Diversity
The Lincoln Police Department has long been a department that believes in inclusion. We continue our commitment to recruit and hire diverse candidates and strive to represent the community we serve. In 2025, ethnic minorities comprised 11% of the police force
Since 1895, minority officers have contributed to the rich history of the Lincoln Police Department.
J.C. Early (back row, second from the right) was the first African American officer on the department.
Patrolman Major Gross (far right) was hired as a police officer on September 15, 1918. He is reported to be Lincoln's first motorcycle cop.
In the 1960s the Lincoln Police Department and the University of Nebraska partnered in a summer program
that provided students with an opportunity to serve the Lincoln community as patrolmen.
This is Patrolmen John Lee, a student from the University of Nebraska.
Al Maxey was hired as a patrol officer in 1961. During his 33 year career, he elevated to the rank of lieutenant working in criminal investigations, narcotics and even serving as the sketch artist for suspect composites.
Members of our 1984 Youth Aid Unit, now known as the Special Victims Unit, included (seated) Officers Schneider, Riggle, Moore, Sherill, Winkler, (standing) Lieutenant Becker, Officer Kawamoto, Detective Steinman and Chief Leitner.
Women have also played an integral role in the history of the Lincoln Police Department. As early as 1892, police women/matrons were mentioned in our daily logs. Today, they are captains, sergeants, detectives, crime scene techs, field force and SWAT team members. In 2025, the Lincoln Police Department consisted of 352 sworn officers. Forty-nine of those officers were women – comprising 14% of the police force.
During her 34 years at LPD, Genelle Moore rose through the ranks, earning the title of captain. She was an enthusiastic leader and was our first female motor officer.
In 1980, Kim Koluch was the first female officer to place in the top 10 in Nebraska's law enforcement sharp-shooter marksmanship competition. In 1987, she was appointed as the first female member of our SWAT Team. She continued to lead the team until her retirement in 2015. Kim Koluch is pictured in the back row, second from the left.