What is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
The state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC when you got the order. If not, your order could be entered into the NCIC if you register it in Nebraska. All law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC database, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protection order in Nebraska?
To register your protection order in Nebraska, you need to present a certified copy of your order either to the Nebraska State Patrol or to the county or district court clerk.1 It’s a good idea to bring your photo ID with you when you register your order. You might also be able to fax your copy to the State Patrol to get it registered. Call the State Patrol headquarters at (402) 471-4545 to find out if this is possible in your area.
There is no fee to register your protection order.2 When your order is registered, the clerk or officer will give you a certified copy of your registered order.3
If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Nebraska for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our NE Advocates and Shelters page.
1 NE ST § 42-936(a)(1), (a)(2)
2 NE ST § 42-936(f)
3 NE ST § 42-936(b)
Do I have to register my protection order in Nebraska in order to get it enforced?
You do not need to register a protective order from another state to get it enforced.1 However, if you register your order in Nebraska, this may help the local law enforcement officers more easily check that your order is valid.
1 NE ST § 42-935(d)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protection order?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Planning page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our NE Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protection order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
You do not need to register your protection order to get it enforced in Nebraska.1 However, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be harder for a law enforcement officer to check if your order is valid. So, it could take longer to get your order enforced.
If you are unsure if registering your order in Nebraska is right for you, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate. An advocate can help you decide what is safest for you. You can find domestic violence advocates in Nebraska on our NE Advocates and Shelters page.
1 NE ST § 42-935(d)
Does it cost anything to register my protection order?
There is no cost for registering your protection order in Nebraska.1
1 NE ST § 42-936(b)