ADAMS COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Adams County Public Records?

According to the Nebraska Public Records Act, Adams County public records include all records and documents, regardless of physical form, of or belonging to the State, any county, city, village, political subdivision, or tax-supported district in the State, or any agency, branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council, subunits, or committee of the preceding list. However, where any other statute clearly states that specific information or records from the prior list shall not be made public, such documents do not constitute public records.

Adams County public records include any documents or records derived, owned, or managed by a public agency or held in custody by other entities on behalf of the public body. The right of access of the general public should not be dependent on where the requested records are physically located.

According to Nebraska Public Records Act, 84.712.05, records exempted from public disclosure include the following:

1. Personal data of public employees.
2. Medical treatment records.
3. Records that are protected by the attorney-client privilege.
4. Documents closed by rules of evidence.
5. Criminal investigation records.
6. Trade secrets, academic and scientific research work in progress, and unpublished.

In addition to government agencies, requestors may also obtain county public records from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for extensive searches. Record seekers may opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users can search third-party websites remotely for numerous documents at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Adams County Crime Statistics

The Nebraska Crime Commission publishes the crime index report for all counties in the State. The information comprises data on various crime types and offenses reported by the State's law enforcement agencies, including Adam County's. According to the report, 1,381 cases were reported in 2018. These included 684, 423, and 126 cases of larceny, simple assault, and burglary, respectively. Other reported offenses were 86 motor vehicle thefts, 26 aggravated assaults, 24 forcible rapes, 8 robbery incidents, 3 cases of arson, and 2 instances of death by negligence.

A 5-year analysis of the crime index revealed that the county's total number of reported crimes declined over 3 years, from 2017 to 2018 (-3.91%) and 2016 to 2017 (-3.4%). However, a significant rise in crime was reported between 2015 and 2016, following a decrease of 9.53% between 2014 and 2015.

Are Adams County Criminal Records Public?

By Nebraska State Laws, Adams County criminal history records are a matter of public record and therefore available to the public. However, there are statutory limitations to exactly what the public is allowed to view and receive. Nebraska Statute 29-3523 stipulates conditions under which criminal history records are not public records. These circumstances include the following:

• In the case of an arrest for which no charges are filed as a result of the determination of the prosecuting attorney the criminal history information shall not be part of the public record after one year from the date of arrest.
• In the case of an arrest for which charges are not filed as a result of the completed diversion, the criminal history information shall not be part of the public record after 2 years from the date of arrest.
• In the case of an arrest for which charges are filed, but dismissed by the court on motion of the prosecuting attorney, or as a result of a hearing not the subject of a pending appeal, or following completion of drug problem, problem-solving court, or other approved court order program, the criminal history information shall not be part of the public records immediately upon dismissal or acquittal.

Adams County adult arrest records are public records available to anyone who can demonstrate an “interest” in the subject. “Interest” is shown by paying the fee for the record subject. For instance, an individual may choose to request the arrest records of their babysitter, next-door neighbor, or their daughter’s boyfriend. Requestors should, however, note that by statute, juvenile arrests are not public records and will not be released on a criminal history request.

There are two types of criminal background checks provided by the NSP: name-based criminal history reports and fingerprint-based national background checks. The name-based search is a matter of public records, provided the requestor pays the nominal fee. On the other hand, fingerprint-based background checks are based on the search of the state and national criminal history databases based on a subject’s fingerprint. Fingerprint-based criminal history checks are highly inaccessible to the general public. Requestors can look up the list of approved uses for the national fingerprint-based background checks on the Nebraska State Patrol’s website for information purposes.

Criminal history information of individuals pardoned by the State may also be expunged or sealed and consequently not available to the public. Acquitted persons can apply to the sentencing court to seal all criminal information and any case related to such charges or convictions. Similarly, any person arrested due to the error of the enforcement agency may also file a motion with the district court to expunge the criminal history information associated with such an error. However, criminal record information is available to criminal justice agencies when the subject of the record is:

1. Currently being prosecuted, imprisoned, paroled, or on probation.
2. Is presently an announced candidate for or holder of public office.
3. Has a notarized request for the release of such record to a specific person.

