The Merrick County Jail is a 20 bed jail in the city of Central City, Merrick County, Nebraska. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 308-946-2345.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Nebraska State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 308-946-2345, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Merrick County Jail at 308-946-2345 to get it.
Phone: 308-946-2345
Physical Address:
1821 16th Ave.
Central City, NE 68826
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Merrick 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 308-946-2345 for the information you are looking for.
Merrick 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 Merrick 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 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
The Merrick County Jail maintains an average of 20 offenders in custody on any given day. The Merrick 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 Merrick County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 400 offenders.
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The 20-bed Merrick County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Merrick County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.
It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 308-946-2345, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.
Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.
Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.
The Merrick County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.
Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.
Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.
Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.
Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Merrick County Jail?
What happens during booking in Merrick County?
What is the booking process like at the Merrick County Jail?
What kind of questions are asked during booking?
How long does the Merrick County Jail booking process take?
What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Merrick County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 308-946-2345.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Merrick County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Merrick County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Merrick County and other Nebraska and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Merrick County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so.
To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 308-946-2345 during business hours.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Merrick County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Does Merrick County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Merrick County?
Who can set bail in Merrick County?
When is bail set in Merrick County Nebraska?
Yes, Merrick County recognizes bail, however, does not permit bail bond companies to operate in the state. Bail is offered as either a personal recognizance or 10% cash bail. Nebraska does not permit property or surety bonds.
During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. Judges in Nebraska rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Merrick County judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
Nebraska does not allow private bond companies but rather the county courts and jailer process the paperwork needed for the bond. The defendant can either pay the full cash amount or ask the court for a cash percentage bond where the defendant pays 10% to the court, which is not returned and covers court costs. The full bail amount will become due if the defendant does not show to court and the court could issue a warrant for arrest with the Sheriff’s department.
There may be other conditions for release in addition to the bail amount. Conditions usually include drug testing, abstaining from drug and alcohol use, meeting with a Pretrial Release officer and having no contact with the victim.
Merrick County recognizes either full cash payment or a cash percentage bond where the arrested pays 10% to the court.
For misdemeanor cases, bail is set according to an established schedule by the officers processing the booking. Felony cases require a judge to set bail.
For misdemeanor cases the bail is set according to a schedule and that information will be available during booking. Felony cases require a bail hearing in front of a judge. This hearing is normally scheduled for the next available court date. According to Nebraska state law, the hearing must be scheduled within 48 hrs. of arrest.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail? What is the Schedule?
1821 16th Ave.
Central City, NE 68826
308-946-2345
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 308-946-2345 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
Merrick County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail?
To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Merrick County, visit our full page guide.
NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Merrick County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Merrick 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 #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
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
The Merrick County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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 Merrick County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
For inmates receiving mail in the Merrick 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 Merrick County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Merrick County Jail
1821 16th Avenue
Central City, NE 68826
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 Merrick County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Merrick County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Merrick County follow these instructions:
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Merrick County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Merrick County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrick County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 308-946-2345 for further assistance.
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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Merrick County?
This facility, known as "Merrick County Jail" is also known as Merrick County Jail & Sheriff, Merrick County Jail & Sheriff , Merrick County Jail & Sheriff , Nebraska, Merrick.
