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Online Services
Off Duty Management

 

In order to efficiently respond to requests and manage the employment of off-duty police officers, The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Off Duty Management to provide services related to hiring off-duty officers effective 9/27/2021.

You may request to hire off-duty police officers through the Off Duty Management web-based service, OfficerTRAK®, or calling the toll-free number below.

Off Duty Management provides the following to the vendor:

  • Online access to information through the OfficerTRAK® software including:
    • Job-status
    • Officer attendance
    • Field notes and media files
    • Post orders and instructions
    • Past and future shift information
  • Full liability coverage for the vendor, the agency, and the officer
  • 24/7 vendor service
  • Dedicated point of contact for scheduling and invoicing
  • Officer payroll
Prohibited Off-Duty Employment*:
  • Off-duty work which reflects unfavorably on the Office, or creates an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

RATES:

2 Hours minimum per request.
Title Total Hourly Rate    

Regular

$46.00

Traffic

$46.00

Supervisor

$46.00

Holiday*

$57.50

Emergency**

$51.75

 

*Holiday Rates: Rate will apply to the following days: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

**Emergency Rates:  If request is received less than 72 hours prior to assignment the emergency pay rate goes into effect.

 Cancellation policy:

Once an assignment has been approved and scheduled; vendors canceling or reducing assignments are required to pay the full ODM administrative fees for the first 24 hours of the original assignment. Vendors canceling or reducing assignments within 48 hours of the start of the assignment are required to pay the greater of officer hours worked or the agency minimum hours plus ODM administrative fees for the first 24 hours of the original assignment.

 

 YOU CAN REQUEST SERVICE BY VISITING THE OFFICERTRAK® WEBSITE

OR CALL OFF DUTY MANAGEMENT 24/7 TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-636-8300


Services of this Office

The Assessor's duties are prescribed by Nebraska Statutes, (Chapter 77), and Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Nebraska Property Tax Administrator which have the effect of law.
   
  • Establish and maintain fair and equitable value on all real and personal property within the county. 
  • Attend all meetings of the County Board of Equalization. 
  • Review all applications for religious, charitable and educational tax exemptions.
  • Accept and process homestead exemption applications. 
  • Accept and process personal property schedules.        
  • Verify and maintain a sales file for all property sales within the county.        
  • Respond to requests for information from the public.

Additional services include online property searches and in-office sales file searches.  There may be a fee on copies that are for other than personal use.  Please contact our office for further information.

Legal Resources

Access Nebraska – Apply Online for Nebraska Public Assistance Benefits

Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline – (800) 652-1999

Buffalo County Court

Buffalo County District Court

Buffalo County Public Defender
Jeff Wirth
215 West 18th St.
Kearney, NE  68845
Phone: (308) 236-1245
Fax: (308) 236-1255
The Buffalo County Public Defender represents all indigent defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Buffalo County and District courts, if the penalty for the crime carries possible jail time.

Buffalo County Sheriff

Central Mediation Center

Child Welfare, Juvenile and Adult Protective Services gavel

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Arabic

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Spanish – EL SISTEMA JUDICIAL DE NEBRASKA

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Vietnamese

Get Your Game and Parks Hunting, Fishing, and Park Entry Permit

Family Advocacy Network

Financial Assistance Information

Glossary of Legal Terms

Human Services in Nebraska

Information on the Nebraska Court System in Spanish / Información en Español

Internet Legal Resources

Kearney City Code

Kearney Police Department

Legal Aid of Nebraska
Grand Island Service Office
207 West 3rd Street
Grand Island, NE  68801
Phone: (308) 381-0517 or (877) 250-2018

Legal Aid of Nebraska handles bankruptcy, disability benefits, divorce, custody, eviction, landlord/tenant, wills, contracts, tax problems, welfare benefits, domestic violence victims, assisting trouble with city, state, or federal bureaucracies, consumer, employment, education, juvenile, Indian and Tribal law, farm and ranch, migrant farm worker, and elder law. The agency DOES NOT handle criminal matters, represent incarcerated persons, or take workers compensation, personal injury, or probate/estate cases. Income qualifications apply.

Make Court Payments Online

Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership

National Do Not Call Registry

Nebraska Attorney General

The Nebraska BlueBook – Nebraska's official reference manual, with information about the state's government, geography, economy, history and culture.

Nebraska Board of Parole Lady Justice

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

Nebraska Judicial Branch Self-Help Center – General information, assistance, and links to other sites.

