Beatrice Police Department

Bicycle Patrol

In 1993 the Beatrice Police Department introduced a new form of patrol; "Bicycle Patrol". This unit consists of four officers.

This unit participated in several events including the Homestead parade, extra security during the Gage County Fair, and three officers participated in the annual Nebraska Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Bike patrol officers handle numerous types of calls including: vehicle complaints, noise complaints, theft reports, traffic stops, active burglar alarms, juvenile runaways, and liquor law violations.

Emergency Response Team

The Emergency Response Team was formed in 1988 as a cooperative effort with the Gage County Sheriff's Office and the Beatrice Police Department. The Beatrice Police Department has maintained a special weapons team since 1982 which consisted of a two man team.

As of 1994, five police officers and three deputies train together an average of twelve hours every other month.

Training is the key to successful operation of any emergency response or special weapons team. The monthly training allows the team to learn a variety of tactics and become familiar with several scenarios. The benefits of a special team are found in their ability to work together in highly stressful and often life threatening situations.

The Emergency Response Team consists of eight police officers from the Gage Co. Sheriff's Office and the Beatrice Police Dept.

By combining the resources of the Gage Co. Sheriff's Office and the Beatrice Police Dept. we are able to maintain a well trained, properly equipped team to deal with those special enforcement situations which occasionally occur.

Investigations

The criminal investigation unit was established in February 1993. This unit is currently staffed by one full-time officer and it commanded by the support services commander.

The investigator would become involved in crime investigations when the crime appears to be part of a pattern, serious criminal activity such as homicide/suicide, felonious assault as well as many others. The investigator also is assigned cases of a special subject matter and cases that are more complicated and often more time consuming.

The criminal investigation unit is also responsible for establishing an information base of criminal activity encompassing the identification and apprehension of offenders.

The goal of the criminal investigation unit is to stay abreast of what appears to be an ever increasing case load, to assist the patrol officers with investigative techniques, and to provide a liaison with outside information sources.

Victim Assistance Services

In order to reduce the trauma involving victims of crime and to maintain an atmosphere of cooperation between the victims of crime and the criminal justice system, the Beatrice Police Department established the position of victim assistance coordinator.

The victim assistance coordinator will maintain a line of communication between the victim and the criminal justice system as well as provide support as needed for the victims.

For more information E-mail: Chief Bruce Lang