Bobby Olinger was involved in an assult at BJ's Hideway, a bar just
outside the city. Sheriff Deputy Terry Jones and Sergeant Gary Juilfs, along
with LPD Officers Brian Ward and Darren Johnson attempted to contact Olinger
at his home on Leighton St. Olinger told the officers he was armed with a
rifle, and they sought cover. A standoff ensued of approximately three
hours, during which Olinger fired at least 20 rounds from a high-powered
assault rifle, striking two houses, three patrol cars, and causing several
thousand dollars' damage. Ultimately, Olinger surrendered after protracted
negotiations with a SWAT Team negotiator.
The Community Service Unit established a website for the department.
The site provides a multitude of information including crime prevention tips,
recruitment information, the department Annual Report, Citizens' Academy
application, and a Gang Strategic Plan. The site can be accessed through
"http://www.lincoln.ne.gov".
February
FirsTier Bank donated $30,000 to the City of Lincoln to fund computer
terminals in six police cruisers. The donation opened a campaign to
accumulate funds to equip all police cruisers with computer access to local,
state, and national law enforcement information systems. Mayor Mike Johanns
said the donation will enhance police officer safety, as well as improve the
police department's service to the public.
March
The first fatality accident of the year occurred at 70th and A Streets.
Paul Davenport, age 37, was traveling eastbound on A St. when his vehicle
entered a barricaded contruction area and struck a dirt mound. His vehicle
turned on its side and rolled several times before coming to rest against a
tree in a private parking lot.
April
The Licoln Police Department organized a workshop for the Recognition
and Reduction of Gang Activity. The workshop was designed to share
information and establish means for networking community resources, programs
and ideas to combat the rise of gang activity. Topic discussed in the
workshop included local crime trends, evidence of gang activity in Licoln
schools, an overview of gangs, Omaha gang issues, and implementing gang
strategies.
May
Officers Cassandra Briggs and Bob Hurley responded to a medical emergency
and ended up delivering a 7lb 7oz baby girl. The mother said she woke up
around 1a.m. with sharp crams. Her water had broken, and the baby's head
was visible. Officer Briggs said she feared the baby was in trouble because
it was turning puple and not breathing. She then realized the umbilical cord
was wrapped around the baby's neck. Officers Briggs was able to untangle the
cord, freeing the baby for a safe delivery.
June
The Office of Community-Based Policing Services, United States
Department of Justice, awarded the City of Lincoln a grant of $52,724 for
"Community-Based Policing to Combat Domestic Violence." Over 700 law
enforcement agencies applied for the funding with 47% of the applicants
being selected. The grant was fully fund a sergeant for one year as
Domestic Violence Coordinator.
After an extensive year-long investigation, Greg Gabel was arrested on
June 25th for the murder of Tina McMenanin, an 18 year old UNL student.
The homicide occurred in July 1995.
Officer Christopher Peterson was selected by the National Association of
Police Organizations to receive the 1996 "TOP COPS" Award. Officer
Peterson was one of 10 officers selected from a field of 400 nominations to
the NAPO. The awards ceremony was held during the month of October in
Washington, D.C.
July
The Licoln Police Department eliminated a level of mid-management
culminating a long-term reduction in the size of the department's management
staff from a peak of 27 to its current level of 19 personnel. The rank of
lieutenant was eliminated from the commissioned personnel structure.
August
The Lincoln Children's Zoo and the Lincoln Police Department sponsored
National Night Out on August 6th. Numerous activities took place at the zoo
to promote this event. National Night Out is intended to heighten crime and
drug prevention, generate support for local crime efforts, and strengthen
neighborhood spirit and police-community relations. Citizens of Lincoln
were asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening
outside with neighbors and police.
September
The State Fraternal Order of Police pledged to assist in partially
financing the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. A state memorial to
slain officers is planned for Centennial Mall. The cost of the project is
estimated at $500,000 to $750,000.
October
Several Lincoln police officers entered the Aetna 4th Annual Midwest
Police Mountain Bike Competition held at Boys Town. The team of Charlie
Marti and Lance Worley won the overall competition. They earned $500 which
was donated to the Santa Cop program. Addional money raised from the competition was
donated to the Special Olympics.
A workshop on the Inkless Fingerprint Program was presented to finanical
facilities and businesses. The new program encourages such facilities to
request from customers a finger/thumbprint on checks they are wanting to
cash. The use of inkless fingerprints has proven to substantially reduce
the amount of financial fraud.
November
The Community Services Unit organized the first-ever Lincoln Police
Department Youth Leadship Conference at the Cornhusker Hotel. Youths from
area high schools attended the conference which addressed several topic areas
including D.A.R.E., gangs, School Resource Officers, and youth-police
interaction. Captian Kent Woodhead was pleased with the enthusiastic
response from the students and said he plans to hold a second leadership
conference.
December
After several years of research, the History of the Licoln Police
Department was published and distributed. The book chronicles the history
of the police department since its inception. this monumental task was
spearheaded by Officer Dave Thurber of the Community Services Unit.
Officers Thurber worked in conjunction with a group of volunteers who spent
many hours pouring over information at the State Historical Society.
Artifacts, photographs, and stories were generously contributed by
members of the community.
