About Chase County
Chase County is located in the southwestern region of Nebraska, covering approximately 896 square miles of the Great Plains. The county seat is Imperial, which serves as the primary governmental and commercial center for the county's approximately 3,700 residents. Established in 1886 and organized in 1887, Chase County was named after Champion S. Chase, a former Nebraska Attorney General and mayor of Omaha. The county is characterized by rolling prairie land, agricultural operations, and its proximity to Lake McConaughy and the North Platte River valley to the north.
- Major landmarks include Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, which provides recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, and the historic Imperial downtown district.
The county's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming of wheat, corn, and soybeans. The Chase County Courthouse, located at 921 Broadway Street in Imperial, houses the County Clerk, County Recorder, County Assessor, and other essential governmental offices. The Chase County Clerk maintains vital records and election administration, while the Chase County Recorder preserves property deeds, mortgages, and land records.
The Chase County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuation and tax assessment, operates from the same courthouse building. What makes Chase County unique is its rural character, strong agricultural heritage, and the close-knit community atmosphere that defines small-town Nebraska living.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Chase County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Chase County residents. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling agricultural crime, which is significant given the county's rural nature.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Chase County is provided by the Chase County Sheriff's Office and the Imperial Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area, focusing on rural and unincorporated regions, while the Imperial Police Department serves the city of Imperial. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to address crime effectively. The coordination between these departments ensures comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout Chase County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Chase County Sheriff's Office, located at 921 Broadway Street in Imperial, Nebraska 69033, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and provides detention services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (308) 882-5266 and maintains law enforcement operations including patrol, investigations, civil process service, and jail operations. The Chase County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office; some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
- Municipal law enforcement within Chase County includes the Imperial Police Department, which provides police services within the city limits of Imperial.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though the county does not publish these online.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- Nebraska's public records statute requires government agencies to provide access to public records within four business days of a request, though this timeline may be extended for voluminous requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Chase County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Chase County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol are primary custodians of these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Nebraska State Patrol, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The Nebraska Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, including fingerprint-based checks for more detailed information.
- Chase County's criminal records system is designed to support public safety and legal processes by maintaining accurate and accessible records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Chase County are maintained by the Chase County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Nebraska Public Records Law, known as the Nebraska Public Records Statutes, governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access. Chase County arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Chase County Jail, located in Imperial, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking and housing of individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, generally requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond process in Nebraska allows for cash bonds or surety bonds through a licensed bondsman, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Chase County are taken and retained by the Chase County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some counties may offer online databases for mugshot searches, Chase County typically requires in-person or written requests to obtain these images. Nebraska does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Chase County is served by the Nebraska District Court for the 11th Judicial District, with the Chase County Courthouse located at 921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033. The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $59,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from County Court.
- Court case information can be accessed through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online case search portal at www.nebraska.gov/justice, though not all case types or documents may be available online.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of the District Court for a statutory fee of $1.50 per page, plus certification fees.
- Fees for filing new cases vary by case type, with civil filings typically requiring fees ranging from $49 to $292 depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
The Chase County Court (County Court) operates from the same courthouse facility and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $59,000, small claims ($3,900 or less), protection orders, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. In-person case file review is available at the Clerk of the District Court office during regular business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Nebraska court records are governed by Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-1267, which provides for public access to court records with specific exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain mental health proceedings.
The Nebraska Supreme Court has also established rules regarding public access to judicial records through Nebraska Court Rule § 6-1401 et seq. Remote appearance options and electronic filing are available in many case types through the Nebraska JUSTICE system.
Property & Public Records
The Chase County Recorder's Office, located in the Chase County Courthouse at 921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033, maintains all property and land records for the county. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at (308) 882-5266 and is responsible for recording and preserving deeds, mortgages, deed of trusts, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, military discharge papers (DD-214s), UCC financing statements, and other documents affecting real property title.
- Property research typically requires an in-person visit to the Recorder's Office or a written request with specific parcel information.
- The Assessor can be reached at (308) 882-5266 and provides information regarding current assessed values, property classifications, and agricultural land use assessments.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for a fee of $1.00 per page, with an additional $5.00 certification fee.
- Recording fees for new documents are established by state statute at $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, plus additional fees for certain document types.
- Chase County does not currently maintain a public GIS parcel viewer, though basic property information may be available through the Assessor's Office by request.
Nebraska law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded in the county where the property is located, as established under Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-201 et seq. Chase County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records search, though some Nebraska counties are gradually implementing digital systems. The Chase County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics data used for valuation purposes.
Property tax payment information is handled by the Chase County Treasurer's Office at the same address.
Vital Records
Vital records for Chase County, Nebraska, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Chase County can be requested from the Chase County Clerk's Office at the Chase County Courthouse, 921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033, phone (308) 882-5266. However, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records Section serves as the state repository for all Nebraska vital records and is often the more reliable source for certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $16 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks when requesting by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as vital records are not open to the general public under Nebraska law.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional convenience fees apply.
The state vital records office is located at 1033 O Street, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE 68508, and can be reached at (402) 471-2871. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Chase County Clerk's Office prior to the marriage ceremony; the license fee is approximately $15 and requires both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification. Marriage records and divorce decrees are maintained by the County Clerk and the Clerk of the District Court respectively.
