Nebraska State Penitentiary

Facility Container

General Information

Warden

Michele Wilhelm

Public Information Officer

Allyson Bennett: allyson.bennett@nebraska.gov

Phone

402.471.3161

Address

4201 S 14th St

Lincoln, NE 68502

Mailing Address

P.O. Box #22500

Lincoln, NE 68542-2500

About the Facility

The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) located in Lincoln, Nebraska is the oldest state correctional facility in Nebraska, opening in 1869. Until after World War I, it was the only adult correctional facility in the state.

During 1980-1981, the existing cellblocks constructed during the second half of the 19th century were replaced by four (later five) modular housing units. A new administrative complex and an EPA approved multi-fuel power plant were also completed at the same time. An existing dormitory building constructed in the 1950's was retained as a medium security facility and two new 100 bed dormitory units were opened in 1998. A 36- bed control unit built in the 1950’s was previously used as a high security segregation facility. In 2020, steps were finalized to transform that space to Minimum A custody general population housing for men who work in the facility’s shops. In addition to housing, a dayroom, gaming room and library/study were added. The Industries Plant, Laundry, Religious Center and other support buildings were retained from the older facility as well.

NSP has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 1985.

General Information

The inmate population at NSP consists primarily of inmates ranging in age from 21 and older who are serving sentences of varying length. NSP uses the unit management concept designed to improve control and staff/inmate relationships by dividing the larger institution population into smaller, more manageable groups and to improve and personalize the delivery of rehabilitative services. In addition to maximum and medium security inmates, NSP maintains three housing units with minimum security inmates, including a residential substance abuse unit.

Mail Delivery Notification

Starting July 20, 2020 all personal mail sent to incarcerated individuals will be photocopied and then distributed. This procedure will apply to cards, letters, drawings, envelopes and pictures. Pictures will be copied in color and other items will be duplicated in black and white. Privileged mail (legal correspondence) will not be photocopied and will continue to be opened according to policy, in front of the recipient. This new procedure is part of a pilot project at NSP, designed to eliminate contraband entering the facility through the mail system.

Directions to the Facility

From Interstate 80: Take exit 397 to merge onto US-77 S/Homestead Expy toward NE-2/Beatrice/Nebraska City
Turn left onto Pioneers Blvd; Turn right onto 9th St. to Hwy 2; Turn right onto 14th St.

Visiting Hours

Schedule a Visit at NSP

Schedule a Virtual Visit at NSP

VISITATION INFORMATION

NDCS utilizes a pre-registration process for visitation in all facilities. All visits must be scheduled at least seven days in advance. To select a time and date for visitation, please click the button above to complete the online form.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Be sure to review the following guidelines:

All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list
While health screening procedures are no longer necessary, if you are not feeling well, please consider rescheduling your visit
Wearing of masks is voluntary.
Up to four adult visitors and a reasonable number of children are allowed at each visit, per inmate
If additional adults are attending the same visitation session, you need only complete one registration form. However, be sure to list the full names of all other visitors and include all of the necessary contact information (phone & email) for each person.
Children of any age are permitted, when accompanied by at least one adult. Children’s names should also be included on the form.
All visitation requests must be submitted at least seven days prior to the selected date
Visits are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. You will be notified by email at least three days in advance of your approved visit
Be sure to include alternative dates and times for your visit. If your first preference is already filled, staff will try to grant your second or third request
If you need to cancel a visit for any reason, notify the facility as soon as possible

*** NOTE: You will want to arrive prior to your scheduled visitation time to allow for processing into the facility.

Questions pertaining to any of the information above can be directed to the facility. Contact information is available on this page.

NSP Visiting Schedule

NSP Schedule 6-24-21 crop.png

To view a PDF version of this schedule, click here: NSP Visiting Schedule

Incarcerated persons at the Nebraska State Penitentiary are limited to two visits per month.
Visits may be scheduled in advance, as long as they do not exceed the quota mentioned above.

Facility Visitation Procedures

The link below will take you to visiting procedures that apply to this facility.

