Civil Process

It is the duty of the Sheriff to serve or otherwise execute according to law and return writs or other legal process issued by lawful authority and directed or committed to the Sheriff and to perform such other duties as required by law.

In December of 2002, the Gage County Sheriff's Office acting under LB319 began allowing a civilian process server to perform service of legal papers. This position is currently held by Lyle Schuerman of Midwest Process Services. Under this legislative bill, it authorizes persons other than law enforcement to carry out the duties of civil process service. This person is bonded and is not associated with the Sheriff’s Office. He/she is an independent individual and his/her income is derived from the fees and mileage the State Statues allows, same as what the Sheriff’s Office charges. This move allowed the road deputies more time to deal with law enforcement duties and the efficiency of civil service increased. The Sheriff’s Office still serves civil papers dealing with Protection Orders, Writ of Restitution, Executions, etc and all criminal papers. This move has been so effective that we have been commended by collection agencies in Nebraska. One of the largest collection firms in the state commented that we were one of the top agencies for turnaround time for civil process since this inception.