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{{Further|Omaha Claim Club}}
{{Further|Omaha Claim Club}}


In 1868, the position of "Police Judge" was created and [[John H. Sahler]] was appointed to fill that role. Later that same year, the City Council directed members of the force to provide themselves with "dark blue, single breasted coats, shirts and pants of the same material. They were required to have caps with a brass plate in the front marked ''City Police''." Between 1869 and 1882 the size of the department fluctuated until it grew steadily from 14 officers starting in 1882.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

In 1891, an African American man named [[Joe Coe]] was lynched in downtown Omaha after being accused of raping a white child. Despite conflicting reports from the child, her parents and the community, a mob dragged Smith from the Omaha jail and hung him from a streetcar line nearby.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

In 1909 the [[South Omaha]] Police Department requested assistance from the Omaha Police Department to protect the life of a prisoner accused of dating a "white" woman; the prisoner was Greek. When large mobs descended from Omaha into [[Greek Town]], located just south of the Omaha border, OPD officers did nothing to intervene.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

On September 28, 1919, the [[Omaha Race Riot of 1919|Omaha Race Riot]] occurred, one of many race riots happening in many cities around the United States that year. The riot stemmed over allegations against 41-year-old Will Brown, an [[African-American]] Omaha citizen, of [[rape|raping]] 19-year-old Agnes Loebeck, a white woman, at gunpoint. Brown was arrested and brought to the Douglas County Courthouse to face charges, however a white mob began to gather with the intent of taking out [[vigilante]] justice on Brown. Omaha Mayor Edward Smith was lynched while trying to prevent an angry crowd from taking Brown, although he ultimately survived the ordeal after being rescued by Omaha Police detectives Al Anderson, Charles Van Deusen, Lloyd Toland and Russell Norgard. Brown was surrendered to the mob under mysterious circumstances and was dragged out into the street and brutally lynched. His body riddled with bullets from the rioters while hanging in front of the [[Douglas County Courthouse (Omaha)|Douglas County Courthouse]] in downtown Omaha and burned to near ashes. The Courthouse itself was gutted by fire as a result of the rioters' prior attempts to flush out Brown and the police officers attempting to protect him.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

After lynching Brown, the mob moved to a nearby police station to lynch black prisoners being held there. Fortunately for the prisoners, they were released by a police captain when word of Brown's lynching spread. Unable to control the situation, Omaha Police requested assistance from the [[United States Army]], and by September 29, 1,700 [[soldiers]] were deployed from nearby [[Fort Omaha]], [[Camp Funston]] (part of present-day [[Fort Riley, Kansas]]) and Camp Dodge, [[Iowa]].<ref>http://www.blackwallstreet.freeservers.com/red%20summer%20riots.htm/</ref> Although soldiers reported exchanging fire with rooftop snipers at the beginning of the deployment, no further loss of life occurred. Order was restored on September 29.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

In 1923, a separate motor force unit was created and "pill boxes" were installed throughout the city. Some pill boxes are in service as of 2008. That same year, the United States' first [[safety patrol]] was instituted by the department to address concerns over protecting Omaha children walking to and from school.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}
[[File:OPD Badge.jpg|thumb|right|OPD Badge]]
[[File:OPD Badge.jpg|thumb|right|OPD Badge]]
In 1941, the department chose a distinctive badge design. The design is still in use today.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
In 1941, the department chose a distinctive badge design. The design is still in use today.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}


Officer [[Larry Minard]] was killed on August 17, 1970 by a bomb placed by members of the [[Black Panther Party]]. The Omaha Police Department was heavily involved in the [[FBI|FBI's]] [[COINTELPRO]] operation, and using evidence from COINTELPRO, and from the confession of Duane Peak, Panthers David Rice (now known as Mondo we Langa) and [[Ed Poindexter]] were convicted for Minard's death and are currently serving life sentences.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} The guilt of the two has been questioned, and [[Amnesty International]] has released reports criticizing the prosecutions actions in the [[Rice/Poindexter Case]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
There have been 25 deaths of officers in the line of duty. Officer [[Larry Minard]] was killed on August 17, 1970 by a bomb placed by members of the [[Black Panther Party]]. The Omaha Police Department was heavily involved in the [[FBI|FBI's]] [[COINTELPRO]] operation, and using evidence from COINTELPRO, and from the confession of Duane Peak, Panthers David Rice (now known as Mondo we Langa) and [[Ed Poindexter]] were convicted for Minard's death and are currently serving life sentences.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} The guilt of the two has been questioned, and [[Amnesty International]] has released reports criticizing the prosecutions actions in the [[Rice/Poindexter Case]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}