Visiting Procedures

Visiting Procedures (Spanish)

Programs

List Container

Programs & Services

Below is a brief record of every available program and service provided by this correctional facility. If it there is any additional facility-specific information pertaining to these programs and services, it will be found under the "Additional Information" tab.

**Please keep in mind that if there is no additional information provided by the facility, the "Additional Information" tab will not be displayed.

Program	Description	Type
Mental Health Outpatient Services	Provides general, individual therapy. Need addressed: Mental Health.	Clinical Treatment
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)	Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment that helps participants develop mindfulness-based coping skills to decrease suicidal and self-harming behaviors. Needs Addressed: Mental Health	Clinical Treatment
Residential Relapse Prevention Program (RRPP)	Residential substance use program with a focus on relapse prevention and reentry into the community. This level of treatment is for individuals who need a higher level of care than an intensive outpatient program offers, but does not require a longer term inpatient treatment. It is typically ideal for individuals who previously completed a residential program, yet continued to use. Need addressed: Substance Abuse	Clinical Treatment
Anger Management High Risk/Need	Anger Management High Risk/Need is recommended for individuals who demonstrate high risk/high needs related to anger/emotional dysregulation. This treatment provides instruction and practice on basic anger control strategies in a group facilitated by clinicians. Needs Addressed: Attitudes; behavior; aggression, mental health	Clinical Treatment
Continuing Care-Sex Offender Program	This program helps participants maintain and strengthen the gains they made in other treatment programs. It also helps participants navigate new challenges and helps support the transition back to a community setting. Needs Addressed: Sex Offender conviction	Clinical Treatment
METEOR	This treatment introduces the concept of stages of change and works to assess and educate participants about which stage they are in and how to move forward. Needs addressed: Attitudes, behavior.	Clinical Treatment
oHeLP Outpatient Sex Offender Program	The Outpatient Healthy Lives Program is available to individuals who are assessed to be at a relatively moderate risk to sexually re-offend. Need Addressed: Sex Offender	Clinical Treatment
Residential Substance Use Treatment: RTC, SAU, COP	Inmates assigned to residential treatment programs have been identified as having serious substance abuse issues. These programs generally last about six months. Need addressed: Alcohol/drug addiction.	Clinical Treatment
Violence Reduction Aftercare	Follow up to the Violence Reduction Program Need addressed: Attitude/Behavior	Clinical Treatment
Violence Reduction Treatment***	The Violence Reduction Treatment is an intensive treatment recommendation for individuals at high risk for violent re-offense. Incarcerated individuals with a high risk to re-offend may include those with strong antisocial beliefs or lifestyle, evidence of psychopathy, and/or instrumental violence. Needs Addressed: Aggression, Attitudes/Behavior	Clinical Treatment
Community Justice Center Victims Impact/Empathy	This program increases a participant's understanding of the harm/damages they caused their victims, communities and themselves. The program also provides an important life skill module that teaches how to become emotionally proficient, which translates into better decision making and reduced conflicts. Needs Addressed: Attitudes; behavior, Life skills.	Non-Clinical Programs
Remodeling My House	Journaling that offers a creative way to examine your personal story. Uses the exercises to express yourself, identify challenges and opportunities, and consider change. Need addressed: Attitudes/behavior, family, outside interest	Non-Clinical Programs
Courage to Change	A series of cognitive-behavioral interactive journals in which participants in Longer Term Restrictive Housing can address their individual problem areas based on a criminogenic risk and needs assessment. Attitudes/Behavior	Non-Clinical Programs
Domesti-PUPS	Participants in Domesti-PUPS train dogs to become service animals for persons with disabilities, pet therapy programs, classroom dogs and education programs. Needs addressed: Pro-social, attitude, behavior	Non-Clinical Programs
Victim Empathy	Increases participant understanding of harm caused to victims and themselves; provides important life skills on how to be emptionally proficient, result in better decisions and reduced conflict. Need address: Attitudes/Behavior, Aggression.	Non-Clinical Programs
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)	MRT is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral intervention which leads to enhanced moral reasoning, better decision making and more appropriate behavior. Needs addressed: Attitudes, behavior.	Non-Clinical Programs
Second Chance Pups	Second Chance Pups selects inmate volunteers to train dogs in basic obedience while providing human socialization and interaction with other dogs. Needs addressed: Pro-social/outside interest; attitudes; behavior.	Non-Clinical Programs
Thinking for a Change	Thinking for a Change is a high-level cognitive behavioral program developed by the National Institute of Corrections. The program uses role playing to concentrate on changing the criminogenic thinking of offenders. Needs addressed: Attitudes; behavior; family; friends; aggression.	Non-Clinical Programs
Destination Dads-Common Sense Parenting	Provides parents with a menu of techniques that will aid them in building positive family relationships; preventing and correcting misbehavior; using consequences to improve behavior. Teaches self-control and how to stay calm. Need addressed: Family	Non-Clinical Programs
Destination Dads-Inside Out Dads	Incarcerated fathers get tools they need to become more involved, responsible, and committed in the lives of their children. Need addressed: Family	Non-Clinical Programs
Prison Fellowship Academy	This 12-month program operates in a mission-specific housing unit and focuses on cognitive restructuring with faith-based content. Needs addressed; Attitudes, behavior	Non-Clinical Programs
Destination Dads-Within My Reach	Critical and concrete tools are provided which help participants improve interactions with those who matter in their lives. Subjects are knowing yourself first, smart love and making your own decisions. Need addressed: Family	Non-Clinical Programs
7 Habits on the Inside	Developed by FranklinCovey in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Corrections, 7 Habits on the Inside uses the principles of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, tailored for the incarcerated individual. The program seeks to empower individuals to manage their own lives in such a way as to be successful in prison and in the community and using the principles of integrity, proactivity, and other key skills. (12 weeks) Needs Addressed: Attitudes/Behavior; Family; Employment; Life Skills	Non-Clinical Programs
Restorative Justice	This program, hosted by the Community Justice Center, emphasizes the importance of repairing harm caused by criminal behavior. Need addressed: Pro-social; attitudes/behavior.	Non-Clinical Programs
The Challenge Program	The Challenge Program (TCP) (formerly known as Close Management Units) is Mission Specific Housing that provides a controlled and highly structured alternative to restrictive housing for individuals who have demonstrated an institutional history of violent and/or Security Threat Group (STG) behavior. TCP is incentive-based and requires participants to engage in non-clinical programming and meet behavior expectations to progress through each phase. Needs Addressed: Attitudes; behavior.	Non-Clinical Programs
Kairos	A leadership experience from a Christian perspective: Needs addressed: Life skills, support, outside interest.	Non-Clinical Programs
Hustle 2.0	A trauma informed mail based correspondence program which explores entrepreneurship, healthy relationships, leadership, criminal thinking, employment, purposeful living, reentry, anger management, character development, victim awareness, persevering, and becoming the solution. Needs addressed: Attitudes/behavior	Non-Clinical Programs
Marriage Builders Program	Married couples come together to strengthen their marriages. Need Addressed: Family	Non-Clinical Programs
Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP)	The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is a workshop that that provides insight on anger and relationships; and new ways to address disagreements. Needs Addressed: Attitudes, behavior, family, friends, employment	Non-Clinical Programs
Adult Basic Education	Adult Basic Education assists adult incarcerated students work toward high school equivalency, or refresh skills regardless of diploma status. Need Addressed: Education	Education Programs
ESL/ELL	English as a second language (ESL) is designed to aid those students not fluent in English learn to speak, read, hear and write the language so they can better function in society. Also prepares for other learning courses. Needs addressed: Education; life skills	Education Programs
High School	NDCS operates its own school district with a high school. Students of all ages may attend high school classes. Individuals under 22 who have not graduated from high school are required to be in school. Students over 22 need to go through an application process. Need addressed: Education.	Education Programs
Adult Secondary Education (ASE)	Helps students prepare for taking the high school equivalency test (GED). Addresses Need Area: Education	Education Programs
Reading Selections and Thoughtful Responses	Reading selections which explore topics of self-betterment and pro-social growth; accompanied by a series of thought provoking questions aimed at assisting in reading comprehension, retention and practical application of learned skills. Needs addressed: Attitudes/behavior	Pro-Social Activities
Harambee African Cultural Organization (HACO)	This self-betterment club provides an opportunity to explore the root of the African American culture and heritage, including the past, present and future. Need addressed: Outside interest, pro-social activity	Pro-Social Activities
Circle of Concerned Lifers	This club is organized and operated by a group of individuals serving lengthy or life sentences, with the focus on mentoring others and lowering recidivism. The club's goals and activities encourage a purposeful life and promote a healthier culture within the facility.	Pro-Social Activities
Advanced Hero's Journey Program	Participants write their own story with themselves as the main character. Needs Addressed: Education; pro-social	Pro-Social Activities
Religious Classses and activities	Variety of classes, workshops and religious services designed to help inmates with support and spiritual development. Needs addressed: Pro-social, support.	Pro-Social Activities
MATA Club (Mexican Awareness Through Association)	Participants in this self-betterment club learn about the religious, cultural aspects, arts, customs, crafts, language, and the heritage of the Hispanic people. Needs addressed: Outside interest and support.	Pro-Social Activities
Narcotics Anonymous	Narcotics Anonymous encourages its members to attend meetings, read and listen to speakers to face the truth and be accountable for their addictions. Need addressed: Drug addiction support; pro-social/outside interest.	Pro-Social Activities
Native Americans Spiritual and Cultural Awareness Group (NASCA)	NASCA is designed to help Native Americans express their uniqueness of cultural and spiritual practices. Participants are given the chance to learn how to sing, pray and dance from a Native perspective. Needs address: Pro-social/outside interest and support.	Pro-Social Activities
Intentional Peer Support	Helps individuals recover from mental illness, addiction, or trauma with the assistance fo someone who has similar life experiences. Needs addressed: Attitudes/Behavior; Prosocial Activities	Pro-Social Activities
