Omaha Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Omaha, Nebraska?
Arrest records are public documents in Omaha, Nebraska, pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Statutes (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). These statutes establish the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Nebraska Legislature has determined that providing public access to arrest information serves several critical functions:
• Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system • Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies • Facilitates public awareness of potential safety concerns • Supports the constitutional principle of open government
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Omaha Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state law. While certain portions of arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the general arrest information remains accessible to members of the public upon proper request.
How to Look Up Omaha Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Omaha, Nebraska. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Omaha Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request Form and provide proper identification.
Omaha Police Department Records Division
505 South 15th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 444-5600
Omaha Police Department
• Douglas County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains arrest records for the county, including those within Omaha city limits.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
3601 North 156th Street
Omaha, NE 68116
(402) 444-6641
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
• Nebraska State Patrol: For comprehensive criminal history information that may include arrests across multiple jurisdictions.
Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
4600 Innovation Drive
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 471-4545
Nebraska State Patrol
• Online Portal Access: The Douglas County Department of Corrections maintains an inmate search function that provides information on current detainees and recent arrests.
• Written Requests: Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.03, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. The agency must respond within four business days.
Processing fees apply to most record requests in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's administrative office. Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order made payable to the respective agency.
Contents of an Omaha Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Omaha law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These records typically include the following elements:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and known aliases of the arrested individual
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; statutory authority under which the arrest was made
• Jurisdictional Information: Arresting agency, badge numbers of arresting officers, and the jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred
• Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including Nebraska Revised Statute citations and offense classification (misdemeanor or felony)
• Case Processing Data: Booking number, court docket number, and initial appearance information
• Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention
• Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification numbers and photograph identification numbers (actual fingerprints and photographs may require separate requests)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and whether the record pertains to an ongoing investigation. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3520, certain information may be withheld if its release would compromise an active investigation or endanger an individual.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Omaha
Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:
• Cases resulting in no charges being filed within one year of arrest • Charges that were dismissed by the prosecutor or court • Cases resulting in complete acquittal or not guilty verdicts • Arrests for minor offenses after the completion of a diversion program • Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Omaha arrests, petitions must be filed with:
Douglas County District Court
1701 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68183
(402) 444-7004
Douglas County District Court
Petitioners must provide:
• Complete personal identification information • Certified copies of the arrest record seeking expungement • Documentation showing case disposition (dismissal, acquittal, etc.) • Sworn affidavit attesting to eligibility under Nebraska law • Filing fee (currently $82.00, subject to change)
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The county attorney's office receives notice and may contest the petition. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record from public view.
It is important to note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings. Additionally, certain professions with licensing requirements may still require disclosure of expunged arrests.
Search Arrest Records in Omaha
