A heated city council meeting in Lincoln turned into a public airing of grievances Tuesday night as several police officers voiced concerns about leadership and operations within the Lincoln Police Department. The discussion took place in the mayor’s absence, who was reportedly on vacation, according to ABC 33/40.
One of the most striking moments came when a 23-year veteran of the department, Investigator Hill, read his resignation letter aloud to the council. Hill stated that his repeated warnings about internal issues had gone unaddressed and that he was stepping down despite being just 21 months away from qualifying for retirement insurance. The news outlet reported that Hill referenced multiple dates on which he previously raised concerns with city leaders but received no resolution.
“I never lied to any of you or members of the public,” said Hill. “I hold my ethics to the highest level and feel that others should do the same, especially those in this career path.”
He further stated that after speaking out, his time card was questioned, which he denied falsifying. Hill also cited concerns over legal issues in an ongoing case and expressed frustration over what he described as selective use of body camera footage.
“It’s my understanding that many of you were shown a clip from an officer’s body camera from a recent call. This clip doesn’t show the whole incident and is nothing but a small bit of that incident,” Hill said. “Our records are supposed to be maintained and secured.”
“I feel like all of this could’ve been avoided by doing something about the issues presented.”
Several other officers echoed his concerns during the meeting, with one warning that the department is in a dire state and struggling to recruit staff.
According to ABC 33/40, one officer said, “We cannot afford to lose investigators. This department will fall. The citizens will suffer. This cannot be allowed for the sake of the people, we’re talking about an entire city and entire department, that cannot happen. We cannot replace people. We have zero applicants right now because of this. Nobody wants to come here to work.”
Another officer added, “We’ve done everything we possibly can the right way, so we’re at a loss for what to do and have no faith.”
Community members in attendance reportedly supported the officers, expressing concern about the department’s future and commending those who spoke out.
During the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Tate proposed removing the deputy chief position from the budget, describing it as a financially motivated decision. Tate told ABC 33/40 that the cost of the position could instead fund two patrol officers. The motion failed in a 3-2 vote.
Councilor Billy Pearson, who voted against the proposal, said the matter had previously been discussed in executive session and indicated that it was in the mayor’s hands. Pearson stated that he had not received further updates and would need to speak with the mayor before considering a change to his vote if the issue were to return to the agenda.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
