Arrest records in Saunders County, Nebraska are public documents pursuant to Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). These records are maintained as part of the county's commitment to governmental transparency and public safety. The Nebraska Public Records Law establishes that all citizens have the right to examine public records during normal business hours, with reasonable advance notice.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Saunders County Sheriff's Office and the Saunders County Department of Corrections. However, certain exceptions apply to public access, including:
The custodian of records must respond to requests within four business days, as mandated by state law. If access to a record is denied, the custodian must provide a written statement explaining the legal basis for denial.
Saunders County provides limited online access to arrest records through several official digital platforms. The Nebraska Judicial Branch maintains electronic court records that may include information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services offers an online inmate search function that provides information about individuals currently in custody.
Online access to arrest records is governed by Nebraska Court Rule § 1-808, which establishes guidelines for public access to court information. The rule balances transparency with privacy concerns and security risks. Users should note that:
The Saunders County website provides links to various county departments that maintain public records, including those related to arrests and incarcerations.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Saunders County. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712, citizens have the right to examine public records during normal business hours. The following options are available:
Visit the Saunders County Sheriff's Office in person: Saunders County Sheriff's Office 387 N Chestnut Street, Suite 5 Wahoo, NE 68066 (402) 443-1000 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a written request to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office, including:
Access the Nebraska Judicial Branch Case Search for court records related to arrests.
Contact the Saunders County Court for information about specific cases: Saunders County Court 387 Chestnut Street, Suite 5 Wahoo, NE 68066 (402) 443-8107 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Check the Saunders County Department of Corrections for information about current inmates: Saunders County Department of Corrections 387 N Chestnut Street Wahoo, NE 68066 (402) 443-8100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Fees for copies of arrest records are established by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712(3)(b) and may include a reasonable charge for the actual cost of making the copies available.
Arrest records in Saunders County typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Pursuant to Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2, these records must maintain certain standard elements. A complete arrest record generally includes:
The Saunders County Sheriff's Administrative Division maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Records are maintained in the Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) and may be shared with other law enforcement agencies through the Nebraska Crime Commission's information sharing protocols.
Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523, individuals may petition for the removal of arrest information from the public record if:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Saunders County District Court: Saunders County District Court 387 N Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor Wahoo, NE 68066 (402) 443-8112 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Petitioners must provide:
If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies to seal or remove the arrest record from public access. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain legal proceedings as permitted by Nebraska law.