Nebraska Liquor Control Commission

Nebraska Office of Probation Administration

Nebraska State Bar Association

Nebraska State Bar Association Free Legal Information 

Nebraska State Patrol

Nebraska State Statutes Online – Search or browse the Nebraska Constitution and Statutes

Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project – Lawyer referrals

Pay Your Traffic Citation Online

Professional Ethics for Judges

Professional Ethics for Lawyers

Renew Your Automobile License Plates

Renew Your Driver’s License

Rules of the Nebraska Supreme Court

Small Claims Court

Uniform Rules of the Nebraska District Courts

WIC Program

 


Domestic Violence

Purpose:

This Division seeks protection for victims of violence in intimate relationships through aggressive and consistent prosecution of offenders.

The Buffalo County Attorney recognizes the importance of communicating and cooperating with law enforcement and other public and private community agencies that provide services to families, victims, and perpetrators of domestic violence. A specialized Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit, in coordination with other community agencies, provides the best opportunity to achieve the following goals:
  • To stop the violence.
  • To protect the victim from additional acts of violence committed by the Defendant.
  • To protect the children or other family members from exposure to, or possible injury from, domestic violence.
  • To provide restitution to the victims.
  • To hold the offender accountable for their violent conduct.
Policy:

The State of Nebraska has a critical interest in reducing the number of incidents of domestic violence and increasing the number of positive results in domestic violence prosecutions.  

It is the position of the Buffalo County Attorney that the aggressive prosecution of domestic violence is necessary to protect victims and future victims of domestic violence.


Resources and Information


IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, CALL:

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
(800) 799-7233

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
(800) 656-4673

NEBRASKA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
(800) 876-6238

LINEA DE CRISIS EN NEBRASKA (EN ESPANOL)
(877) 215-0167

DO NOT USE E-MAIL TO REPORT CASES OF ABUSE.
IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY CALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IMMEDIATELY.



The S.A.F.E. Center
(The Spouse/Sexual Abuse Family Education Center)
3710 Central Avenue, Suite 10
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 237-2599
(877) 237-2513
http://www.safecenter.org

All Services are Free & Confidential
24-hour Crisis Line
Crisis Support
Emergency Shelter
Support Groups
Supportive Atmosphere
Liaison with Community Agencies
Public Education Presentations
Protection Order Advocacy
Information & Referrals for:
Counseling, Housing, Legal Alternatives, Emergency Assistance and much more!
Follow-up contact


Breaking the Silence: Information for Victims of Intimate Violence

A Victim’s Guide to the Nebraska Criminal Justice System

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)

VINE is a free automated service that monitors the custody status of adult inmates in all county jails and state prisons. You can arrange to receive telephone and e-mail notification when an offender’s custody status changes. Updated information is available 24 hours a day. VINE is available in English and Spanish and supported by 24-hour operator assistance.

The Nebraska VINE service is provided by the Nebraska Sheriff’s Association, Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition, Nebraska Coalition for Victims of Crime, Nebraska County Attorneys’ Association, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Nebraska Crime Commission and CJIS Advisory Committee.

NEBRASKA VINE NUMBER: 877-NE 4 VINE or (877) 634-8463.

Register or Find an Offender Online at www.vinelink.com

A Summary of Nebraska’s Legal System


Other Resources

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coalition (NDVSAC) and Hotline
Brochure
(800) 876-6238

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE (800-799-7233)

US Department of Justice

Violence Against Women Website

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse

National Organization for Victim Assistance
800-TRY-NOVA (800-879-6682)

National Victim Center
800-FYI-CALL (800-394-2255)

National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against Women

National Center for Victims of Crime

Domestic Violence FAQ

What is a crime of Domestic Violence?
A crime of Domestic Violence (DV) is any crime involving individuals who are currently or have had in the past an intimate and/or dating relationship. It may include a physical assault. It may also include, but is not limited to, the following types of cases: damage to property, theft, refusing a request to leave, violation of a protection order, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, etc. 

A police report has been filed and the suspect was not arrested at the scene.  What happens next?
If they were not arrested at the scene and the crime involves Domestic Violence (DV), the police report will be further investigated by law enforcement. If that further investigation reveals sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed, the police will give that information to the County Attorney’s office for review. If the police do not believe a crime has occurred or that there is insufficient evidence to proceed in a criminal case, no further action will be taken.

If the County Attorney’s office believes sufficient evidence exists, appropriate charges will be filed, which may include the prosecutor’s request of the County Court for an arrest warrant for the suspect.

A police report has been filed and the suspect was arrested at the time of the incident or arrested on a warrant, what happens next?
The next step is usually an arraignment hearing. Arraignments are generally done every weekday at 1:30 p.m. on the next business day after the arrest, excluding holidays. The Judge will tell the defendant what they are charged with and the possible penalties. They will be granted an appearance bond, which will require that they have no contact with their victim. That means they are not to visit, telephone, e-mail, text, or in any way communicate with their victim. The accused will have the opportunity to hire an attorney, or be appointed one if they cannot afford one. The defendant may enter a plea of guilty or no contest, and the next hearing will be a sentencing; or a plea of not guilty, and a trial date will be set.

