The Douglas County Department of Corrections in Omaha, Nebraska operates one of the largest jail facilities in the Midwest region. With current bed space for over 1,400 inmates, it serves an important role housing and rehabilitating pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. The jail has gone through major expansions over the decades to meet the needs of Douglas County's justice system. This comprehensive article will provide an inside look at the history of the facility, extensive inmate services and programs, visitation policies, and more.
## History and Steady Growth of the Douglas County Jail Campus
The Douglas County Correctional Center first opened in July 1979 as a modern detention facility with capacity for 200 inmates in single cells. The initial design included 12 self-contained housing units to segregate inmates.
At the time, Douglas County officials intended the new jail to provide ample capacity for years to come. However, demand quickly outpaced the available space. The average daily inmate population exceeded 200 by 1980. To meet demand, most of the original single occupancy cells were double bunked by 1983, increasing capacity to 363 inmates.
By the late 1980s, overcrowding had become an ongoing issue. Voters approved a $9 million bond issue to fund further expansion of the jail facilities. This project added an annex building with 8 open dormitory-style housing units equipped to hold 354 inmates. Two isolation cells were also constructed as part of the annex for disciplinary segregation.
The 1989 annex addition increased the total jail capacity to 719 inmates. But population continued creeping upward through the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2005, the most recent round of major construction was completed at a cost of $25 million.
The 2005 expansion added 9 modern housing units with 62 beds apiece, adding space for 558 inmates. Additionally, a medical housing unit with 61 beds was built to accommodate inmates needing regular care. These upgrades brought the jail’s total designed capacity to 1,449, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Midwest.
Over the decades, steady population growth compelled the Douglas County jail to continually expand. While costly, the extra capacity has been critical for upholding public safety and keeping pace with local law enforcement needs.
In 2016, voters also approved a public safety bond that allocated funds specifically for renovations at the jail. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other systems were modernized. New interior and exterior LED lighting was installed for efficiency. The projects focused on improving safety and energy conservation at the aging facilities.
## An Array of Specialized Housing Units and Inmate Facilities
Today, the Douglas County jail campus contains a wide array of specialized housing units, medical facilities, self-improvement programs and services. The original 12 housing units from 1979 remain in use, primarily double-bunked. Different classifications of inmates are assigned to appropriate quarters based on security risk, special needs, and behavior.
The annex that opened in 1989 provides additional dormitory-style inmate housing. The open floor plans allow more freedom of movement and social interaction for minimum and medium security designations.
The 2005 expansion added 558 beds across 9 modern housing pods. Advanced surveillance systems and configurations suitable for all custody levels make these units flexible and efficient. The separate medical housing unit has high visibility cells for inmates with ongoing health needs.
For lower risk populations soon to be released, the Re-Entry Center provides transitional work release housing. The separate minimum security House Arrest Program facility monitors non-violent offenders serving sentences from home.
Let's explore the wide range of inmate services and programs available within this sizable jail system.
## Medical, Mental Health and Dental Care
Comprehensive medical services are available to all inmates at Douglas County Corrections, overseen by Wellpath LLC. The medical department earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care in 2005.
Intake screenings allow medical staff to identify pressing physical or mental health needs of incoming inmates. Full medical history and physical assessments are conducted within 14 days of admission and annually thereafter. Dental examinations proceed on a similar timeline.
Ongoing primary care, chronic disease management, emergency treatment, specialty consults, and more are provided. Mental health services range from assessments and counseling to crisis intervention.
The jail operates fully equipped male and female infirmaries offering 24/7 medical care for patients with greater needs. Multidisciplinary teams make daily rounds. Off-site medical visits are scheduled when required testing or procedures cannot be done on-site.
By providing comprehensive physical and behavioral healthcare tailored to inmates, the facility aims to properly address medical needs that may directly contribute to criminal patterns. Connecting inmates to services can lead to improved wellbeing inside the jail and ultimately our community.
## Education Programs for Inmate Development
A key part of the rehabilitation process, the Douglas County jail provides various educational programs and classes to engage inmates in positive growth. Opportunities aim to enrich lives, expand job skills, and address root causes of behaviors.
For inmates seeking to improve academic abilities, GED preparation classes and testing are offered. High school diplomas can be completed through an on-site school. ESL programming teaches critical language skills to non-native English speakers.
Several vocational programs prepare participants for careers in fields like construction, automotive repair, plumbing, and welding. Soft skills like resume writing and interview tactics are incorporated. Upon release, placement services assist with connecting inmates to jobs.
AA, NA, and other addiction recovery programs create support systems. Life skills, parenting, anger management and other cognitive behavioral therapies aim to augment emotional intelligence and decision-making abilities.
Library access, recreational reading, board games, and video visitations provide additional positive outlets for personal growth and communication with loved ones.
By engaging inmates through education and purposeful activities, the jail strives to facilitate rehabilitation and constructive use of time serving sentences.
## Nutrition, Services, and Inmate Purchases
The Douglas County Department of Corrections ensures inmates receive adequate nutrition, hygiene services, and options for commissary purchases during incarceration.
Food services utilize menu planning and preparation methods to provide well-balanced meals. All menus adhere to nutritional guidelines established by the National Academy of Sciences. On average, 1.5 million inmate meals are produced annually.
