exams, mental health evaluations, and treatment for chronic illnesses.
In addition to housing and medical facilities, the OCC has several administrative buildings and support services. The facility has a visitation center, which allows inmates to receive visits from family and friends. The visitation center is open on weekends and holidays and requires visitors to schedule their visits in advance. The OCC also has a commissary, where inmates can purchase personal items, hygiene products, and snacks. The commissary is open once a week, and inmates can order items from a catalog.
Overall, the Omaha Correctional Center is a modern, well-equipped facility that provides a range of services to its inmates. The facility is staffed by trained professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the inmates.
Programs
Omaha Correctional Center offers a variety of programs to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society. These programs are designed to address the needs of the inmates and help them develop skills that will be useful in their lives after release.
One of the programs offered at Omaha Correctional Center is the TRADE Program, which teaches conflict resolution, critical thinking, communication, personal finance, healthy relationships, basic computer skills, and job preparation. This program helps inmates develop the skills they need to be successful in the workforce and their personal lives.
Another program offered at the facility is the Planning with a Purpose program, which provides vocational and life skills training to inmates. This program helps inmates develop job skills and learn how to manage their finances, which can be useful when they are released from prison.
In addition to these programs, Omaha Correctional Center offers a variety of educational opportunities, including GED and college courses. These programs help inmates develop their academic skills and prepare them for success in the workforce.
Overall, Omaha Correctional Center offers a range of programs designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to be successful in their lives after release. These programs are an important part of the facility’s mission to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Visitation
OCC Visiting Schedule (In-Person):
- Sunday and Saturday: 7:30 am – 9:30 am, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
OCC Virtual Visiting Schedule:
- Sunday and Saturday: 7:30 am – 8:15 am, 8:30 am – 9:15 am, 10:00 am – 10:45 am, 11:00 am – 11:45 am, 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm, 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm, 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm, 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm