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NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

NDCS facilities offer opportunities, experience through work release, work detail

October 29, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-30)

CONTACT Cara Wilwerding, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | cara.wilwerding@nebraska.gov

Oct. 29, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – There are many challenges associated with re-entering society following incarceration. Finding employment is one of them. But, opportunities provided through two Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities offer participants the type of training they need to transition back into the community and become successful.

“They’re getting back into the rhythm of working again,” said Lorna Ellinger, unit case worker at the...Read more

Possible excessive force under investigation

October 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-29)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

October 22, 2018 (TECUMSEH, Neb.) On Thursday, October 18, 2018, a staff member from the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) was suspended pending an investigation into a suspected excessive use of force.

“Force was necessary in the incident as the inmate was combative and aggressive,” TSCI Warden Brad Hansen said. “We are looking into whether the level of force used was appropriate.”

Upon review of reports and video, it was determined an investigation was necessary. Further...Read more

NSP staff members treated for injuries in separate assaults

October 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-28)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

October 5, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) Two separate inmate assaults have resulted in serious* injuries to staff members at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP).

The first occurred on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Staff members were called to respond to an unruly inmate who was trying to open a secure door. The inmate refused commands to stop and assaulted the officers as they were attempting to restrain him. One staff member was treated at the hospital for a fractured thumb....Read more

Chemical fire quickly extinguished at TSCI​

October 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-27)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

October 2, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, A fire resulting from a chemical spill was quickly extinguished this morning at Tecumseh State Correctional Institute (TSCI). There were no injuries to staff members or inmates.

The fire started inside a chemical closet in the wood shop. A chemical liquid spilled on the floor and rags were used to absorb it. Due to the fumes, those inside the shop evacuated. The rags spontaneously combusted.

Damage from the fire was limited...Read more

Director Frakes appoints deputy director for programs division

September 21, 2018

September 21, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes announced the appointment of Dawn-Renee Smith as the deputy director for programs at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).

Smith’s role will include oversight of the community corrections facilities, classification and transportation, volunteers, non-clinical programming, reentry services, and quality assurance.

“Our emphasis on programming cannot be overstated,” added Director Frakes. “We have built several goals around boosting programming into the agency’s new strategic plan. We know that giving people the tools that they...Read more

NDCS submits biennial budget request and strategic plan to reduce agency turnover, improve parole eligibility

September 17, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-24)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

September 17, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes submitted the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services’ (NDCS) budget request for fiscal years 2019-2020 (FY20) and 2020-2021 (FY21). Included in the budget submission is the agency’s 2019-2023 strategic plan.

“The work of NDCS is wide-ranging and identifying our customers is central to our strategic plan,” Director Frakes said. “The safety of our team members and the people we incarcerate is...Read more

Inmate Dies at Nebraska State Penitentiary

September 10, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-23)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

September 10, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Elijah Jones, #35083, died today at 4:09 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Mr. Jones was serving a life sentence for first degree murder. He was sentenced to a life sentence in Douglas County.

While cause of death has not been determined, Mr. Jones was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will...Read more

Incident resolved after inmates refuse to return to cells, one inmate assaulted

September 7, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-22)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

September 7, 2018 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Today, shortly before 10 a.m., the cell doors on a 16-cell single-person restrictive housing gallery at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) were opened in error. The doors are operated by a computerized system. The cause of the error is under investigation.

The inmates were in their cells and were directed to remain in inside. The inmates came out into the gallery and refused to return to their cells. No staff members were on...Read more

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