Nebraska vital records are governed by Nebraska Revised Statute § 71-601 et seq. Genealogical researchers should note that birth records become public 50 years after the event, and death records become public 50 years after death under state law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Chase County, Nebraska, are maintained at multiple governmental levels. The Chase County Clerk's Office at 921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033, phone (308) 882-5266, handles certain local business registrations, though most formal business entity filings are processed at the state level. Doing Business As (DBA) registrations and fictitious name filings may be recorded with the County Clerk, though Nebraska primarily requires business entity registration through the Nebraska Secretary of State.
The Nebraska Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the official registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities operating in Nebraska. The Secretary of State's business entity search is available online at www.sos.nebraska.gov/business/corp-search, providing free access to business name availability, registered agent information, formation dates, and status of business entities. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level regulatory boards rather than county offices.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Nebraska Department of Revenue and can be researched through state databases. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications in unincorporated Chase County are processed through the Chase County Clerk's Office or the county's planning and zoning administrator if one is appointed. The City of Imperial maintains its own building permit and business licensing requirements for activities within city limits; the Imperial City Clerk's Office at 420 Broadway Street can be contacted at (308) 882-4308 for municipal business licensing information.
The Chase County Economic Development Corporation works to promote business growth and retention in the county, though specific contact information varies as leadership changes. Business owners should verify all licensing requirements with both state agencies and local municipalities to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Chase County, Nebraska, are administered by the Chase County Clerk, who serves as the county's Election Commissioner. The County Clerk's office is located at 921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033, and can be reached at (308) 882-5266 for all election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Chase County can be completed by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office, or online through the Nebraska Voter Registration Online system at www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/voter-registration.
- Absentee ballots and early voting are available in Chase County; applications for mail-in ballots can be requested from the County Clerk's office and must be received by the second Friday before the election.
- Citizens may request copies of election records, including precinct-level results and voter turnout statistics, through written request to the County Clerk under Nebraska's public records law.
Nebraska law requires voter registration applications to be received by the third Friday preceding an election, which is typically 18 days before Election Day; however, same-day voter registration is available during the early voting period and on Election Day with proper identification. Voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Nebraska and Chase County, and at least 18 years old by the election date.
Polling place locations in Chase County can be found by contacting the County Clerk's office or checking the Nebraska Secretary of State's voter information portal at www.sos.nebraska.gov/elections. Chase County typically operates several polling locations on Election Day, with the exact number depending on precinct configurations. Public election records in Chase County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Nebraska law), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filing information, nomination petitions, and certified election results by precinct.
These records are available for inspection under Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712 and election-specific statutes. In the November 2024 general election, Chase County experienced voter turnout of approximately 70-75%, consistent with rural Nebraska counties' typically high participation rates. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Nebraska state constitutional offices, Nebraska Legislature (nonpartisan unicameral), and local county offices. Chase County voters will also decide on any local bond issues, school board positions, and natural resources district board members.
Early voting is conducted at the County Clerk's office during designated hours in the weeks preceding Election Day. Nebraska requires voter identification, accepting driver's licenses, state ID cards, military IDs, passports, or certain other government-issued identification.
Economy & Demographics
Chase County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with cattle ranching and crop production forming the backbone of economic activity. The county's 896 square miles consist largely of farms and ranches, with major agricultural products including cattle, wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay. According to U.S. Census estimates, the median household income in Chase County is approximately $54,000 to $60,000, though this figure fluctuates with agricultural commodity prices and economic conditions.
Major employers in the county include the Chase County School District, Chase County government, healthcare facilities, agricultural cooperatives, and retail establishments serving the local population. The agriculture sector encompasses not only production agriculture but also supporting industries such as veterinary services, equipment dealers, fertilizer and chemical suppliers, and grain elevators. The Imperial area serves as a regional trade center for surrounding rural communities, with banking, healthcare, grocery, and retail services concentrated in the county seat.
Tourism and recreation contribute to the local economy, particularly related to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, which attracts anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. The unemployment rate in Chase County typically tracks below the national average, often ranging from 2% to 3%, reflecting the agricultural employment base and tight rural labor markets. Economic development challenges include population decline common to rural Great Plains counties, workforce recruitment and retention, infrastructure maintenance for a geographically dispersed population, and agricultural market volatility.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on broadband expansion, downtown revitalization in Imperial, and supporting value-added agricultural enterprises. There are no major manufacturing facilities or large corporate operations in Chase County, maintaining its character as a primarily agricultural community.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone Request | Vital Records: ✅ State Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 6/10 — Chase County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with state-level online systems supplementing local access for certain record types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Chase County, Nebraska?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Chase County, Nebraska?
How do I get a criminal background check in Chase County, Nebraska?
How can I look up sex offenders in Chase County, Nebraska?
How do I register to vote in Chase County, Nebraska?
How do I look up property records in Chase County, Nebraska?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Chase County, Nebraska?
How do I find business license records in Chase County, Nebraska?
Cities & Towns in Chase County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Chase County.