Outlaw's Journey Writing Program	The Outlaws Journey Writing Program gives participants the opportunity to be the hero of their life journey, and to be the main character of their own story. Needs addressed: Pro-social and support.	Pro-Social Activities
Sports/Recreation Activities	A variety of activities that encourage health pastimes are offered at all facilities. Please check with recreational specialists for more information. Needs addressed: Pro-social/outside interest; health.	Pro-Social Activities
Toastmasters	Toastmasters empowers people to improve communication and leadership skills, find the courage to change, achieve their full potential, and realize their dreams. Needs addressed: Pro-social; outside interest; attitude; behavior.	Pro-Social Activities
7th Step	7th Step is a self-betterment club which discusses and works on issues of interest such as drug use, family , anger, and other things that hold attendees back from their best selves. Need Addressed: Support	Pro-Social Activities
Veteran's Group	The Veteran's Group aims to assist all veterans and honorary members, including veterans of the United States of America and its Allies Forces in addition to their dependents and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans. The group provides opportunities for veterans to find employment upon release. Need Addressed: Employment	Pro-Social Activities
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)	AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is an organization which encourages members to read, and listen at meetings using the program as an opportunity to face the truth and become accountable for their addiction to alcohol. Need Addressed: Support for addiction and prosocial activity	Pro-Social Activities
My Recovery Song Journal	Explore substance abuse recovery with music by expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas. Addressed need: drug/alcohol, outside interest	Pro-Social Activities
Reentry planning	Clients develop comprehensive reentry plans that include housing/transitional living, employment/education, transportation, ID credentials, medical/mental and behavioral health treatment. Need addressed: Reentry.	Reentry Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Heritage Square	Community based inmates and NDCS Social Workers can work with Vocational Rehabilitation to prepare for reentry Need addressed: Reentry	Reentry Services
Reconnect KEYS (Keep Educating Yourself For Reentry Success	The program is designed to build confidence and accountability, resiliency, problem solving skills for reentry success and personal growth. Need area addressed: employment, reentry	Reentry Services
Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA)	Designed to increase knowledge of sex offender registration laws, how to avoid registration violations and prepare for release with registration laws in mind. Need addressed: reentry	Reentry Services
Discharge Planning	Reentry specialists work with individuals to ensure a reentry plan is completed. The plan allows for a smooth transition to the community and focuses on housing, transportation, employment, education, and medical/mental health services as needed. Need addressed: Re-entry	Reentry Services
Assistance for Social Security Application	Social workers provide assistance in obtaining and completing Social Security applications to individuals who qualify and are 90 days from discharge, post-release supervision or parole. Need addressed: Re-entry for those who may qualify for Social Security benefits due to age or disability.	Reentry Services
Crisis Intervention	Provided on an as-needed basis, clinicians are available to assist individuals in a mental health crisis. Needs Addressed: Mental health.
Individual/Group Psychotherapy	Licensed, clinical therapists provide one-on-one or group therapy sessions as needed. Need addressed: mental health
Risk Assessment/ Psychological Evaluations	Risk Assessments and Psychological Evaluations provide diagnosis clarification, intelligence testing and Dementia screening. Need addressed: Mental Health; education.
Transition Services	Transition Services are available to those transitioning to or from general population or protective management. Mental Health professionals may assists with these services. Need Addressed: Mental Health
Skilled Nursing Facility	On-call Skilled Nursing Facilities manage crises dealing with medical emergencies, behavioral issues and suicide watches. Needs addressed: Health and mental health.
Clinical Treatment Programs	See clinical programs list for more details.
Specialized Housing Services	Social workers provide assistance to individuals with high medical/mental health needs to obtain transitional living, assisted living or skilled nursing care, as needed. Needs addressed: Re-entry	Social Work Services
Community Coordination	Social workers coordinate with a variety of community providers and agencies for mental health services, substance abuse treatment and medical services. Providers include the Veteran's Administration, DHHS, treatment agencies, private practice and non-profit organizations. Needs Addressed: Housing, medical, mental health, basic needs, re-entry.	Social Work Services
Living Needs	Social workers assist individuals with high medical/mental health needs to find clothing resources, apply for benefits or general assistance and other life needs. Needs addressed: Social work services.	Social Work Services
Specialized Population Served	Specialized Population Served offers services for inmates with mental illness or serious chronic medical conditions that are high risk and multi-needs. Needs addressed: Health; mental health	Social Work Services
Medical Services Coordination	Social workers assist individuals with high medical needs to set appointments for medication management, healthcare and provide resources to obtain medical insurance upon release: Needs addressed: Health, mental health, life skills, re-entry.	Social Work Services
