Polk County Jail – Osceola, NE

Polk County Jail is located in Polk County and is the main jail for that region. Know someone in jail at Polk County Jail? This site tells you info about everything one might want to know about Polk County Jail: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Polk County court information. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give info that you’ll need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you know someone in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you need to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Polk County Jail you will need to click on their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Polk County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can find info on anyone arrested and processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their inmate information faster if you enter the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for may be at another county jail you can check our guide to other Nebraska jails: List of all county jails in Nebraska

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is the photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the Polk County Jail website, or you can view them at the Polk County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to put in the inmate’s name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken off of the Polk County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you’re locked up, your main thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not leave the area.

Typically, a prisoner will earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to jail each day after work, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Polk County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its really easy. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman might request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, must answer a number of questions, such as your full name, street address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a telephone call in order to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Do you know any secrets that will help other people to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. This process can take between 30 minutes to all day. So, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged. It also will depend on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a release date, you should expect to be discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to start your sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like a driver’s license or ID, prescription medication, and a official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail. This information will be entered into a Visiting log as an approved visitor. All visitors must provide identification. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Polk County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so it would be wise to double-check the official site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (402) 747-2231

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You should write or type the name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read and examined by staff, and the mail will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Polk County Jail is:

Polk County Jail
251 N Main Street
Osceola, NE 68521

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Polk County Jail
251 N Main Street
Osceola, NE 68521

The inmate mail policy at Polk County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the court system in your county. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on this subject, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Polk County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. All Public Defenders are real lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You can access court records via the Polk County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the jury’s verdict. All court records associated with your court case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case. They do a number of things, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will consider when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Don’t forget that you should ask to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records on the Polk County jail website or you are able to call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Polk County jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these by contacting the Polk County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access this information on the website, but bear in mind that you won’t find the actual address, but only the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and all documents and filings filed in the case. You can access court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to courthouse and inquire, or check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, usually won’t be able to see if someone had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving records, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Polk County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Polk County Jail is very scary, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm each morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Polk County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Polk County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send money to jail inmates changes, so double check the the Polk County Jail website before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Polk County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Polk County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Polk County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to share your story

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone at Polk County Jail?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to find someone you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to someone at Polk County Jail


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