The Judge issued a No Contact Order, what does that mean?
It is a condition of bond in all cases of Domestic Violence, issued by the Judge at arraignment that forbids contact with the listed victim, or victims, until the case is resolved. It is the policy of the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office to uphold and defend that “No Contact Order,” even if the victim does not wish one. The Defendant may be charged with an additional crime if he/she violates that order, and may also have his/her bond revoked or increased as a result of violating said order.

How can I find out if an offender is still in jail?
Contact VINE at 877-NE 4 VINE or (877) 634-8463, or online at www.vinelink.com.

I posted bond for someone, how do I get that money back?
If a Defendant can post the bond, it will be released to the Defendant, regardless of who posted the bond. The bond will be released upon the resolution to the defendant, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

What if I want to drop charges and/or recant the statements made to the Police?
Our office will not drop charges, generally speaking. Charges are filed by the State of Nebraska, not the alleged victim. It is the best interest of the State of Nebraska and the alleged victim to see that any person accused of Domestic Violence be held accountable for their actions.  Domestic Violence poses a danger not only to the victim, but also to the victim’s family and society as a whole. The State of Nebraska has a “no-drop” policy to protect not just the individual victim and to ensure that there is no further violence perpetrated by the accused.

What will happen at a trial?
There are two types of trials: Jury or Bench. A Bench trial is decided by a judge only. A Jury trial is decided by a group of citizens. At both trials there is evidence presented. The witnesses will testify as to what they saw and heard. Evidence may include witness testimony, copies of 911 call recordings, photographs of injuries and the scene, hospital and doctor reports, telephone records, and more. The witnesses will be cross-examined. After all of the evidence is presented there will be a decision of guilty or not guilty.

Will I have to testify?
The majority of DV cases are resolved prior to trial by a plea agreement. However, if such an agreement cannot be reached, you will receive a subpoena that court-orders you to appear and testify at trial.

What could the potential sentence be upon a finding of guilt?
The sentence depends upon the crime charged. Judges have great latitude in sentencing offenders. They may order the defendant to pay a fine, be placed on probation, or serve time in jail or prison, or may order a combination of those things.

As a part of probation, a judge may order the defendant to pay restitution. In order for restitution to be paid, the defendant must be eligible to be placed on probation OR to have posted sufficient bond to pay the requested amount of restitution. Only those victims listed in a police report who have been reported to have damage to property may be given restitution. Victims may be required to submit a victim impact statement and documentation for any restitution they desire. If no restitution is at issue, a victim may, through a victim impact statement, tell the sentencing judge in writing how they feel about the event and what they think ought to be done with the offender.

How do I find out what time/date the trial will be?
Victims and witnesses will be personally notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the trial. Victims and witnesses will receive a letter and legal document called a subpoena that court orders them to appear on the date of trial. It is important to communicate with the prosecutor in preparation for trial.

What if I received a subpoena but cannot testify?
A subpoena is a legal document that court orders someone’s appearance. If that person choose to ignore the subpoena and does not appear, a judge may find them in contempt of court and issue a warrant for their arrest.

If you cannot appear for some legitimate reason, you should call the prosecutor assigned to your case and explain. The prosecutor may then ask the court to continue the trial or hearing, and there may be a hearing on that request. The hearing will be held in front of the judge assigned and the Defendant and his/her attorney will be present. Continuances are only granted in extreme circumstances.
 
What is my role in the case and how/when will I be contacted?
The Buffalo County Attorney’s Office encourages victims to be involved in the legal process. A member of our office or the Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit will contact victims to let them know when a Defendant is scheduled to be arraigned, and also after the arraignment so that they have information as to future court dates, appearance bonds, and any other conditions of a Defendant’s release. 

The prosecutor assigned to the case is also available to answer any questions a victim may have, and to consult with them regarding any potential plea agreements negotiated with the defendant’s attorney. The victim will be notified of any pending sentencing dates or other important hearings.

For information about the status of a case, call the Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit at (308) 233-5263, or call the County Attorney’s Office at (308) 236-1222.

Where can I get help? 
You are not alone in this process. There are several organizations that specialize in domestic violence issues that are waiting to help you through the process. The Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit (308-233-5263) is here to provide support services for you. The S.A.F.E. Center also offers many resources for victims of domestic violence and their families.

How can I get a Protection Order?
If you are in fear of your safety, you may obtain a court order to prevent an individual from contacting you. Information and downloadable forms are available online. Or, contact the Buffalo County Clerk of the District Court to obtain them. The S.A.F.E. Center can be a source of information also. Finally, the Kearney Police Department’s Victim/Witness Unit can provide information.

