Newhound 8/14/2009

- Nebraska's unsustainable prison system
- Wanted: New Omaha senator
- Leavenworth prostitution sweep

More after the jump ...

Nebraska's unsustainable prisons
Nebraska's incarceration rate is unsustainable. That was sentiment of many justice system experts who testified Aug. 13 at a hearing for the Legislature's Sentencing and Recidivism Task Force. The task force is studying ways to lower the states incarceration rate. Many of those who testified advocated increased use of rehabilitation programs for drug use and those with mental illnesses.

On average, prisons in the state are around 140 percent over design capacity. According to statistics obtained by The Reader the prison population compared to the states total population has been on a steady incline since at least 1993. In 2008, at least 25 people per 100,000 in Nebraska were incarcerated.

Omaha Senator wanted
Gov. Dave Heineman is now accepting applications for those interested in becoming Northwest Omaha's representative in the State Legislature. Sen. Mike Friend announced his resignation to direct the new state Office of Violence Prevention. Candidates must live withing District 10, bounded roughly by Blondo Street, Interstate 680 and 72nd Street. Friends term ends in January 2011.

Leavenworth prostitution sweep
A prostitution sweep around 24th and Leavenworth resulted in the arrest of two prostitutes and 13 people soliciting prostitution. Officers arrested 20 people total on various charges.

Bluffs man shot in back
A 32-year-old Council Bluffs man was shot in the back near 24th Ave. and S. 6th St. Council Bluffs Police said the man was walking home from the Kum & Go at 2024 Fifth Ave when he was shot, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The man sustained pellet wounds to his head, neck and arms. He was taken to Jennie Edmundson Hospital with injuries not considered to be life threatening.

Shooting near Miller Park
Omaha Police were sent to 25th and Kansas early Aug. 14 to investigate reports that a man had been shot. The gunman reportedly fled the scene on a red bicycle. The victim was transported to a hospital.

Phony $20's hit Fremont
Sevral counterfeit $20 bills have been found in Fremont. Fremont Police are warning small businesses to be on the lookout for the fake cash. Convicted counterfeiter's face state and federal charges.