Chemical Operator Apprenticeship	Instruction and training to operate or tend chemical equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of institutional janitorial chemical products. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Mental Health Association (MHA) REAL Peer Outreach	Provides ongoing community based support services to participants including advocating and supporting participants who want to find housing; referral and assistance obtaining other community services. Needs addressed: support and life skills	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Mental Health Association Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)	Discusses deescalation; decision making and consequences; how trauma has affected a person; and how to overcome negative ways of dealing with stressful situations and crises. Need addressed: Life skills.	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Associated Linen Management Certification	Teaches skills in the area of laundry management. Need Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC Core Curriculum	This program introduces basic construction safety; construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawing, rigging; communication skills;employability skills, and material handling. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Department of Labor Workforce Development	Helps participants develop a resume, prepare for interviews and work on job skills. Need area addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC Construction: OSHA Construction	This program provides an overview of safety applications on a construction site as well as training on governmental regulations. Need Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Cabinet Maker Apprentice	Apprenticeship for learning carpentry skills. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Welding Apprenticeship	Teaches welding skills. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Furniture Finisher Apprenticeship	Instruction and training in shaping, finishing, and refinishing damaged, warn or used furniture or new high grade furniture to specification. Need Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
RISE	This program targets entrepreneurial-minded individuals and offers intensive leadership development, business plan competitions, executive mentoring, financial investment, and startup incubation. Needs addressed: Life skills; employment, reentry	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Structural Fabricator Assembler Apprenticeship	Instruction and learning to fabricate position, align and fit parts of structural metal parts. Need addressed: employement	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC Construction Virtual Electric	Introduces concepts of basic electrical wiring, presented by classroom instruction, along with hands-on experience by working with virtual electrical panels. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
TRADE Program Core Class	The TRADE Program teaches conflict resolution; critical thinking; communication; personal finance; healthy relationships; basic computer; job preparation. Needs Addressed: Life skills; employment.	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
RISE Continuing Education Program	Continuing education for all RISE graduates. Need Addressed: Employment and Reentry	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC Construction Virtual Welding	Provides training in welding safety, basic welding information and welding defects. Will give participants the tools to make welding corrections. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Life skills Reentry Prep	Individuals gain skills to obtain and maintain gainful employment; to make healthier and more positive choices; to be successful and productive post release. Need addressed: Life skills	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
TRADE Program Welding	Teaches general knowledge of welding skills and techniques specific to MIG welding. Need addressed: employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Compassion in Action Pre-Release Education and Reentry Preparation	The class helps participants realize that although they made mistakes and poor choices, that they are worthwhile and matter. That by investing in themselves through service, they can find fulfillment.	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Machine Operator Apprenticeship	Instruction and training to operate and tender multiple machine tools setters. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Forklift Certification	Training in how to use and operate a forklift. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Goals , Plans, and Strategies for Reentry and Life Success (GPS)	Two learning modules to develop reentry and life skills Addresses: life skills	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Laundry Machine Mechanic	Training in industrial mechanics Needs Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Materials Coordinator Apprenticeship	Training in material handling including shipping and receiving. Need addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Mental Health Association (MHA) HOPE supported employment	Helps people find competitive jobs that are based on the person's preferences and abilities, developing resumes, completing job applications, preparing for interviews. Need addressed: employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC Applied Construction Math	This program provides learning in the area of construction math such as division, decimals/percentages, reading measurements, calculating area, linear measures, angles, volume, solving for the unknown. Need Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Mental Health Association (MHA) Inmate Support	Inmate support is provided inside NDCS facilities by Mental Health Association peers trained in Intentional Peer Support. Needs addressed: Support	Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ABC OSHA General Industries	This course provides entry-level information about employee rights; employer responsibilities; how to file a complaint; how to identify and prevent job related hazards. Need Addressed: Employment	Vocational/Life Skills Programs