Officer James B. Wilson, Jr. died on August 20, 1995. He was killed while sitting in his cruiser after pulling over a van with fictitious plates, out of which two of eight gang members exited the vehicle and shot him with with an AK-47 and a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.


Officer Jason Pratt died on September 19, 2003, a week after being confined in intensive care with a gunshot wound to the head. Pratt was shot in the line of duty during a foot pursuit. He was a member of the Omaha Police Department's S.W.A.T. team. The 12-mile processional to Calvary Cemetery was lined with residents. Some waved flags, some saluted and some just cried as the hearse passed.{{weasel-inline|date=September 2015}}<ref>http://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/omaha-officer-pratt-killed-in-line-of-duty-remembered/article_ad494526-c050-5b42-96e7-c2a4b53fd22b.html</ref>
Officer Jason Pratt died on September 19, 2003, a week after being confined in intensive care with a gunshot wound to the head. Pratt was shot in the line of duty during a foot pursuit. He was a member of the Omaha Police Department's S.W.A.T. team. The 12-mile processional to Calvary Cemetery was lined with residents. Some waved flags, some saluted and some just cried as the hearse passed.{{weasel-inline|date=September 2015}}<ref>http://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/omaha-officer-pratt-killed-in-line-of-duty-remembered/article_ad494526-c050-5b42-96e7-c2a4b53fd22b.html</ref>


⚫
Officer Kerrie Orozco, a 7-year veteran of the Omaha Police department, and a member of Gang Unit, was shot and killed on May 20, 2015 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Officer Orozco was part of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, and were in the process of serving an arrest warrant when the suspect opened fire, striking the officer. Officer Orozco was rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.The suspect was also rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where he too succumbed to his injuries.<sup>[4]</sup> This is the first time an officer has died in the line of duty since September 19, 2003, when Officer Jason Pratt was shot and killed.<ref name="30th and Martin">http://www.ketv.com/news/female-officer-hurt-in-shooting-near-30th-and-martin/33127572</ref><ref>http://www.odmp.org/agency/2917-omaha-police-department-nebraska</ref>
Officer Kerrie Orozco, a 7-year veteran of the Omaha Police department, and a member of Gang Unit, was shot and killed on May 20, 2015 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Marcus D. Wheeler.
⚫
Officer Orozco was part of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, and were in the process of serving an arrest warrant when the suspect opened fire, striking the officer. Officer Orozco was rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. Marcus D. Wheeler was also rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where he too succumbed to his injuries.<ref name="30th and Martin">http://www.ketv.com/news/female-officer-hurt-in-shooting-near-30th-and-martin/33127572</ref> This is the first time an officer has died in the line of duty since September 19, 2003, when Officer Jason Pratt was shot and killed.<ref name="30th and Martin" /><ref>http://www.odmp.org/agency/2917-omaha-police-department-nebraska</ref>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
Line 364: Line 354:


==Misconduct==
==Misconduct==
The Omaha Police Department does their best to conduct their business fairly and keep the people of the city safe from harm. Sometimes cases become known that show the human and corruptible element of the job. One case involved arrests at a home near 33<sup>rd</sup> and Seward in Omaha. Thirty-two officers encountered uncooperative and non-compliant parties in front of a home. A video was posted on [[YouTube]]. Six officers have been fired because of this incident. Sergeant Aaron Von Behren and Officer James Kinsella were charged with obstructing the investigation on May 5, 2013.
A [[grand jury]] was called in accordance to [[Nebraska]] law which requires a grand jury investigate any death that occurs while a subject is in police custody. The grand jury indicted Sears{{Who|date=September 2015}} on charges of [[manslaughter]], however the [[indictment]] was thrown out due to juror misconduct. A second grand jury cleared Sears{{Who|date=September 2015}} of all charges, however criticized Omaha Police in their handling of the incident, noting that Ammons' cell phone was found in Sears' cruiser the day after the shooting, drug and alcohol testing was not performed on the officers at the scene, including Sears{{Who|date=September 2015}}, in accordance with policy and Sears'{{Who|date=September 2015}} cruiser was not impounded.<ref>http://www.theindependent.com/Archive/012299/stories/012299/New_patrol22.html</ref> A lawsuit against the City of Omaha and Sears{{Who|date=September 2015}} was brought by the Ammons family{{Who|date=September 2015}} but was later dropped.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} Sears left the department on a disability pension, claiming [[post traumatic stress disorder]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

