buffalo county Sheriff’s Office

Portrait of a Sheriff Neil Miller in class A uniform, standing in front of an American flag background.
Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener in Class A uniform standing in front of an American flag.

OUR MISSION  

"The mission of the Buffalo County Sheriff's Department is to enhance the quality of life in our county by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the law, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment for all of our citizens."

Sheriff Neil Miller

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener

In July 1993, the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office and the Kearney Police Department initiated a unique joint venture by co-locating to a remodeled building in downtown Kearney. This collaboration allowed both agencies to share resources, leading to cost savings for taxpayers and fostering a strong working relationship between the agencies and their employees.

Division of Responsibilities:

  • The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office provides various services beyond Deputy Sheriff, including:

    • 911 Communications: Handling emergency calls and dispatching appropriate emergency services.

    • Buffalo County Jail: Managing the county jail, including the care, custody, and control of inmates.

    • Sworn Division: Enforcing laws, conducting criminal investigations, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of our community.

      • Civil Process/Court Service Officer: Serving legal documents such as subpoenas, summonses, and other court orders.

      • Community Service Officer: Provides enforcement and/or assistance of specific statutes, infractions and ordinances, supports Deputy Sheriffs on calls for service and handles calls relating to animals.

  • The Kearney Police Department manages records and data processing for both agencies and responds to calls within Kearney city limits

Collaborative Efforts:

Both agencies assist each other as needed and work with law enforcement from other local jurisdictions in Buffalo County. They also collaborate with Public Safety at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Ravenna Police Department, Shelton Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.

colocation

White sheriff patrol SUV parked in a lot with an American flag and police motorcycles in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
Four Honor Guard deputies in uniform standing on a red carpet outside, holding rifles, during a formal event.
Line of police officers and honor guard members standing in a row, holding rifles and flags, dressed in uniforms with hats, against a brick wall background.
Group of E.S.U personnel (SWAT) in camouflage uniforms with tactical gear and helmets, holding rifles, moving in a line on grassy terrain with trees in the background; two officers at the front carry large shields labeled 'Sheriff' and 'Police'.
Three police officers and a police dog posing with confiscated packages in front of a police vehicle labeled 'City of Kearney Police.' The officers are wearing uniforms, and the packages are on a table and on the floor, possibly evidence.

OUR COMMUNITY

Our organization proudly provides law enforcement, medical and fire services for 10 townships within Buffalo County including Kearney. The local community has shown an exceptional level of support in participating in our 8 volunteer Fire Department and EMS districts, along with actively engaging, and participating in various initiatives aimed at fostering growth and development within Buffalo County. We have prioritized community engagement through our programs such as Donuts with Grown-ups, Trunk-or-Treat, and Shop with a Cop. These efforts reflect our commitment to building strong relationships with the community we serve, ensuring a safer and more connected environment for all. Below are other programs we have in our community.

Multiple emergency vehicles, including sheriff, ambulance, and police cars, parked along a road with American flags and a few people in the background.
School cafeteria with children having lunch and a uniformed officer sitting with three young girls at the front table.
Three police officers and a young girl in a grocery store aisle, with a shopping cart filled with toys.
A Boy Scout selling Kool-Aid and cookies with a sheriff and three children at a small outdoor stand, with a sheriff's vehicle in the background.
A fire truck with a ladder extended in a parking lot during a public safety event, with people, children, and strollers around, and other parked vehicles nearby.
A group of children sitting on a colorful rug in a library, attentively listening to two adults standing at the front, possibly giving a presentation or storytime.
A woman standing between two police officers in a law enforcement center, with plush toys and books on the table in front of them.
Group of law enforcement officers, soldiers, and a civilian man in a large indoor facility with American, state, and organizational flags in the background.
A crowd gathers in a small town square with American flags, police vehicles, and a fire truck with an American flag hanging from its extended ladder under a partly cloudy sky.
A sheriff talking to a group of young students in a cafeteria. The children have backpacks, some decorated with characters from Disney's Frozen. The sheriff is kneeling and eating a snack, engaging with the children who are sitting at tables. The roo
Three sheriff officers giving a talk to young children in a classroom, sitting on the floor and chairs, with colorful decorations and cubbies in the background.
Table with multiple flower bouquets in glass vases, featuring white roses and blue foliage, with thank you notes and a framed sign that reads, "Thank you for your service".
A child riding a small bicycle with training wheels in a store aisle, supervised by a man dressed as a sheriff officer. The store has shelves stocked with bicycles and toys.
A young girl is sitting on a chair, holding a white telephone receiver to her ear, in a classroom setting. Two adults are assisting her, one woman standing next to her and a man standing nearby, holding the telephone cord. The classroom has education
Four sheriff officers standing next to a person dressed as Santa Claus in front of a police vehicle with flashing blue and red lights at night, with a ferris wheel and leafless trees in the background.
A person dressed as a yellow Speedy Gonzales costume trick-or-treating from a police officer on a cobblestone street during Halloween.