Additional Information

The NSP offers a variety of education/rehabilitation programs designed to enhance an inmate's chances for successful community adjustment upon release. These include:

Educational/Life Skills and Vocational Programs
Self-Improvement (Mental Health and Control Unit Program)
Residential and Non-Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
Residential Treatment Community (RTC)
Religious Programming and Self-Betterment Activities
Support Services

The NSP is the site of major components of the Agency's Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) program.

Security Levels: Maximum, Medium and Minimum Custody

Education

(Educational services are provided by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Education)

Adult Basic Education
College Courses
English as a Second Language
General Educational Development (GED)

Life Skills/Vocational:

Employability
Money Smart
Inside Out Dads (Parenting)

Self-improvement:

Non-Residential Treatment Services (NRTS)
Residential Treatment Community (RTC)
Mental Health
Religious Programming (Catholic, Protestant, Native-American, Islam, Asatru/Theodish, House of Yahweh, Thelema, Jehovah's Witness, MA’AT , Buddhist, Latter Day Saints, Native-American and Wiccan)
Self-Betterment Clubs. (Ethnic/Cultural Awareness, Service and Recreational)
The Segregation LEVELS Incentive Program
Second Chance PUPS. For additional information on the dog obedience training program contact: NSP-Acting Public Information Officer Kimberly.McGill@nebraska.gov

Other Support Services available to inmates at the NSP include:

Athletics & Recreation
Recreation Library/Law Library

Cornhusker State Industries

Braille
Furniture production
Metal fabrication
License Plate production
Soap/Detergent manufacturing
Laundry

CSI products/services are available to any governmental and non-profit entities.

Private Venture

There are several Private Venture companies located on Prison grounds, etc. These Inmate-employees, in turn, pay State and Federal taxes and contribute to the costs of their "room and board" at the facility. Part of their income goes into a Victim's Reparation Fund, as well as towards financial support of their families or in savings.

