Nebraska Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to NLETC certification standards and badge specifications for law enforcement across the Cornhusker State
Nebraska law enforcement badges are governed by the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC). All sworn officers must be NLETC-certified. Nebraska has 93 counties with elected sheriffs using star badges, while municipal police use shields. Omaha Police is the largest department. Nebraska’s extreme weather requires durable badge construction.
- Approximately 4,000 sworn law enforcement officers statewide
- 93 county sheriff offices
- Over 200 municipal police departments
- Nebraska State Patrol: ~500 troopers
- 37th most populous state with 2 million residents
- NLETC minimum training: 600 hours for certification
Nebraska Law Enforcement Overview
Nebraska’s 93 counties include vast rural territories in the west and urban centers in the east (Omaha, Lincoln). The Omaha Police Department is by far the largest municipal force, serving Nebraska’s largest city.
Nebraska State Patrol provides highway patrol and extensive rural coverage. Many western Nebraska counties have very small populations with correspondingly small sheriff departments.
Nebraska experiences extreme temperature swings—from below -20°F to over 100°F. This range stresses badge materials. Specify hard enamel with quality plating (20+ mils). Western Nebraska agencies face intense sun exposure and should consider UV-resistant finishes.
- Nebraska has 93 county sheriffs using star badges
- NLETC certification (600 hours) required
- Omaha PD is the largest department
- Extreme weather requires durable materials
The Bottom Line
Nebraska maintains traditional law enforcement structures with NLETC certification requirements. For custom badge orders, see our badge procurement guide.