How to Obtain Adams County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

Requestors of Adams County police reports and arrest records may use the contact form on the County Sheriff’s Office webpage to submit a request online for the county’s police reports and arrest records. To make inquiries related to the county’s police reports and arrest records, interested persons may visit the Sheriff’s Office at the following address:

Adams County Sheriff’s Office
Suite 126
Main Floor Courthouse
Phone: (402) 461-7181

Alternatively, requestors can get in touch with the City of Hastings Police Department, Records Division for such preceding documents. Interested persons may email a records request to the Department through its website or visit the front office of the Hastings Police Department at 317 S. Burlington Avenue to submit a completed records request form.

Interested applicants can obtain copies of incident and accident reports for a fee of $5.00 at the Department or obtain accident reports for free on the Hastings Police Department website. Applicants should allow up to 72 hours after an accident for a report to be available. Incident reports are only available by visiting the police department during business hours (8:00 am - 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday). In addition, local criminal history checks are available for $5.00. However, applicants must provide the name and date of birth of the record subject.

Requestors of Adams County police reports and arrest records may also submit a public record request online or mail the request to the Nebraska State Patrol:

Nebraska State Patrol
P.O. Box 94907
Lincoln, NE 68509

Requestors using the written request option should note that information or photocopies take about 4 business days to process. If a request is extensive and would take longer than 4 days, the Nebraska State Patrol would provide a written explanation, a proposed completion date, and an estimated fee for the requested records.

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) may charge a fee for the requested records once the research time exceeds four hours. The NSP policy stipulates that the cost of public records is billed at $38 per hour for computer technician time to the one-half hour and clerk time at $25 per hour billed to the one-half hour. Photocopying costs $0.25 per page. Requestors should note that the NSP may require a deposit prior to the fulfillment of a request if the amount exceeds $50.

Interested individuals seeking Adams County police reports and arrest records must fulfill the following requirements to expedite the process of obtaining the preceding documents:

1. Complete all fields contained in the online submission form as comprehensively as possible.
2. Be as specific as possible regarding the type of record sought i.e., records relating to a fatal accident, or arrest incident.
3. Contact the appropriate agency or division. For example, NSP is not the custodian of vehicle accident reports/photos or a joint investigation of activity.

Individuals seeking Adams County police reports and arrest records may also conduct a Nebraska criminal history check to obtain such records. Interested persons may request a criminal history check through the following means:

• Online;
• In person; or
• By mail

Online: The online request process for a criminal history check follows 4 steps:

Step 1: Requestor’s Information - submission of full name, address, and contact email address.

Step 2: Person(s) of Interest - provide a first and last name, date of birth, sex, and race for all persons of interest.

Step 3: Payment Information - select the payment option and enter details for the selected option.

Step 4: Results - Requestors will receive a “No Record” or “Request is being processed” response.

Requestors using the online service option should note that the service attracts a USD$15.50 non-refundable fee for each person of interest requested regardless of the outcome.

In Person: Requestors may bring their completed Criminal History Record Request form along with a payment in the amount of $12.50 (cashier’s check, personal check, or money order) in person to the Criminal Identification Division Office at the address below:

Investigative Service Center
Criminal Identification Division
4600 Innovation Drive
Lincoln, NE 68521

By Mail: Requestors may mail a completed Criminal History Record Request form along with a payment in the amount of $15.50 (cashier's check, personal check, or money order) to the Criminal Identification Division at the address below:

Investigative Service Center
Criminal Identification Division
P.O. Box 94907
Lincoln, NE 68509

Individuals looking for information on Adams county accident reports can obtain these reports at a cost of $13 plus tax online, by mail, or in person.

Online: Requestors can buy crash reports through the Nebraska Department of Transportation webpage.

By Mail: Applicants should call (402) 479-4645 to find out the correct tax before requesting a report by mail.

