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Commendation / Complaint

Officers receiving commendation in front of City Council

How to Commend a Police Department Employee

When you receive service from the Beatrice Police Department that you feel is worthy of a commendation, we would like to hear about it. Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything that 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 and mail it to: Beatrice Police Department, % Chief John Hickman, 201 North 5th Street; call (402) 228-5243 and ask to speak to Chief John Hickman; or email Chief Hickman at jhickman [at] beatrice.ne.gov. You can also submit a commendation of police department employee online. 

This kind of feedback helps us to know if we are doing a good job.

Filing a Complaint

The Beatrice Police Department is dedicated to providing service and protection to the citizens of Beatrice in a professional and caring manner.  If you feel that a member of the Beatrice Police Department did not act professionally, then you may file a complaint against the officer online. 

If you do not wish to submit this complaint online, please print the Complaint Statement form below and mail or hand deliver to our office.

Complaint Statement form 128.53 KB

How do I file a commendation/complaint?

  • Call (402) 228-5243 and ask to speak to Chief Bruce Lang. If after business hours ask to talk to the Shift Supervisor.
  • Come to the Beatrice Police Department and file the complaint in person.
  • Fill out the Complaint Statement online or Commendation of Officer online.
  • Fill out the Complaint Statement form and mail or hand deliver to:

Beatrice Police Department
201 North 5th Street
Beatrice, NE 68310

Be prepared to furnish as much information as possible. Your contact information, is not required; however, it is helpful, should the investigator need additional information. When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them.

Are there any complaints that will not be investigated?

The Beatrice 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. 

What happens after the complaint is filed?

The investigation may include the taking of formal signed statements, gathering and preservation of physical evidence, and any other information relevant to the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation you will be contacted by mail and be advised if your complaint was sustained or not sustained. There are five (5) possible dispositions to a complaint. 

  • Unfounded – The investigation conclusively proved that the act complained of did not occur.
  • Exonerated – The investigation revealed that the act was justified, lawful, and proper.
  • Non Sustained – The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove the allegation made in the complaint or to conclusively disprove such allegation.
  • Sustained – The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to clearly prove the allegation made in the complaint.
  • Sustained Against Policy – Policy Failure, inappropriate for subject questioned.

What will happen if the complaint is sustained?

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.

Who investigates the complaint?

Complaints will be referred to the Internal Affairs Officer or the employee’s supervisor.

Who may make a complaint?

Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police employee misconduct may make a compliant with the Beatrice Police Department. The Beatrice 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. A compliant may be made anonymously; however, these complaints will be reviewed first to see if justification exists to initiate an internal investigation.

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