On 21 March 2013, 32 Omaha Police Department officers encountered uncooperative and non-compliant parties in a high crime area and eventually entered a home. The video was posted on [[YouTube]], however, the third party has failed to release the entire video.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} As a result of this incident at least six officer have been fired.<ref>6th Omaha police officer loses job over 33rd, Seward Street arrests By Erin Golden, 10 January 2014, World-Herald</ref> On 5 May 2013, Sergeant Aaron Von Behren and Officer James Kinsella were charged with obstruction of the investigation.<ref>Bail set at $5K for fired Omaha officer accused of evidence tampering
By Todd Cooper, 8 May 2013, World Herald</ref><ref>OPD press release, PDF, http://content.omaha.com/media/maps/ps/2013/april/Excessive%20Force%20Allegation%20Response.pdf</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 02:40, 17 November 2015

Omaha Police Department
{{{patchcaption}}}
{{{badgecaption}}}
MottoTo Serve & Protect
Operational structure
Sworn members821
Agency executive
Facilities
Stations6
Website
Omaha Police Department

The motto “To Serve and Protect” is a cornerstone of the Omaha Police Department, commonly known as the OPD, the principal law enforcement agency of the city of Omaha, Nebraska. It is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The OPD has adopted a mission statement stating "The Omaha Police Department, in partnership with our community, provides impartial, ethical, and professional law enforcement service and protection. We strive to maintain the trust and confidence of our citizens while working to improve the quality of life." The OPD is the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Nebraska.[2]

The OPD has 821 sworn officers covering an area of 118.9 square miles (308 km2) and a population of 446,599 people (2014 census estimate) within city limits.[citation needed]

Organization

Command structure

Omaha Police Headquarters

Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has served as chief of police since 2012. He was appointed by the mayor with approval by the Omaha City Council, as are all police chiefs. There are four deputy chiefs who are responsible for the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Police Services Bureau and the Executive Services Bureau. Below the chief in rank are four deputy chiefs, who have an area of responsibility within the department.

Rank structure and insignia

Rank Insignia
Chief of Police
Deputy Chief
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Police Officer

Omaha Police Chiefs

Name

Dates

Todd R. Schmaderer

2012-

David L. Baker (interim)

2012-2012

Alex N. Hayes

2009-2012

Eric W. Buske

2008-2009

Thomas H. Warren, Sr.

2003-2008

Alan F. Pepin (interim)

2003-2003

Donald L. Carey

1998-2003

Charles J. Circo (interim)

1997-1998

James N. Skinner

1989-1997

Robert C. Wadman

1982-1989

Jack D. Swanson

1981-1982

Elwin Lewis Stokes

1981-1981

Richard R. Andersen

1967-1981

Lester K. Smith

1965-1966

C. Harold Ostler

1957-1964 and 1966-1967

Harry N. Green

1954-1957

Henry Boesen

1951-1954

Fred Franks

1948-1950

Robert Munch

1947-1948

Paul Haze

1944-1947

Bob Samardick

1935-1936 and 1944-1944

George W. Allen

1932-1935

John J. Pszanowski

1928-1932 and 1936-1944

Charles VanDeusen

1924-1928

Peter Dillon

1923-1924

Marshal Eberstein

1918-1921

Michael Dempsey

1918-1918 and 1921-1923

Henry W. Dunn

1912-1918

J. J. Donahue

1899-1912

Con Gallegher

1897-1898

Al Sigwart

1895-1897

Martin J. White

1895-1895 and 1898-1899

Webber S. Seavey (Omaha’s First Police Chief)

August 1887 - June 1895

Chief History

In 1982 Robert C Wadman was the first Chief to be appointed from outside the ranks of the Omaha Police Division. He was Utah Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and served until 1989. Thomas Warren, named by Mayor Mike Fahey in 2003 was the first African American to serve as Chief in the Omaha Police Department. He served until 2008.

