NEBRASKA — Nebraska’s correctional system is grappling with severe overcrowding and critical deficiencies in mental health care, according to a decade of reports from the state’s Inspector General of Corrections. Operating at 140% capacity, the state’s prisons are struggling to provide adequate conditions and care for inmates, with facilities like the Omaha Correctional Center housing double their intended population.
Inspector General Doug Koebernick highlighted the dire situation, stating, “When you have an overcrowded system, there’s going to be different parts of the system that are more overcrowded than others.” He noted that facilities designed for 400 people are now accommodating 800, leading to inadequate space and resources.
Mental health care is a significant concern, with psychiatrist and psychologist positions remaining unfilled for months. The 2025 Annual Report from the Inspector General underscores the critical staffing shortages, leaving vulnerable inmates without necessary treatment.
Sen. Carolyn Bosn emphasized the importance of expanding community corrections facilities to reduce recidivism, stating, “It’s really important in reducing recidivism—the job skills, educational background.”
The state plans to build a new penitentiary, projected to hold 1,512 beds at a cost of $350 million, with completion expected by August 2028. However, Koebernick cautioned that simply adding more beds won’t solve systemic issues. “The new prison will hold about 1500 people… So we’re only gaining a couple hundred extra beds,” he said.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. A new mental health director has been appointed, focusing on filling vacant positions and improving care. Koebernick noted, “Right now I think we’re seeing an uptick where it’s getting better.”
As Nebraska moves forward, the question remains whether these efforts will be enough to address the longstanding issues within its correctional system.