Dawson County Jail
Dawson County Jail
Twenty-four hours a day, the 126-bed Dawson County Jail provides inmate information at 308-324-2279.
This facility serves as the booking center for the county. People arrested for misdemeanors and felonies are brought here for booking and processing, and those who are detained stay until they post bond, are released on their own recognizance, or are held until their trial concludes.
You can view the current jail roster with the inmate search tool.
Anyone sentenced to less than one year serves the sentence in this jail. Anyone sentenced to more than one year is moved to the Nebraska State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides details on inmate services, including the visitation schedule, sending money, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
Record the inmate’s booking number or jail ID for future use. If you can’t find it online, call Dawson County Jail at 308-324-2279 and staff can help.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Dawson County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 308-324-2279 for the information you are looking for.
Dawson County Jail Inmate Search
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Dawson County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
The Dawson County Jail maintains an average of 126 offenders in custody on any given day. The Dawson County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Dawson County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,520 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe second story curved balcony of the 126-bed Dawson County Jail ensures that the red brick and white concrete building stands out from its surroundings. Housing both the Dawson County Sheriff Office and the jail, it is this building that houses all of the arrestees in the county, of both felony and misdemeanor offenses for men and women, and where they will remain until they make bail or finish their trial. As a pretrial facility, most inmates are not at the jail for long, and they will serve their sentences at an alternative facility.
The jail may be contacted with any concerns or questions about the status of an inmate by calling 308-324-2279 and they also keep an online listing of all inmates, and it is updated frequently. As part of the booking process inmates are assessed for past incarceration and charges and are assigned to a housing unit that is not also housing someone involved in the same case, they will be housed based upon their gender, and they will be placed with others who are facing similar charges to maintain the safety of the facility and everyone in it.
To meet the needs of each offender there are healthy meals, laundry services, common areas to eat and socialize, access to medical and mental health care as determined by their assessment and on an ongoing basis, access to telephones and mail, and the opportunity to have visitors.
Personal property is not permitted, and all clothing and hygiene items must be purchased through the commissary, which is supported by their family or their friends who are not incarcerated by their mailing in money orders or taking them directly to the jail. Only glasses and other medical devices as well as prescription medication in original packaging from the pharmacy are accepted. You may pick up inmate property (cell phone, keys, driver's license, etc.) during visitation hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 8:30AM-11:30AM and 1:30PM-4:00PM.
To send a money order or to send letters to an inmate they are delivered by the Postal Service and accepted and replied to on weekdays only, with a full return address to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Dawson County Jail
709 N. Grant St
Lexington, NE 68850
Magazines and paperback books only may be sent directly from the publisher only. Any photographs that are appropriate and permitted and greeting cards will be photocopied and provided to the inmate that way while the originals will be placed into their personal property for when they are released.
The Dawson County Jail uses a tablet program to provide fast and easy communication between inmates and their families and friends. These allow access to messaging, phone calls, and video visits. First an account must be created and this will allow the other functions and will permit approved visitors to schedule a visit and to attend, while those who are unable to access from offsite will be able to access the visitation kiosk in the lobby.
Onsite visits occur Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4pm. Online or remote visits are every day of the week 8am-9pm.
- Jail (Main): 308-324-2279
How booking works at Dawson County Jail
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Dawson County Jail for booking. This process includes identifying them, deciding on charges, and determining if they will be eligible for bail or held until court.
It's important to stay silent during this process, as any statements made may be used in court. Legal advice should be sought before speaking about the case.
The following steps make up the booking process at Dawson County Jail:
- Verification of personal details.
- Taking mugshots for identification purposes.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
- Possible DNA collection if required.
- Search of the individual.
- Confiscation of personal property.
- Providing a phone call.
For more information on paying an arrestee’s bond, contact Dawson County Jail at 308-324-2279.
Paying bail for someone in Dawson County
After being arrested and booked into Dawson County Jail in Lexington, the arrestee's situation will proceed in one of three ways:
1. They may be released without bail and required to attend a court hearing.
2. They may be held in custody until their court date.
3. Bail can be posted for their release; call 308-324-2279 for the exact bail amount.
There are multiple ways to pay bail.
- Cash bonds are paid in full at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, accepted as cash, cashier's check or money order, and many jails let you pay by card at a lobby kiosk or with an online bond vendor for a fee; have the inmate's full name and booking number when you go, and the jail is at 308-324-2279.
- Licensed bail bond agents in Dawson County can facilitate the process.
- Many courts accept a home or land as collateral for bond, as long as the owner proves clear title and equity at least equal to the bond amount (often twice it) with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the pledge.
To get more information on the bail process in Dawson County, Nebraska, visit the Dawson County Jail Bail FAQ.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Dawson County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
709 North Grant Street
Lexington, NE 68850
308-324-2279
- Visits are 30 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 308-324-2279 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 308-324-2279 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| TUESDAY | 8:30AM - 11:00AM 1:30PM - 4:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:30AM - 11:00AM 1:30PM - 4:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:30AM - 11:00AM 1:30PM - 4:00PM |
Dawson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Dawson County Jail
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- Schedule a visit.
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail?
Dawson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Dawson County Jail
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- Schedule a visit.
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail?
How to Deposit Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Dawson County Jail
Inmates are allowed to have an account at the facility in order to purchase commissary items such as snacks, hygeine products, phone cards and stationary. These are the instructions on how to deposit money with them, pick up money they had with them when they were arrested, and how much money they need.
For complete information on inmate money and commissary issues, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail?
How Do Inmates in Dawson County Jail Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Dawson County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
- Dawson County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
- Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678.
- Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
- Services for Dawson County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Dawson County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail, and what can I send them?
Dawson County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Dawson County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Dawson County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Dawson County Jail
709 N. Grant St
Lexington, NE 68850
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Dawson County Jail
709 N. Grant St
Lexington, NE 68850
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Ask the Dawson County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Dawson County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Dawson County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Dawson County Jail
709 N. Grant St
Lexington, NE 68850
Dawson County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Dawson County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Dawson County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Dawson County Jail
709 N. Grant St
Lexington, NE 68850
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Dawson County Jail provides an in-house commissary service for inmates to use money in their account to purchase snacks, hygeine products, phone cards and stationary supplies.
- Commissary purchases are allowed at least once per week.
- There is a limit of $300 per month that any inmate can spend on these products.
- Instructions on how to deposit money is listed below.
How to Deposit Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Dawson County Jail
Inmates are allowed to have an account at the facility in order to purchase commissary items such as snacks, hygeine products, phone cards and stationary. These are the instructions on how to deposit money with them, pick up money they had with them when they were arrested, and how much money they need.
For complete information on inmate money and commissary issues, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Dawson County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Dawson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.
Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
Here's how it works:
- First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
- When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.
- These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
- It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
- The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.
Cost of Chirping:
- If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text.
- If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Dawson County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Dawson County Jail follow these steps:
- Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Dawson County, by creating an account.
- Select Nebraska, then select Dawson County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
- Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
- If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
- NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.
- Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
- This product allows Dawson County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
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Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Dawson County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Dawson County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Dawson County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Dawson County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture.
- Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Register here. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
Questions:
- By phone - 877-998-5678
Dawson County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
- Register here. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
Questions:
- By phone - 877-998-5678
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dawson County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-324-2279 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Dawson County?
Nearby counties
This facility, known as "Dawson County Jail" is also known as Dawson County Jail , Dawson County Jail , Nebraska, Dawson.