Special diets are available for documented medical needs and religious preferences. Meals are transported securely to housing unit dining areas three times per day. Additional food items can be purchased via the inmate commissary system.
Basic laundry operations handle jail-issued clothing and linens. A contracted vendor provides large scale laundry services for efficiency. Haircuts and other hygiene needs are met through inmate commissary purchases or on-site services.
Commissary ordering allows inmates to purchase approved items like snacks, toiletries, tablets, postage, headphones and more using funds in personal facility accounts. Accounts can be funded by inmates or relatives and friends. Purchases are delivered to inmates weekly.
## Communication Methods for Inmates
Maintaining healthy communication with supporters outside jail is encouraged, within secure parameters. Phones, electronic messaging, postal mail, and in-person visitation provide inmates options to stay in touch.
Dedicated phones in each housing area allow inmates to place outgoing calls daily between 9am and 9pm. Friends or family can set up prepaid phone accounts rather than collect call charges. Calls are limited to 15 minutes each.
Electronic messages and photos can be sent from friends and family through third-party vendors like TextBehind and ConnectNetwork. Email printouts are delivered with regular inmate mail.
In-person visits must be scheduled ahead of time online or through lobby kiosks and are limited to 30 minutes. Visitation spaces allow non-contact interaction via phones or video screens. Strict security measures are enforced to prevent contraband.
By balancing communication access with appropriate constraints, facility administrators aim to maintain safe and orderly operations.
## Overview of Jail Visitation Rules and Helpful Hints
The Douglas County Department of Corrections has strict visitation policies designed to prevent safety risks and introduction of banned substances. Families and friends planning visitation should thoroughly review guidelines for a smooth process.
### Helpful Pointers for Planning Visits
- Online registration must be completed and approved before scheduling initial visits
- Visitors must be 18 or older and present valid, current ID at check-in
- Expect a criminal background check during the visitor approval process
- Firearms, weapons, pepper spray and contraband are prohibited
- Lockers are provided to secure personal items not allowed inside
- Arrive 15 minutes early to clear security screening
- Abide by the dress code prohibiting revealing clothing, etc.
### Visitation Rules and Limitations
- All visits must undergo scheduling through the online system or lobby kiosks
- 30-minute windows are allotted for each personal visitation period
- Visitors are limited to 2 weekly visits with Re-Entry Center inmates
- Main jail inmates can receive up to 10 total weekly visits
- No-show visitors may have privileges temporarily suspended
- Physical contact between inmates and visitors is strictly forbidden
- Facility staff closely monitors interactions and may terminate visits for violations
### Regular Visiting Hours and Locations
- Main Jail - Daily hours from 2:30pm to 10:05pm, varying by day
- Re-Entry Center - Sunday only from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
- Attorneys may arrange visits outside regular hours if needed
By following protocols, visitors play an important role in supporting rehabilitation and protecting jail security.
## Conclusion - Inside the Vital Douglas County Jail System
The Douglas County Department of Corrections is a keystone of the local criminal justice system, securely and humanely managing offender populations. Originally built for less than 200 inmates in 1979, persistent jail overcrowding led to major expansions in 1989 and 2005.
Today, the campus provides over 1,400 beds tailored to varying security levels and special needs. Comprehensive medical, mental health, education, nutrition and recreation programs aim to facilitate personal growth and skills building. Counseling, addiction treatment, vocational training, and other interventions seek to break destructive patterns of behavior.
Modern technologies like video visitation and electronic messaging allow inmates to maintain family ties, critical for transition planning. Custody staff oversees the large inmate population using proven security measures refined over decades of operation.
The jail continues evolving with the community it serves. Moving forward, administrators will assess and implement the most promising evidence-based practices in corrections. By upholding order and providing opportunities for positive change, the Douglas County Department of Corrections strives to enhance public safety and the lives of all impacted.
## Frequently Asked Questions About the Jail
**How do I look up information on an inmate?**
The public inmate lookup tool provides status and basic details on inmates. Searches can be conducted by first and last name or booking number.
**What types of medical care are available to inmates?**
Comprehensive services include exams, sick call, chronic disease treatment, emergency care, specialty consults, dental, medications, and 24/7 access. Mental health services are also provided.
**Can prescription medications be refilled for inmates at the jail?**
No outside medications can be accepted. The medical staff will prescribe needed medications that the pharmacy will dispense to inmates at the facility.
**What options exist for depositing funds into an inmate account?**
Cash or certified checks can be deposited at the public teller window daily. Lobby kiosks and online or phone transfers allow deposits 24/7.
**How do I report an emergency concern about an inmate's wellbeing?**
Contact the facility's main line at (402) 444-7400 to convey the critical information to staff who can relay it to the inmate if appropriate.
Phone: 402-536-4861
Physical Address:
Douglas County Department of
710 South 17th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Douglas County Department of
710 South 17th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Other Jails and Prisons
When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE.
Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.
However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.
You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.
You can also try and look them up by using their name.
What is an ICE Detention Center?
Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.
Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.
What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?
ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.
Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:
The illegal immigrant has:
How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?
The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.
It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.
The information you will need is as follows:
If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.
If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.
If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.
Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.
Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.
The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.
If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.
Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.
How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?
The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.
This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.
Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?
The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.
If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.
What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?
(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)
These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.
Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?
If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.
The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).
Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.
Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.
Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.
This facility, known as "Douglas County Department of" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