Patrol area

The city of Omaha is divided into quadrants by the department, with a precinct in each quadrant; Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest. The department assists the Omaha Airport Authority's Police Department with law enforcement at Eppley Airfield, Omaha's primary airport.[citation needed]

Specialized divisions and units

Like most urban police departments, OPD has specialized squads and units to deal with the differing law enforcement issues of the city. Units include:

Omaha Police Department Horse Patrol
Omaha Police Department Cruiser

History

Further information: Omaha Claim Club
OPD Badge

In 1941, the department chose a distinctive badge design. The design is still in use today.[citation needed]

There have been 25 deaths of officers in the line of duty. Officer Larry Minard was killed on August 17, 1970 by a bomb placed by members of the Black Panther Party. The Omaha Police Department was heavily involved in the FBI's COINTELPRO operation, and using evidence from COINTELPRO, and from the confession of Duane Peak, Panthers David Rice (now known as Mondo we Langa) and Ed Poindexter were convicted for Minard's death and are currently serving life sentences.[citation needed] The guilt of the two has been questioned, and Amnesty International has released reports criticizing the prosecutions actions in the Rice/Poindexter Case.[citation needed]

Officer James B. Wilson, Jr. died on August 20, 1995. He was killed while sitting in his cruiser after pulling over a van with fictitious plates, out of which two of eight gang members exited the vehicle and shot him with with an AK-47 and a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.

Officer Jason Pratt died on September 19, 2003, a week after being confined in intensive care with a gunshot wound to the head. Pratt was shot in the line of duty during a foot pursuit. He was a member of the Omaha Police Department's S.W.A.T. team. The 12-mile processional to Calvary Cemetery was lined with residents. Some waved flags, some saluted and some just cried as the hearse passed.[weasel words][3]

Officer Kerrie Orozco, a 7-year veteran of the Omaha Police department, and a member of Gang Unit, was shot and killed on May 20, 2015 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Officer Orozco was part of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, and were in the process of serving an arrest warrant when the suspect opened fire, striking the officer. Officer Orozco was rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.The suspect was also rushed to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, where he too succumbed to his injuries.[4] This is the first time an officer has died in the line of duty since September 19, 2003, when Officer Jason Pratt was shot and killed.[4][5]

Demographics

Breakdown of the makeup of the rank and file of OPD:[6]

  • Male: 80%
  • Female: 20%
  • White: 82%
  • African-American/Black: 11%
  • Hispanic: 5%
  • Asian: 1%
  • Native American:1%

Misconduct

The Omaha Police Department does their best to conduct their business fairly and keep the people of the city safe from harm. Sometimes cases become known that show the human and corruptible element of the job. One case involved arrests at a home near 33rd and Seward in Omaha. Thirty-two officers encountered uncooperative and non-compliant parties in front of a home. A video was posted on YouTube. Six officers have been fired because of this incident. Sergeant Aaron Von Behren and Officer James Kinsella were charged with obstructing the investigation on May 5, 2013.

See also

References

  1. ^ "History of the Omaha Police Department (1857 - 1899)". Omaha Police Department. 2002. Retrieved 2007-12-05.
  2. ^ http://opd.ci.omaha.ne.us/about-us
  3. ^ http://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/omaha-officer-pratt-killed-in-line-of-duty-remembered/article_ad494526-c050-5b42-96e7-c2a4b53fd22b.html
  4. ^ http://www.ketv.com/news/female-officer-hurt-in-shooting-near-30th-and-martin/33127572
  5. ^ http://www.odmp.org/agency/2917-omaha-police-department-nebraska
  6. ^ Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics, 2000: Data for Individual State and Local Agencies with 100 or More Officers

External links

41°15′19″N 95°56′06″W / 41.25528°N 95.93500°W / 41.25528; -95.93500

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