Professional Standards

How to Commend a Police Department Employee 

When you receive service from our department that you feel is worthy of a commendation, we would like hear about it. Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything they do, recognition of exceptional service is always appreciated. You can either write a brief letter describing the incident and the actions you feel were exceptional, or you can call 402-441-6000 and ask to speak with a supervisor. You may also call the Professional Standards Office at 402-441-7222. This kind of feedback helps us to know if we are doing a good job. 

Filing a Complaint 

Who may make a complaint?

Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police employee misconduct may make a complaint with the Lincoln Police Department. The Lincoln Police Department will investigate any employee action that is contrary to department policy, is a violation of city, state, or federal law, or involves the use of excessive force or discourteous treatment.

How do I file a complaint?

There are several ways to file a complaint:

By Phone

Step 1.Be prepared to furnish as much information as possible.

When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them.

Step 2.Review the Complaint Statement. 

Statements are available in

Step 3.Telephone

Call the Professional Standards Office at 402-441-7222, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. OR Call 402-441-6000 anytime and ask to speak with a supervisor. In each case, relate the facts as you know them. 

 

In Person

Step 1.Be prepared to furnish as much information as possible.

When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them.

Step 2.Review or complete the Complaint Statement. 

Statements are available in

Step 3.Arrive

Come to the Lincoln Police Department and file the complaint in person.

By Mail

Step 1.Be prepared to furnish as much information as possible.

When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them.

Step 2.Complete the Complaint Statement. 

Statements are available in

Step 3.Mail the Complaint Statement.

Lincoln Police Department
Professional Standards Office
575 South 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

CPAB

The Citizen Police Advisory Board (CPAB), coordinated by the Mayor's Office, was established in 1975 to resolve citizen complaints regarding police performance.

Step 1.In Person

Complaints to the CPAB may be filed, in person, at the Mayor's Office.

555 S 10th St # 301
Lincoln, NE 68508

Step 2.Online

Complaints may be submitted directly to the Mayor's Office via online form.

File Complaint

 

Step 3.By Phone

Contact the Mayor's Office at 402-441-7511 for more information. 

 

In most cases, the supervisor of the employee will conduct an inquiry into the alleged misconduct. In more serious allegations, the Professional Standards Office will conduct the investigation.

 

The investigation will include interviewing witnesses and other parties who can provide pertinent information. At the conclusion of the investigation you will be contacted either by mail, in person, or by telephone and told the disposition of your complaint. There are three possible dispositions to a complaint.

  • Sustained: The investigation proved the allegation.
  • Not Sustained: The investigation failed to prove or disprove the allegation.
  • Exonerated: The investigation showed the act occurred, but that the actions were justified, lawful, and proper.

 

If a complaint is sustained against an employee, disciplinary action is taken. Disciplinary action can range from counseling by a supervisor to termination of employment. City, state, and federal personnel laws govern an employee's privacy rights. Disciplinary records may not be subject to public disclosure without a court order. You will be informed of the investigation's findings and whether disciplinary action will be taken.

 

The Lincoln Police Department will not investigate the lawfulness of any arrest or citation. The guilt or innocence of any criminal charge or traffic citation is determined only in court. If your complaint alleges that you were not advised of your Miranda Rights, this issue is also resolved in court.

 

Contact Us

Phone

402-441-6000 Dispatch
402-441-7222  Professional Standards

Email

lpd@cjis.lincoln.ne.gov

Location

Lincoln Police Department
575 S 10th St
Lincoln
68508
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Department Policies

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