Child Support

Please understand, the Division represents the State of Nebraska. We cannot represent people who owe child support, nor give legal advice, nor assist you in selecting an attorney. Consult your local yellow pages or other resources for attorneys who practice in this field.

Purpose:

The Child Support Enforcement Division prosecutes individuals civilly for payment of their child support obligations. Under appropriate circumstances, the Buffalo County Attorney's Office criminally prosecutes non-payers of child support.

Nebraska has centralized child support collection and disbursement. All child support payments must be sent to the Nebraska Child Support Payment Center to ensure prompt processing:

Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
P.O. Box 82600
Lincoln, NE 68501-2600
Or online at www.nebraskachildsupport.com.

The Nebraska Child Support Call Center is your source for information and the latest updates about your child support case: (877) 631-9973.

Requests for review and modification of child support orders at least three years old may be made to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 831-4573. If calling from outside Nebraska, call (402) 471-9103. Or online at www.dhhs.ne.gov/cse/cseindex.htm.

Businesses which are under court order to withhold child support and/or spousal support payment from the payroll of their employees should send payments to:
Kissing baby
Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
P.O. Box 82890
Lincoln, NE 68501-2890

About Child Support Enforcement:

The Nebraska Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program is designed to locate non-custodial parents and obtain financial support for their children. The Nebraska CSE Program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. CSE provides the following services:

  • Locate non-custodial parents
  • Establish paternity
  • Establish and enforce medical support
  • Enforce and collect support payments
All parents with minor children who would like child support services are eligible. The CSE Program works closely with these agencies:

  • Nebraska Department of Administrative Services
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Nebraska Department of Revenue
  • District and County Courts
  • Nebraska Department of Labor
  • Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Federal Parent Locator Service
  • Sheriffs
  • Child Support agencies in all states
  • Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
  • Credit Reporting Agencies
  • Nebraska Payment Center
The same location resources and services are available in all states. Interstate cases are more difficult and generally take longer. However, with new federal legislation and more computer links between states, interstate enforcement of child support is improving.
Holding a child
If you are ordered to pay child support:
  • All payments must be made to:
    Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
    P.O. Box 82600
    Lincoln, NE 68501-2600
  • If you pay the other party directly, you may not receive credit for the payment.
  • Child support payments are due on the first of each month and are delinquent the next day. Interest is charged on the delinquent amount after 30 days.
  • Income withholding will be implemented in all cases involving child support whether there is delinquency or not (including unemployment withholding).
  • You MUST pay child support regardless of custody or visitation issues.
  • Health insurance MUST be provided for the child(ren) if ordered by the Court.
  • If you have more than one order or judgment, your payments will be allocated between them. You cannot select which obligation to pay.
  • Not paying child support can result in:
    • State and Federal Income Tax Intercepts
    • Drivers License Suspension
    • Suspend Professional Licenses
    • Suspend Eligibility For Hunting and Fishing Licenses
    • A Report to Credit Agencies
    • Denial of Your Passport
    • Lottery Prize Intercept
    • Liens/Seizure of Property
    • Seizure of Bank Accounts
    • Criminal Charges
    • Jail
If you are ordered to receive child support:
  • You can apply for child support services by contacting your local Health and Human Services office or County Attorney.
  • If you or your child(ren) are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments, the child support will be assigned to the State of Nebraska.
  • DO NOT accept child support payments directly from the non-custodial parent. All payments must be made through the Nebraska Child Support Payment Center in order to be properly credited.
  • If the non-custodial parent has more than one order or judgment, all payments received will be allocated proportionately between them.
  • Your court order may contain language prohibiting you from removing the child(ren) from the State without the Court’s consent. It is your responsibility to know what the Court’s order says and to comply with it. Failing to do so may result in the suspension or termination of child support.
  • Visitation cannot be withheld for non-payment of child support. Withholding visitation can:
    • Affect your child’s well-being
    • Result in a finding of contempt of court
    • Put you in jail Playing in snow
Did you know…?
  • Child support is due through the month that the child turns 19.
  • Employers who fail to comply with incoming withholding notices or who punish or dismiss employees as a result of income withholding are subject to legal action.
  • The County Attorney (or authorized attorney) represents the State and the best interests of the child.  No client/attorney relationship exists.
  • Either party in an action for child support can request that the case be reviewed for possible modification every three years by contacting Health and Human Services, Child Support Enforcement, Review and Modification Unit at (800) 831-4573.
  • Establishing paternity enables your child(ren) to have access to important family medical history as well and financial and emotional support.
If you need further assistance or have questions regarding Child Support Enforcement, contact your local County Attorney or call the Nebraska Child Support Customer Service Call Center at (877) 631-9973. Or write to:
            HHS-CSE
            P.O. Box 94728
            Lincoln, NE 68509
            www.hhs.state.ne.us/cse/cseindex.htm.