News

NDCS Team Member Spotlight: Damian Hoesing

June 8, 2018

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sergeant Damian Hoesing supervises inmates on the yard at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Hoesing has been with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) for 23 years. His duties as a yard Sergeant include coordinating inmate movement and assigning team members to the many tasks that need to be completed throughout the shift. “My favorite thing about working for the department is the great people I work with,” Hoesing said. #NDCSTeamMemberSpotlightRead more

Inmate Death at Nebraska State Penitentiary

June 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-14)

CONTACT Kimberly McGill, Public Information Officer, Nebraska State Penitentiary

OFFICE 402-479-3227 | kimberly.mcgill@nebraska.gov

June 5, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Cornelius Black Bonnette (72), inmate #34541, died at 10:40 AM on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Mr. Black Bonnette was serving a life-to-life sentence for murder in the 1st degree from Lancaster County. His sentence began on August 23, 1982.

While the cause of his death has not been determined, he was being treated for long-term medical conditions. As is the case whenever an...Read more

NSP hosts Express Yourself Writing Workshops

June 4, 2018

On May 31, award winning musician Linda McRae and her poet husband, James Whitmire, conducted two Express Yourself Writing Workshops at Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Linda is a platinum recording artist who plays guitar, banjo and accordion and was inducted to the 2016 British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame. Their workshops have been conducted from inside Folsom Prison to the Geneva Youth Rehabilitation Center. Participants in the workshops are given tools to unblock creativity, express their most innermost thoughts, improve their writing skills, as well as build self-esteem and self-confidence through their new-found...Read more

NSP honors veterans on Memorial Day

June 1, 2018

On May 28, members of VFW Post #3606 and other veteran supporters rendered military honors with a twenty one gun salute in honor of veterans buried on Grasshopper Hill, which is located at Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Sixteen buried veterans have been identified in the cemetery including William Antony Fitzgerald who was a USMC Sergeant wounded in the Pacific. He was sentenced to five years at NSP in 1955 for a $30.00 bad check. He was a former middle-weight boxer and body guard to Jean Harlow and was married to Hollywood starlet Gloria Dickson.

Eleven incarcerated men graduate from T4C at NSP

May 30, 2018

Eleven incarcerated men graduated from Thinking for a Change (T4C) at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) on May 26. Sergeant Matt Reisdorff and Unit Manager Rowan Taylor instructed the class on how to make positive choices in difficult situations. The graduation was also attended by Inspector General Doug Koebernick. Congratulations, graduates!

CJC completes 69th Restorative Justice class at NSP

May 24, 2018

The Community Justice Center (CJC) completed its 69th Nebraska State Penitentiary (Veterans Unit) “Restorative Justice - Victims Impact/Empathy (Life Skills) Class” on May 22. Eighty eight percent of class participants rated the class Excellent! With seventy percent showing some level of empathy and/or insight in the effects their actions on their victims/community. One individual who participated in the class said, “I now understand the depth of the negative impact of my crime and learned about “Emotional Hygiene” the $1,000,000 Check." With another participant saying, “It answered my question about what is Restorative Justice...Read more

NSP hosts Vets Club Symposium

May 24, 2018

On May 21, Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) hosted the NSP Vets Club Symposium. Lt. Governor Mike Foley was a guest speaker, and spoke of the history of Memorial Day which was originally known as Decoration Day. Lt. Governor Foley also spoke about his experiences at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, in which he told the story of fallen Nebraska Marine Capt. Dustin Lukasiewicz, who was serving in a humanitarian mission in Nepal when his helicopter went down. Lt. Governor Foley called Lukasiewicz “an American hero” who had saved many lives that day already, and was seeking to save one more. Also speaking was Senator Tom Brewer...Read more

NSP holds graduation ceremony

May 22, 2018

On May 14, Nebraska State Penitentiary School (NSP), held its bi-annual graduation ceremony in the NSP visiting room. Graduation ceremonies are held each May and November to celebrate those individuals who have earned their High School Diploma or GED. There were thirteen graduates recognized and they were able to invite five guests to share this special ceremony with them. After the program, graduates and guests, as well as staff, enjoyed cookies and drinks supplied by the NSP Kitchen staff. Pictured are six of the thirteen graduates who were able to take part in the ceremony as well as Education Staff and the guest speaker for...Read more

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