In Person: Requestors can visit the address request an Adams County crash report:

Nebraska Department of Transportation Accident Records Division/Highway Safety
P.O. Box 94759
Lincoln, NE 68509-4759
Phone: (402) 479-4645

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Adams County

The Nebraska State Patrol, Sex Offenders Registry Division of Investigative Services is responsible for registering and verifying sex offenders’ movement within the State, including Adams County. Requestors of information on sex offenders in Adams County can search the State Sex Offenders Registry database via the Nebraska Government’s website. Requestors can search for sex offenders information on the repository using these criteria:

• Search by Name
• Search by Region
• Search by Location

Alternatively, persons interested in Adams County sex offenders information may search through the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website or other third-part aggregation websites that offer access to repositories containing sex offenders information.

How to Find Adams County Inmate Records

Requestors of Adams County inmate records may look up these records using the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (DCS) online incarceration records. Interested persons can search through the database using the inmate's name (first and last name) or the DCS Id Number. The search results usually return the following information on inmates:

• Name and DCS Id Number;
• Date of Birth;
• Gender;
• Race;
• Photograph;
• Conviction Description (crime(s) of conviction, county, case number);
• Anticipated Release Date;
• Inmate Housing Location (current location and facility movements, including movement dates, location of parole office maintaining supervision);
• Custody or Supervision Level (whether an offender has been released to post-incarceration supervision, e.g., parole, conditional release, post-release supervision, compact probation, or parole); and
• Institutional disciplinary record (violations for which offender was found guilty).

Interested parties searching for Adams County inmate records may look up individual inmates' records or download all records in the DCS facilities for detailed examination. For further inquiries related to Adams County inmates, requestors can contact the Department of Correctional Services at the address below:

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
P.O. Box #94661
Lincoln, NE 68509-4661
Phone: (402) 471-2654

Adams County Court Records

Requestors seeking Adams County court records need to understand the hierarchical structure and jurisdiction of the respective courts in the county. Adams County court system comprises the district court and the county court. The District Court of Adams County has jurisdiction over all types of cases but usually handles cases beyond the authority of the county court. On the other hand, the County Court of Adams County has limited jurisdiction over specific types of civil and criminal cases, including probate, juvenile, domestic relations, and general civil claims.

Qualified requestors who have met the guidelines and regulations for accessing the county’s court records may submit their applications to the court of competent jurisdiction as listed below:

Adams County District Court
500 West 4th Street, Suite 200
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: (402) 461-7264
Fax: (402) 461-7269

County Court of Adams County
500 West 4th Street, P.O. Box 95
Hastings, NE 68902
Phone: (402) 461-7143
Fax: (402) 461-7144

Are Adams County Court Records Public?

According to the Nebraska Public Records Law, all citizens of the state, and all other interested persons, including Adam County are empowered and authorized to examine and obtain public records of government agencies, except where prohibited by law. Therefore, qualified persons can request and obtain Adams County court records since they are public records except when another statute expressly states that such records should be confidential.

Some of Adams County court records exempted from public disclosure under the State’s Public Record Act are as follows:

1. Records which represent attorney work product or evidentiary privilege.
2. Records developed or received by law enforcement agencies and other public bodies charged with investigative duties.
3. Appraisal and appraisal information and negotiation records concerning the purchase or sale of a public body of real estate property before the completion of the purchase or sale.
4. Trade secrets, academic and scientific research work in progress and unpublished.
5. Personal information in records regarding personnel of the judiciary other than their salaries and routine directory information.
6. Information from public utilities including private citizen account information, credit information and customer lists.

How to Obtain Adams County Civil Court Case Records

Requestors of Adams County civil court case records may access such records electronically (online) or visit the respective courts at the county level with jurisdiction over specific civil case records. To access Adams County civil court case records online, requestors must access the JUSTICE court case search system. The JUSTICE system, maintained by the State of Nebraska Judicial Branch, provides the following information:

• Case Detail: date and outcome of the trial, what was the case about, and who the judge was.
• Parties to the case
• Court cost information, including all fees associated with the case.
• Payments by and to the Court.
• Register of Actions: Anyone can follow everything that’s been done with the case up to, during, and after the case, should it be recorded.

