Merrick County Jail

Q: Does Merrick County have bail?

Does Merrick County have bail? Yes, Merrick County recognizes bail, however, does not permit bail bond companies to operate in the state. Bail is offered as either a personal recognizance or 10% cash bail. Nebraska does not permit property or surety bonds. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. Judges in Nebraska rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Merrick County judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range. Nebraska does not allow private bond companies but rather the county courts and jailer process the paperwork needed for the bond. The defendant can either pay the full cash amount or ask the court for a cash percentage bond where the defendant pays 10% to the court, which is not returned and covers court costs. The full bail amount will become due if the defendant does not show to court and the court could issue a warrant for arrest with the Sheriff’s department. There may be other conditions for release in addition to the bail amount. Conditions usually include drug testing, abstaining from drug and alcohol use, meeting with a Pretrial Release officer and having no contact with the victim.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Merrick County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Merrick County? Merrick County recognizes either full cash payment or a cash percentage bond where the arrested pays 10% to the court.

Q: Who can set bail in Merrick County?

Who can set bail in Merrick County? For misdemeanor cases, bail is set according to an established schedule by the officers processing the booking. Felony cases require a judge to set bail.

Q: When is bail set in Merrick County Nebraska?

When is bail set in Merrick County Nebraska? For misdemeanor cases the bail is set according to a schedule and that information will be available during booking. Felony cases require a bail hearing in front of a judge. This hearing is normally scheduled for the next available court date. According to Nebraska state law, the hearing must be scheduled within 48 hrs. of arrest.

Q: How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Merrick County Jail?

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Merrick County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Merrick County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 308-946-2345. There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status. Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours. If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online. Merrick County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Merrick County?

What happens during booking in Merrick County? After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Merrick County for booking. Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Merrick County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Merrick County Jail? Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Merrick County and other Nebraska and USA jurisdictions. If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse. It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

What kind of questions are asked during booking? The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs. What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking? During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member. Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed. If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Merrick County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so. To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 308-946-2345 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Merrick County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Merrick County Jail booking process take? Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender. If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable. What happens after an offender is booked into the Merrick County Jail? At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release. If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Merrick County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel. Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Merrick County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Merrick County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 308-946-2345 for the information you are looking for.

Merrick County Jail Inmate Search

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Merrick County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

The Merrick County Jail maintains an average of 20 offenders in custody on any given day. The Merrick County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Merrick County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 400 offenders.

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Question 2

About the Merrick County Jail

Answer

The 20-bed Merrick County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Merrick County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 308-946-2345, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.

The Merrick County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.

All personal mail is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

Jail (Main): 308-946-2345
Sheriff: 308-946-2345

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Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

The booking process explained for Merrick County Jail

Following an arrest, individuals are processed at Merrick County Jail. The booking process confirms identity, charges, and whether the individual will be released, granted bail, or held until court.

It is advisable to remain silent during booking, as anything said can be used against the individual later. Legal counsel should be consulted before any statements are made.

The booking steps at Merrick County Jail include:

Identification verification.
Taking mugshots.
Answering questions about health, criminal history, and gang affiliations.
Possible DNA sample collection.
A full-body search.
Confiscating personal items for safekeeping.
Providing a phone call.

Depending on circumstances, the booking process can take one hour or up to 48 hours. To inquire about posting bond for an arrestee, contact the facility at 308-946-2345.

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Question 4

Directions / Map to the Merrick County Jail

Answer

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Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

What are the bail options in Merrick County after an arrest?

Once arrested, an individual may be brought to Merrick County Jail in Central City for processing. The next steps vary:

1. The individual may be released without paying bail and ordered to appear on a set date.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their hearing.
3. Posting bail or bond allows them to be released. Call 308-946-2345 to confirm the bail amount.

There are several ways to pay an individual’s bail.

Cash, credit, and money orders are accepted payment methods.
Licensed bail bond agencies in Merrick County can provide assistance.
County real estate may also be used as collateral for bail.

For more information about bail in Merrick County, Nebraska, see the Merrick County Jail Bail Guide.

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Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Merrick County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1821 16th Ave.
Central City, NE 68826
308-946-2345

Visits are 30 minutes.
You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 308-946-2345 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 308-946-2345 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY	TIMES
SUNDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Merrick County

To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:

Register and create an account with CIDNET.
Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Merrick County Jail inmate.
1. Click the Create Account button.
2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
6. Click the Sign In button.
After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Nebraska, then the Merrick County Jail, then your inmate's name.
Once you have completed this, the Merrick County Jail will have to give final approval for you to set up a phone account with your inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Merrick County, visit our full page guide.

NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail, and what can I send them?

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Merrick County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Merrick County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Merrick County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Merrick County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Merrick County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Merrick County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826

For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Merrick County

To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Merrick County follow these instructions:

Register and create an account with CIDNET.
Choose a Security PIN and Password.
After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Nebraska, then the Merrick County Jail, then your inmate's name.
Once you have completed this, the Merrick County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Merrick County, visit our full page guide.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

Do Inmates in the Merrick County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Merrick County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

Register here.
Pay for the subscription.
You get charged the 1st of each month.
You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
No activation or early termination fees.
Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.

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Question 14

Are there photos of the Merrick County Jail? What does it look like?

Answer

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Question 15

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Merrick County?

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Merrick County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail Information

The booking process explained for Merrick County Jail

What are the bail options in Merrick County after an arrest?

Merrick County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

Search for an Inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail Information

The booking process explained for Merrick County Jail

What are the bail options in Merrick County after an arrest?

Merrick County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family. Register here.

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Merrick County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family. Register here.

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Merrick County

Merrick County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

Search for an Inmate in Merrick County

Inmate SearchMerrick County & City of Central City

Inmate SearchState of Nebraska and Federal Lockups

Merrick County JailContact Information

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.

Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.