Dawson County Sheriff, Nebraska and County Jail Information

Dawson County Sheriff

Updated on: February 1, 2024

In the state of Nebraska, sheriffs are elected every four years. Currently, Ken Moody is the head law enforcement officer, Dawson County Sheriff. The sheriff’s offices are located at 709 North Grant Street, Lexington City, in the Western area of Nebraska. Dawson County Sheriff’s Office offers services for both people living and visiting Dawson County. There are two lieutenants, besides the sheriff and the chief deputy; one tasked with the Investigations Unit, Civil Process, and Road Patrol. The second lieutenant is in charge of courtroom and jail operations.

Investigations Unit

The investigations unit has three certified investigators who work on a full-time basis. The sergeant supervises the others under his command. Responsibilities in this unit include; investigating crimes, participating in the South Central Area Law Enforcement Services and the Cooperative Drug Enforcement task forces. The two deputies mainly handle civil services.

Road Patrol Unit

This unit has 12 certified deputies working supervision of two sergeants. Their responsibilities include; traffic enforcement, village ordinance enforcement, and receiving distress public distress calls.

Communications Unit

This unit has a staff of 9 full-time officers, a supervisor, and two part-time dispatchers. Dispatchers are in charge of all radio traffic for area police, calls communications, rescue, and fire.

Corrections Unit

This unit has 35 employees. Some are certified law enforcement deputies; five sergeants are in charge of overseeing the operations of this unit. Their responsibilities include inmate care, enforcement, and Dawson County Jail security, among others.

Administrative Services

Dawson County Sheriff’s Office provides the following services;

Vehicle Inspections

If you need a vehicle inspection, bring with you a driver’s license and an original or a certified copy of the title issued at the treasurer’s office of the vehicle. This service is available weekdays 8.00 am- 4.00 pm at a fee.

Firearm purchase license

If you are considering buying a firearm in Nebraska, then check the procedure on the website.

Accident reports

Dawson County Sheriff’s office provides accident reports at a fee. Send a request if you need one.

Background checks

Background checks service is available on weekdays 8.00 am -4.30 pm at a fee. To be served, you will be required to provide a photo ID with the date of birth on the ID.

Distress warrants

Distress warrants are sent out every year, on 1st November. If in need of one, you can make payment at the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is done on weekdays at 8.30 am-11.30 am and 1.30 pm-4.00 pm at a fee.

Dawson County Law Enforcement Center

The Dawson County Law Enforcement Center is a county jail located at 709 North Grant Street, Lexington City, NE, 68850. It is a medium-security facility that houses both male and female adult inmates. The facility records about 3228 bookings in a year, all of whom are from Dawson County. The Dawson County municipal police department arrests the inmates. Currently, the facility houses more than 126 prisoners. The majority of the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center inmates are here for their entire sentence of not more than two years.

Conviction and Sentencing of Inmates

An inmate is transferred to the Nebraska State Prison System or Federal Bureau of Prisons when convicted and sentenced to a year or more. Inmates convicted of minor offenses are sentenced to serve their terms in jail, usually for not more than a year. Illegal immigrants convicted of a federal or state crime are usually incarcerated to serve their terms here, then the inmates are transferred into ICE custody for deportation.

Sexual Abuse Protection

Dawson County Jail, through PREA, ensures no form of sexual abuse or assault takes place in the jail. Dawson County Jail is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the employees, inmates, and any stakeholder in the facility. This is done by observing a Sexual Abuse and Assault Prevention and Intervention Program. This program ensures effective procedures for monitoring allegations or incidents of sexual offenses.

Inmates Welfare

Both inmates and their families or loved ones are allowed visitations, send and receive calls and emails. Inmates are entitled to receive commissary money. Inmates are assigned paid duties within the facility. These duties may include doing laundry and kitchen duties. The facility provides individual counseling for both inmates and staff. Additionally, the facility offers religious services. Apart from incarceration, the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center also provides several support programs, including religious programs, educational programs, and volunteer services.

Prison Staff

Dawson county jail has a staff of about 24 staff members. They are all under the Dawson County Nebraska Sheriff and are in charge of day-to-day operations in the facility. Dawson County Law Enforcement Center trains its employees continuously.