Requestors should note that there is a 2-hour time lag between when a new case is entered into the system and when it appears on the search. Also, requestors must bear in mind that they would not be able to view civil court documents using this service. To view documents online, applicants have to be Nebraska.gov subscribers.

Requestors can search for civil court case records on the platform using the name of a party involved in the case (who is not a witness). Individuals searching the database may select other criteria to narrow down the search. Requestors using this service would not be charged if more than 30 cases are found, but they will need to perform the search again. Once requestors complete the search, they would have access to all the case details resulting from the search for three (3) calendar days. This service costs %15 per search, and searches with no results will still require payment.

Alternatively, requestors of Adams County civil court case records may inquire about such documents from the Clerk of the District Court or the Clerk of the County. The District Court handles all cases involving more than $15,000. As a result, the District Court’s Clerk is the custodian of civil court case records in this category. Civil and small claims court records are handled by Adams County Court and the Clerk of the County Court. For civil court case records under the jurisdiction of the District Court, requestors may visit the District Court Clerk’s Office or download and complete one of the civil court case records request forms available through the resource link on the webpage of the Clerk of the District Court. The offices of the District Court’s Clerk and the Clerk of Adams County Court are located at the following addresses:

Clerk of the District Court
500 West th, Suite 200 (Second Floor Courthouse)
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: (402) 461-7264
Fax: (402) 461-7269 (Fax)
Hours: 8:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m (Mon-Fri)

Clerk of the County
500 West 4th St.,
Suite 109 (Main Floor Courthouse)
Hastings, NE 68901-7657
Phone: (402) 461-7107
Hours: 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m (Mon-Fri)

How to Obtain Adams County Criminal Court Records

Requestors of Adams County criminal court case records may obtain these records through the following means:

• Through the JUSTICE court case search system, or
• The records custodian with jurisdiction over such criminal court case records.

Interested persons may choose to access criminal court case records for Adams County by searching through the database of the JUSTICE court case search system. The records in this repository consist of all 93 of Nebraska’s county and district courts, including Adams County. The service provides the following information for up to 30 cases at a time:

• Case summary
• Parties to the case
• Offense Information (criminal only)
• Financial information (costs/judgments assessed and paid)
• Register of actions – a listing of documents filed by attorneys, court hearings, judge orders entered, etc.
• Judge notes (if applicable)

However, requestors should be aware that they would not be able to view court documents using this service until they become paid Nebraska.gov subscribers. Requestors can search the database using the name of a party involved in the case (who is not a witness) and select other criteria to narrow the search. However, requestors should avoid narrowing down their search unless searching by name results in more than 30 cases found. Users of this service will not be charged if more than 30 cases are found per search, but they will have to perform the search again. Upon completion of a search, a requestor of criminal court case records will have access to all the case details resulting from the search for three (3) calendar days. The service costs $15 per search. Users of this service should note that there is a 2-hour time lag between when a new case is entered into the system and when it appears on the search.

Additionally, Adams County criminal court case records requestors may download and submit a completed request for file copies or certified copies from the State of Nebraska Judicial Branch. Applicants are to direct the request to the Clerk of the District Court or the County Clerk depending on the court with jurisdiction over the records. Other information to be provided on the form include the following:

1. Case Number
2. Case Name
3. Name and Date of Document

Requestors should note that the following costs will apply and must be prepaid. A requestor must select only one of the options below:

• Electronic (emailed) non-certified copies (no charge).
• Mailed non-certified copies are $0.25 per page.
• Electronic (emailed) certified copies are $1.00 per request.
• Mailed certified copies are $1.00 per seal and $0.25 per page.

Applicants must also fill in a detailed address for receipt of the requested criminal court case records. The contact addresses of the county and district courts of Adams County are as follows:

Adams County District Court
500 West 4th Street, Suite 200,
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: (402) 461-7264
Fax: (402) 461-7269

County Court of Adams County
500 West 4th Street, P.O. Box 95
Hastings, NE 68902
Phone: (402) 461-7143
Fax: (402) 461-7144

What are Adams County Vital Records?

