Show All Answers

1. How do I contact the Police Department?

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency situation, call (308) 237-2104.

2. Can I report issues anonymously?

Yes, by using the City's "Access Kearney" system or by calling Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424.

3. Where do I pick up an application for a police officer position?

Applications are accepted only when we begin the process to establish an eligibility list. For further information, go to the employment tab of this website to sign up for notifications of job postings or contact the Human Resource Department at 308-233-3215. Please note you CANNOT pick up an application at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center.

4. How do I request a tour, presentation or ride along?

Tours, presentations and ride alongs can be requested through a form available at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center or by calling (308) 233-5241.

5. How do I report a complaint or commendation for an officer?

Information on how to report complaints and commendations is available under the Office of Professional Standards page. Forms are available online and can also be picked up at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center. For more information call (308) 237-2104.

6. Where do I obtain a copy of my police background report?

Criminal History background requests are not processed by the Kearney Law Enforcement Center unless a subpoena has been issued by the court system requesting this information.

You may receive your Nebraska Criminal History background information by contacting the Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Repository at 402-479-4971 and they will explain the procedure for obtaining the information you need.

7. How do I get my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprints are taken at the Buffalo County Jail located at 1512 Central Ave. Call (308) 233-5282 for more information. Appointment required. 

8. How can I obtain an accident report?

Accident reports can be accessed online by clicking on the link "Accident Reports" below. Reports are also available at the Law Enforcement Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Accident Reports

9. Is there a charge for a copy of a report?

If an accident report is accessed online, there is no fee. Please note the Law Enforcement Center does accept debit or credit cards, excluding American Express.

10. Where do I pay a parking ticket?

Parking citations can be paid at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center. The office hours of the Records Office are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. There is also a drop box located in the lobby if you are unable to come in during those hours. Please note the Law Enforcement Center does accept debit or credit cards.

11. Where do I pay a traffic citation that was issued in Buffalo County?

Uniform Traffic Citations must be taken care of at the Buffalo County Court. The phone number for Buffalo County Court is 308-236-1228 and they are located at the Buffalo County Courthouse, 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska.

12. How can I obtain a Handgun Purchase Permit?

You must purchase a handgun permit from the county in which you reside. A form can be obtained from the Kearney Law Enforcement Center Records Office, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is a fee of $5.00 due at the time of application and one form of identification, with address and date of birth, must also be presented at the time of application. The process does take three full working days and it is required that you return to the Law Enforcement Center to sign the permit once it has been approved. Please note the Law Enforcement Center does accept debit or credit cards.

13. How can I obtain an Itinerant Merchant Permit?

An application can be picked up at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or the application can also be downloaded from the City of Kearney website. In order to receive a permit a person must have an Identification Card/Driver’s License, Federal ID number, State Sales Tax Permit (depending on product) and a State Food Permit (if food is the product). The fee for the permit is $25/day or $250/annual. The annual permit will always run from January 1-December 31. The application process can take up to three working days. Please note the Law Enforcement Center does accept debit or credit cards.

14. When can I get my property back that was taken as evidence?

When property is seized for evidence, it is held through the court process and the County Attorney's Office controls when the item can be released. Once the Kearney Police Department is notified that the property can be released, a certified letter will be sent to the owner advising that the property can be picked up at the Law Enforcement Center during business hours.

Questions regarding the release of property held as evidence should be addressed through the County Attorney's Office. The phone number is (308) 236-1222 and they are located at the Buffalo County Courthouse, 1512 Central Ave., Kearney, Nebraska.

15. How do I get my vehicle back that has been impounded?

Once the Records Office has been notified that a vehicle in our impound lot can be released (either by the County Attorney's Office or by the officer who impounded the vehicle), the registered owner can come to the Kearney Law Enforcement Center and pick up the vehicle. All fees, if applicable, must be paid and anyone driving a vehicle out of the impound lot must have a valid driver's license. If the registered owner is not able to pick up the vehicle, a notarized letter needs to be shown with the registered owner advising who can pick up the vehicle. Please note the Law Enforcement Center does not accept debit or credit cards.

16. How can I apply for a Protection Order?

There is a packet of forms you will need to complete and file with the Buffalo District/County Court Clerk. The protection order packet is available at the Courthouse, Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit or the SAFE Center. You can complete these forms with or without the help of an attorney. You will be asked to provide information on your application regarding the abusive events such as dates, times and locations, past or current court cases and custody issues. There is no cost involved in filing a protection order.