Fewer Officers, But More Arrests Seen In Antelope County

Collaboration between local law enforcement is leading to more arrests in Antelope County.

Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore said with more than 24 new cases on the docket at the last court date, it was the most new cases since he took office in 2010. 

“This has been the biggest court docket since I’ve been the Antelope County Sheriff,” Moore said. “It’s a true testament to the Nebraska State Patrol, Neligh Police Department and Antelope County Sheriff’s Office. The guys are out there working together and working hard.”

Moore said one of his goals as sheriff was to unite the agencies because most are working with less officers. Antelope County now has a five-man team, as compared to the six in the prior administration.

As of last week, the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center was housing 13 inmates, including four from other counties, Moore said. 

“I’m really proud of what these guys have done, especially in the last six months to a year. We have 13 in jail right now, and it’s because our guys are out there and working together,” he said.

Neligh is a unique community that is home to a sheriff’s department, city police department and a state patrol office. With officers working together, Moore said the agencies are able to not only cover more ground, but he is also seeing more collaboration on cases.

“The bottom line is that by working together, we can be in more places and don’t have to call out extra officers because we realize the times we’re in and are working together,” he said. “It’s a credit to the Neligh City Council and State Patrol, too, for allowing this crossover for the smaller and bigger cases.”

In his six years as sheriff, Moore said he’s never exceeded his budget. He attributes that success to the alliance between agencies. 

“I don’t think we have any padding in there that could be taken away at this point,” Moore said. ​