Adams County vital records consist of government records of vital events that took place within the county’s jurisdiction. Nebraska Office of Vital Records preserves and maintains vital records for Adams County. The records maintained by the Office of Vital Records are issued as legal certified copies and printed on multi-colored security paper with a digitally enhanced state seal.

Divorce Records: Adams County divorce records contain all documentations concerning a party’s legal separation. Requestors of the county’s divorce certificate may submit an application form online or print out, fill, and submit a completed application form via mail to the Department of Health Services. Requestors can apply for certified copies of the county’s divorce certificate from 1909 to the present day from the Nebraska Office of Vital Records. For divorce certificates prior to 1909, requestors are advised to contact the Adams County District Court. For further information on eligibility requirements and guidelines for obtaining Adams County divorce certificates, requestors may wish to visit the website of the State Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records Division.

Alternatively, requestors may choose to visit or direct their inquiries to the Office of Vital Records at the following address:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
301 Centennial Mall South,
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
TDD (Telecommunication for the Deaf): (800) 833-7352

Marriage Records: Requestors of Adams County marriage records should apply to the Office of Vital Records for the county’s marriage certificates from 1909 to the present. However, for older marriage certificates, requestors are advised to contact the County Clerk’s Office or the State Historical Society (P.O. Box 82554, Lincoln, NE 68501). Interested individuals in the county’s marriage certificates may apply online (applications may be charged to a credit card) or mail a completed application form with a $16 check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Records. Persons interested in Adams County marriage records who are not the subject of the records must show proof of relationship. For instance, when requesting a parent’s marriage record, the applicant must tender a birth certificate with the parent’s name showing on the birth certificate as proof. The physical addresses of the agencies where requestors may obtain Adams County marriage records are as follows:

County Clerk (Adams County)
500 W. 4th St.,
Suite 109 (Main Floor Courthouse)
Hastings, NE 68901-7657
Phone: (402) 461-7107
Hours: 9:00 to 5:00 (Mon-Fri)

Department of Health and Human Services,
Office of Vital Records Division
301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln
NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
TDD: (800) 833-7352

Nebraska State Historical Society
P.O. Box 82554,
1500 R Street (Headquarters)
Lincoln, NE 68501
Hours: Mon-Fri (9:00 a.m-4:30 p.m)
Sat-Sun (1:00 p.m-4:30 p.m)

Birth Records: Requestors can obtain Adam County birth records from the Nebraska Office of Vital Records. A requestor can apply online (application may be charged to a debit/credit card) or by mail to get the county's birth certificate. Applicants for birth certificates via mail must complete a Birth Certificate Application Form as well as send a $17.00 check or money order payable to the Vital Records Division (no credit cards). Requestors who desire to obtain birth certificates other than theirs must show proof of relationship. For instance, an applicant requesting a parent's birth certificate must provide their birth certificate, showing the parent's name as proof.

For further information on eligibility requirements and guidelines for obtaining Adams County birth records, requestors may visit the Department of Health and Human Services website. The Department's contact address is as follows:

301 Centennial Mall South,
First Floor, Lincoln,
NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
TDD: (800) 833-7352

Death Records: Adams County death records requestors may obtain such documents from the Nebraska Office of Vital Records, Department of Health and Human Services. Adams County death records comprise death certificates and amendments to death certificates. Interested persons can only apply for the death certificate of a spouse, a parent, or a child. Applicants for the county’s death certificates can fill a form online or mail a completed Death Certificate Application Form or Death Certificate Amendment Form to the Department of Health and Human Services, along with a $16.00 check or money order, payable to the Office of Vital Records (no credit card), and a photocopy of the applicant’s government-issued photo ID.

Requestors applying for a death certificate for a parent or spouse must fulfill the following conditions:

• When requesting a parent’s death record, provide their birth certificate showing the parent’s name as proof.
• When ordering a spouse’s death certificate, provide a copy of their marriage certificate.

For further information, requestors may contact the Office of Vital Records at the address below:

301 Centennial Mall South,
First Floor, Lincoln,
NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
TDD: (800) 833-7352